Photo by Paul Einerhand
The UK’s Fisheries Administrations have launched the “Fish, Trace, Ship” campaign to prepare the country’s seafood supply chain for major changes to EU export requirements, warning that businesses must act early to maintain market access from 10 January 2026.
The campaign, led by the Marine Management Organisation, comes as the EU updates its Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, requiring enhanced traceability information for all seafood exports to European markets.
Industry faces mandatory compliance deadline
Nick Greenwood, MMO’s Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services, warned that businesses must adapt to changes in the UK Fish Export Service: “Without the additional information needed for the Fish Export Service from January 2026, you will not be able to export your produce because of the EU’s new requirements.”
The campaign will outline steps that each sector of the supply chain—from fishers and merchants to processors and exporters—needs to take to comply with the new regulations.
Comprehensive support programme launched
The MMO has established a dedicated campaign website providing easy access to information resources, latest news, and educational guides. The online content will be continually updated as the implementation date approaches.
Greenwood emphasised the importance of early preparation: “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.”
Supply chain-wide engagement required
The campaign recognises that everyone involved in the UK’s seafood supply to the EU “has a role to play in ensuring our exports can continue to flow smoothly” once the new requirements take effect.
The MMO is planning online updates and engagement events throughout the campaign period, urging businesses to sign up for regular information updates to stay current with developments.
Enhanced traceability requirements
The updated EU regulations will require additional information to be provided through the UK Fish Export Service, reflecting the bloc’s strengthened approach to combating illegal fishing activities. The changes represent a significant tightening of documentation and traceability requirements for seafood imports.
Economic implications for UK seafood sector
The new requirements could significantly impact UK seafood exports to the EU, which represent a substantial portion of the industry’s international trade. Businesses that fail to adapt to the new system risk losing access to European markets entirely from the January deadline.
The Fish, Trace, Ship campaign represents the UK government’s recognition that successful implementation will require coordinated action across the entire seafood supply chain, from primary producers through to final exporters.
Industry stakeholders are being urged to engage with the campaign resources and participate in planned events to ensure readiness for what officials describe as imminent and mandatory changes to export procedures.