Scotland’s £1 billion fishing and seafood sector will need to adapt to new EU changes in terms of the information and data submitted to enable exports to flow smoothly from the UK.
The forthcoming changes require that processing statements must be provided for all goods caught and landed by a UK vessel, then processed in the UK before export.
The definition of processing has 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.
The Fish Export Service (FES) is being updated to ensure the IT system can provide the catch certificates, processing statements and non-manipulation documents required by the EU from 10th January 2026, providing each sector in the supply chain delivers the correct information on time.
‘Scotland’s seafood sector supports thousands of jobs and communities across our coasts. These new requirements, introduced by the EU, represent a significant change for businesses,’ said Robert Watson, Operational Lead (onshore), at the Scottish government’s Marine Directorate.
‘We’re urging Scottish processors and exporters to act now, understanding the new EU rules and using our support tools will be key to meeting the new requirements. The Fish, Trace, Ship campaign is here to help the industry meet these obligations and maintain Scotland’s reputation for quality and traceability.’
The upcoming changes will affect every link in the supply chain, from fishermen and merchants to processors and exporters. All of the UK devolved administrations are working in partnership and have launched the new #FishTraceShip campaign to help industry prepare.
‘These changes will affect many businesses that haven’t previously needed to supply processing statements.
We’re urging Scottish processors and exporters to act now, understanding the new requirements and engaging with our support tools will be key to a smooth transition, commented Nick Greenwood, MMO’s Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services.
‘Our message is that you need to make sure you know whether this affects your business right now and take action if it does. The UK Government has already launched the first in a series of webinars and engagement events to support the UK seafood industry to prepare for significant changes to EU import requirements early next year.’
