Photo by Ray Harrington
UK fishing vessels and seafood exporters face significant new regulatory requirements from 10 January 2026, as two separate sets of EU rules take effect simultaneously, imposing additional compliance burdens across the catching and export sectors.
New fishing control rules for UK vessels in EU waters
New European Union fisheries control rules came into force on 10 January, applying to all UK fishing vessels operating in the waters of EU member states. The changes impose requirements across gear marking, catch reporting and vessel monitoring, regardless of the vessel’s flag.
Under Articles 12-18 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196, all vessels fishing in EU waters beyond the 12 nautical mile baselines must comply with new passive gear marking requirements. Nets require labels attached to footropes and cords linking buoys to gear, lines need labels on mainlines and each float, whilst pots must have labels attached to each trap and connecting cords.
Masters of vessels of 12 metres overall length or more are required to complete their electronic logbook for each fishing operation on a haul-by-haul basis when fishing in EU waters. Additionally, Article 23 places requirements for increased transmission of VMS data from two hours to 30 minutes in specific restricted areas.
Defra, the Marine Management Organisation and UK fishing administrations acknowledged that the late notification creates additional pressure for the fishing sector, particularly where technical adjustments are required at short notice. The EU and its member states have been contacted to ask about their intended enforcement approach, though responses are still pending.
Sean Douglas, head of regulatory assurance at the MMO, said the late notice added to an already challenging period for the fishing sector. He added that MMO had urged EU authorities to take a pragmatic approach to enforcement, whilst acknowledging that enforcement decisions ultimately rest with each member state.
Strengthened export documentation requirements
Simultaneously, new EU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations came into effect on 10 January, requiring UK seafood exporters to provide additional verified information through catch certificates. The changes affect every stage of the supply chain, from fishermen and merchants to processors and exporters.
From 10 January, the EU requires additional data fields on catch certificates, including fishing trip start date, gear type, area fished and transport details. A new non-manipulation document replaces the storage document, whilst any seafood processed on land in the UK before export now requires a processing statement.
The definition of “processing” has been broadened significantly to include any form of preparation such as cutting, filleting, canning, smoking, salting, cooking, pickling, drying or other treatments.
Nick Greenwood, MMO’s head of marine protection and operations services, said: “The changes to processing documentation will almost certainly mean businesses that have not had to supply processing statements so far will have to start doing so in January. Our message is that you need to make sure you know whether this affects your business right now – and take action if it does.”
Fish, Trace, Ship campaign
The MMO launched the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign to help the UK seafood industry adapt to the new IUU requirements. The campaign includes extensive support through webinars, engagement events and updated IT systems to ensure fishermen, processors, exporters and transporters understand the new legal requirements.
The Fish Export Service was updated on 8 January to comply with the new regulations, with the MMO providing extended hours of support including a 24/7 helpline service during the transition period.
Greenwood warned that without the additional information required from January 2026, “you will not be able to export your produce because of the new requirements.” He urged businesses not to be caught out, advising them to check how the rules affect them and take necessary steps immediately.
The MMO emphasised that fishers have one of the most important roles in ensuring a smooth transition, particularly in passing necessary information down the supply chain to allow exporters to meet the new requirements.
UK fishing vessels requiring support with the new fishing control rules are being advised to contact their relevant fisheries administration, whilst businesses affected by the IUU export changes can contact the MMO’s extended helpline service for assistance.