UK Seafood Exporters Face Major Changes in Export Requirements

As the UK's seafood supply to the EU prepares to meet new EU import requirements on 10 January 2026, UK-based businesses processing fish caught and landed in the UK must adapt to significant changes in the information they must submit to enable seafood exports to flow smoothly. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is leading the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign to clarify the action needed by each sector of the supply chain. Fish, Trace, Ship aims to support the UK seafood industry in preparing for these changes by providing clear guidance and engagement events.

Key Takeaways:

UK businesses processing fish caught and landed in the UK must submit a processing statement to enable seafood exports to the EU from 10 January 2026.
Processing statements are required for seafood that has been cut, filleted, canned, smoked, salted, cooked, pickled, dried, or otherwise prepared for market.
This definition of processing has been expanded to include more types of seafood preparation.
Seafood that has only been frozen and/or packed does not require a processing statement.
Processing statements must show the weights of each type of seafood contributing to each processed product.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is updating the Fish Export Service (FES) to provide the necessary catch certificates, processing statements, and non-manipulation documents required by the EU.
Nick Greenwood, MMO's Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services, advised businesses to get on board with Fish, Trace, Ship and take action to prepare for the changes.
MMO has launched webinars and engagement events to support the UK seafood industry in preparing for the changes, and is asking processors and associated seafood businesses to join a research panel to help design the new parts of the IT system.

Statistics:

10 January 2026 is the date by which the new EU import requirements will come into effect.
The Fish Export Service (FES) is being updated by the MMO to provide the necessary documentation for seafood exports.
The definition of processing has been expanded to include more types of seafood preparation.
22 October is the date of the first webinar and engagement event for the UK seafood industry.
The updated Fish Export Service (FES) will provide catch certificates, processing statements, and non-manipulation documents required by the EU.

Sources:

Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
Contify.com
MIL OSI United Kingdom (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)