The UK’s Fisheries Administrations have launched the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign to support the UK’s seafood supply chain and help businesses get ready for major changes in how they will export to the EU from January 2026.
Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (IUU Regulation) establishes a framework to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing within the EU and its waters. However, with effect from 10 January 2026, the EU is set to update its IUU fishing regulations.
The European Commission is also introducing CATCH, the first IT tool to streamline checks and verifications of catch certificates for fishery products entering the EU market. Its use will become compulsory for EU operators and authorities for imports of fishery products through the most recent revision of the IUU Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2842).
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which is leading the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign, has highlighted that all the sectors involved in the UK’s seafood supply to the EU now have a role to play in ensuring that UK businesses maintain market access and exports continue to flow smoothly once the changes come into effect in January.
MMO’s Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services, Nick Greenwood, warned: “Without the additional information needed for the Fish Export Service from January 2026, you will not be able to export your produce because of the EU’s new requirements.”
For more information, including latest news and educational guides, MMO has set up a campaign website. It has also said that MMO will support everyone to adapt to the new requirements and changes to the Fish Exports Service.
