Upcoming Changes to Fish Processing for UK Exports

New EU import requirements set to impact seafood exports.

UK businesses engaged in processing fish caught and landed in the UK must prepare for significant changes to the information they need to submit to facilitate smooth seafood exports. Starting on 10 January 2026, new EU import regulations will require all parties within the UK seafood supply chain to ensure compliance with these enhanced data requirements.

Introduction of the Fish, Trace, Ship Campaign

The Fish, Trace, Ship campaign, spearheaded by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), outlines the necessary actions each sector of the supply chain must undertake, from fishers and merchants to processors and exporters, to align with these impending changes.

Key Updates to the Fish Export Service (FES)

The MMO is actively updating the Fish Export Service (FES) to enhance the IT systems that provide essential documentation, such as catch certificates, processing statements, and non-manipulation documents required by the EU starting from January 2026. This initiative aims to ensure that each sector of the UK supply chain delivers accurate information punctually.

When is a Processing Statement Required?

A processing statement will be necessary under the following conditions:

• Goods are caught and landed by a UK vessel.
• These goods are processed in the UK before export.

The definition of processing has been broadened to include any seafood that has been cut, filleted, canned, smoked, salted, cooked, pickled, dried, or otherwise prepared for market. It is important to note that fish that have merely been frozen or packed will not require a processing statement.

Details Required in Processing Statements

Processing statements must also include the weights of each type of seafood included in the processed product.

Expert Insights

Nick Greenwood, Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services at MMO, emphasized the critical nature of these documentation changes:

“The changes to processing documentation will almost certainly mean businesses that have not had to supply processing statements so far will have to start doing so in January. Our message is that you need to make sure you know whether this affects your business right now – and take action if it does. We’re committed to supporting every sector of the supply chain to be ready by delivering clear guidance and engagement events – so our advice is to get on board with Fish, Trace, Ship right now. We want to work with industry to make sure that no business is unprepared for the changes. Adapting early will make for a smoother transition.”

Support and Webinars

In light of the changes, the MMO has launched a series of webinars and engagement events aimed at assisting the UK seafood industry in preparing for the new EU import requirements. Processors, along with fishers, merchants, and exporters, are encouraged to register for an online meeting scheduled for 22 October (13:30-14:30).

Join the Research Panel for FES Improvements

To facilitate a user-friendly transition to the updated FES, processors and related seafood businesses are invited to join the MMO’s research panel. This involvement will assist in the design and optimization of the new IT system. Interested companies can sign up here.

Stay Updated

To remain informed about these significant changes, sign up for the Fish, Trace, Ship newsletter here.

Image: ©Fish Focus

For more detailed information, visit the official source.