Skip to main content

Support for our Exporters

What is happening?

We have previously contacted you about changes being made to the information that will be required to accompany seafood exports to the EU. These updates are set out in the EU’s illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations and come into effect from 10 January 2026.  These changes are separate to, and unaffected by, the outcomes of the UK-EU reset deal of May 2025.

You can read more in the EU Frequently Asked Questions document.  

FES Updates

July

In July 2025 we updated FES to include new fields for the start date of the fishing trip and transport documentation.

These fields will be optional until 10 January 2026 when they become mandatory to meet EU requirements. This means that to create a Catch Certificate users will be required to enter the start date of the fishing trip (in addition to the existing requirement to provide the landing date). Users will also be required to enter details relating to the first mode of transport.   

September

In September 2025 we are updating FES to introduce new fields relating to gear type used and area of catch. These fields will be optional until 10 January 2026 when they become mandatory to meet EU requirements. This means that to create a Catch Certificate, users will be required to enter the gear type used and area of catch.

These additional fields will be voluntary until January 2026, and the information will not appear on generated Catch Certificates. However, we are urging all exporters to begin adopting these changes as soon as possible so that you have time to familiarise yourself with them and make any necessary adjustments to meet the new requirements.

How these changes affect you? 

To continue exporting seafood to the EU, you will be required to provide this additional information. Without it, you will not be able to obtain your export documentation to export your produce to the EU.

These changes will also apply to you if you land seafood directly into EU ports.

1. What is changing – Catch Certificate

From 10 January 2026, the EU will require the following new information to be included on the Catch Certificate:

  • The start date of the fishing trip 
  • The gear type used  
  • Information relating to transport documentation 
  • The area of catch (which exclusive economic zone (EEZ) the catch occurred in and whether there is interest from a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) 

2. What is changing – Catch Certificate Data Upload users 

Previously, we contacted you about the new start date of the fishing trip field for users who use the data upload journey to create their Catch Certificates and to introduce a new csv file structure that can be used.

We are now updating this new version of the csv file to include gear type used and area of catch information. From September the service will accept both the current csv file structure and the new version until January 2026, when use of the new version will be mandatory.

We will be issuing detailed guidance to support data upload users and publishing this on our Gov.uk pages.

3. What is changing – Processing Statement 

Previously we made you aware the EU will require a Processing Statement as part of your export documents for any seafood processed on land in the UK. This requirement currently only applies to seafood caught by non-UK vessels and processed in the UK prior to export. From 10 January 2026, the requirement for a Processing Statement will also apply to seafood caught by UK vessels and processed in the UK before export.  

This requirement is outlined in the EU’s official guidance. For further information please see questions 57 and 59 of the EU Frequently Asked Questions .  

‘Processed’ means 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. 

4. What is changing – Storage Document

From 10 January 2026, the name of the storage document is changing to non-manipulation document, and a new template is being introduced. We will provide a further update on this change in due cour

Act Now: Get on Board!

Start adopting the new changes as soon as you are able. While the new EU requirements do not come into force until 10 January 2026, UK Fishing Authorities strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with the updates as they appear in FES and start to provide the relevant information ahead of time.

We would also encourage you discuss these changes with your supply chain to ensure that the required information is understood and supplied. On 10 January 2026 this information will be an EU mandatory requirement and without it, you will not be able to complete your application for export documentation. 

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 across the UK this autumn. Please look out for these on 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 updates to FES. If you are interested, please sign up here. 

Please remember #FishTraceShip and get onboard with the changes.