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Fish, Trace, Ship

Support for our Processors

Processing process changes for exports

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

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) worked 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 included significant implications for UK-based businesses that process fish caught and landed in the UK. 

As of January 2026 a processing statement is 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.  

Businesses that currently produce processing statements now need to use the updated application that is live on the system.

Act Now! Get on Board!

The new EU requirements have now come into force on 10 January 2026. All UK fishing authorities strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with the changes 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.

Webinars

This autumn we held a series of online webinars for you to attend and learn more about the new changes. You can find the recaps 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.

Please remember #FishTraceShip and get onboard with the changes.