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Fish, Trace, Ship

Support for our Processors

    Processing process changes for exports

    On 10 January 2026, the EU is set to introduce new import requirements as part of the update to its Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations. 

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is working with the UK’s Fisheries Administrations to update the Fish Export Service (FES) to enable the UK supply chain to provide the correct documentation so exports can continue to flow smoothly when the changes come in to force. 

    These changes will include significant implications for UK-based businesses that process fish caught and landed in the UK. 

    From January 2026 a processing statement will be required for: 

    • goods caught and landed by a UK vessel 
    • then processed in the UK before export 

    The definition of processing has also been expanded to mean any seafood that has been cut, filleted, canned, smoked, salted, cooked, pickled, dried, or otherwise prepared for market. Fish which has only been frozen and/or packed will not require a processing statement.   

    Processing statements will also need to show the weights of each type of seafood that has contributed to each processed product.  

    Our message is simple – sign up to The Fish, Trace, Ship campaign, so you can understand the implications for your business and take action to be ready for 10 January 2026.  

    Get on board now to ensure a smooth transition.  

    Sign up for the first in a series of online webinars on October 22 (13:30 – 14:30) so you can learn first-hand how the changes might affect your business.  

    To stay up to date, sign up to our Fish, Trace, Ship newsletter here.

    Act Now! Get on Board!

    Start adopting the new changes early. The new EU requirements do not come into force until 10 January 2026. However, all UK fishing authorities strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with the changes as they roll out and start to provide the relevant information to your buyers when selling your produce. This will help minimise disruption to your business and keep exports moving.

    We understand these changes create an extra burden on the wider UK fishing industry. We are working to support fishers, merchants and exporters with these changes to minimise any disruption to commercial operations and trade. 

    How we are supporting you

    UK Fishing Authorities have published new guidance explaining these changes, and we have been conducting face to face sessions with fishers, merchants and exporters in England over the summer. Further engagement opportunities are being planned for the wider UK this autumn. Please look out for these in our updates to you.

    We are also looking for fishers, merchants and exporters to join our research panel to help us design and implement the changes to FES. If you are interested, please sign up here. 

    What are we doing

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and other UK Fisheries Authorities have been working to understand the changes and what they mean for UK fishers, merchants and exporters. MMO has also been developing updates to FES to support exporters to provide the newly required information.

    We are introducing these updates on a phased basis to enable users to become familiar with these changes ahead of January 2026. 

    Please remember #FishTraceShip and get onboard with the changes.