Counting down to EU IUU changes – don’t be caught out!
With just seven weeks to go until new changes come into force to keep UK seafood exports flowing, industry is being urged to act now and get on board to ready their business.
The Fish Trace Ship campaign is counting down the changes to export documentation that will be required from 10 January 2026 to keep seafood produce flowing smoothly out of the country.
If you fail to prepare your business, consignments could be turned away.
To support industry in preparing for the changes, you can sign up to our next webinar being held on 10 December. Don’t miss out by signing up here.
Nick Greenwood, MMO’s Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services, said: “Everyone involved in catching, buying, processing and selling fish destined for EU markets, and a range of other countries, needs to act right now to adopt the changes we’re making to the UK Fish Export Service so our fish and seafood products can continue to be exported.
“Without the additional information needed for the Fish Export Service from January 2026, you will not be able to export your produce because the of the new requirements.
“Time is running out to be ready for these changes. So we are urging everyone in the UK seafood industry not to be caught out when the time comes by checking the implications for their businesses now – and take the necessary steps.
“You can access guidance, videos, webinars, blogs and our campaign website to find out a whole lot more and where to get help if you have questions.
“Please don’t leave it too late – get on board with the Fish Trace Ship campaign right away and make sure you’re prepared.”
The EU is set to update its requirements for Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, and so everyone involved in the UK’s seafood supply chain now has a role to play in ensuring our exports can continue to exit the country efficiently from 10 January next year.
The Fish, Trace, Ship campaign, led by MMO, has been promoting the information, guidance and practical advice the industry needs to be ready for these imminent changes through webinars, online guidance, videos, social media and printed information.
The campaign continues to make clear what action needs to be taken by each sector of the supply chain, from fishers and merchants through to processors and exporters.