The Fish Inspection and Quality Control Division (FIQD) was established in October 1992. Previously,   the office was  a  sub-Division  under  the  Fishery Technological Development Division  since  its founding in 1956. With the  rapid  expansion  of  seafood export of the country resulting  in  significantly  increased  requirements  for inspection   and  certification,   the   institute  was  the promoted  to  become  one  of  the  the  most important Divisions under the Department of  Fisheries  (DOF)  to provide adequate services to private sector.     The Division has gained     trust from government     inspection bodies of major     importing countries sush as     Australia, Japan, Canada,     European Union (EU) etc. The  Division  has  gained  trust  from  government inspection bodies of  major importing  countries such as Australia, Japan,  Canada,  European Union (EU) etc. for its active enforcement   in  controlling  the  performance the industry. Goods accompanied with a certificate issued by the Department will be given a privilege to enter the countries without detaining for further full examination. On May 19, 1994 the DOF was officially recognised by the  EU  as  the  "Competent  Authority"   for  Thailand. Fishery products produced by processors not approved    by  the DOF  and / or  unaccompanied with certificates issued  by  the competent authority  are not  allowed to enter  and  circulate in the EU member Staes.  On April    9, 1997   the  Mutual  Recognition  Agreement  on  the Equivalence of Fish and Fishery Products Inspection and Control Systems between was signed between Thailand and Canada.   FIQD  and  the Canadian Fish Inspection Directorate  of  the  Canadian  Food Inspection Agency are  designated  authorities to accomplish the objectives    of fatilitating fishery trade between the two countries. FIQD not only focuses on certification and inspection    of  final  products  but  also  places  and emphasis on introducing various recommended fish quality control programs  to  be  implemented  by  the  industry,   for instance,     Hazard   Analysis  Control   Critical  Point (HACCP), Quality Management Program (QMP),  ISO 9000 etc.  Transfer  of  knowledge  and information  is regularly provided for both private sector and government agencies concerns through  siminars,   workshops  and training. Specific programs such as shellfish and shrimp monitoring programs have been established to ensure the provision of safe and wholesome seafood to consumer. Research on improving of product quailty,  processing techniques and Analytical methods are given priority for the benefit of the industry.