Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
IUU fishing is a major threat to the sustainable management of fish stocks and marine resources. This collection brings together guidance on catch certificates, processing statements, non-manipulation documents, exemptions and exporting fish and fishery products.
‘Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing constitutes one of the most serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources and jeopardises the very foundation of the common fisheries policy and international efforts to promote better ocean governance’. Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (3)
Illegal fishing
Fishing activities carried out in breach of national laws or international obligations. This includes fishing by national or foreign vessels without permission, or in contravention of the laws and regulations of the relevant state.
Unreported fishing
Fishing activities that are not reported, or are misreported, to the relevant authority, contrary to national laws, regulations or reporting requirements set by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
Unregulated fishing
Fishing activities that are inconsistent with, or contravene, applicable conservation and management measures. This may depend on factors such as the fishing area’s management arrangements, the vessel’s flag state, nationality and the species being targeted.
Exports
The IUU team validates UK catch certificate data, carries out retrospective checks and provides guidance to exporters on completing catch certificates. This section includes guidance on exporting fish and fishery products and changes introduced under the EU IUU Regulation from January 2026.
Catch Certificates
A UK Catch Certificate is required to export a consignment of fish that has been landed by UK flagged catching vessels into the UK. A Catch Certificate shows the fish was caught legally.
- Create a UK Catch Certificate
- EU IUU Regulation Changes 2026
- Trip Dates
- Gear Type
- Fishing Area - further information can be found here FAO Areas, EEZs, High Seas and RFMOs
- Transport Details
- Data Upload Using CSV Files
Processing Statements
A UK processing statement is required for fish and shellfish that have been processed in the UK and are now ready for export. A processing statement must detail each product and each species within a product, linking them to the relevant catch certificate(s).
Non-Manipulation Document
A non-manipulation document, previously named storage document, confirms that fishery products have not been altered while stored in the UK. The name change from storage document to non-manipulation document has been made to align with the EU’s terminology for this document.
- What is a Non-Manipulation Document?
- When is a Non-Manipulation Document required?
- What do I need to complete a UK Non-Manipulation Document?
- Arrival to the Place of Storage
- Consignment Details
- Departure from the Place of Storage
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions about IUU regulations.
Exemptions
Some fishery products are exempt from IUU catch certification requirements. Check whether your product is included in the list of exemptions. Please note that the exemptions are set out in Annex I of the Regulation.