The Aquatic Code provides standards for the improvement of aquatic animal health worldwide. It also includes standards for good governance, the welfare of farmed fish and use of antimicrobial agents in aquatic animals. Competent Authorities should use the standards in the Aquatic Code to develop measures for early detection, internal reporting, notification and control of pathogenic agents in aquatic animals (amphibians, crustaceans, fish and molluscs) and preventing their spread via international trade in aquatic animals and aquatic animal products, while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers to trade.