EU strengthens controls on imported seafood

A new system, called CATCH, which applies digital certification of seafood catches to all seafood imported into the European Union (EU), officially came into effect in mid-January 2026. This measure aims to support global efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, protect marine biodiversity, and contribute to the EU's administrative streamlining program.

The aforementioned system replaces the previous paper-based certification process, thereby increasing the effectiveness of controls on imported seafood and ensuring more consistent enforcement across the EU. Simplifying information exchange between EU businesses and control agencies is expected to facilitate the assurance that imported products are legal and meet EU regulatory standards. Furthermore, a more modern and efficient control mechanism will contribute to a fairer competitive environment for EU fishermen, as imported products must comply with equivalent standards.

CATCH is a key component of the European Ocean Treaty (EOP), an EU strategy aimed at strengthening ocean protection, promoting sustainable marine economic development, and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. This system reflects the EU's long-standing commitment to combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

According to EU statistics, imported seafood currently accounts for approximately 70% of total consumption within the bloc, with about 80% subject to the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing regulations. The implementation of CATCH is considered a significant step in improving the traceability of imported products, thereby reducing the risk of illegally caught seafood entering the EU market.

CATCH will promote the exchange of data towards modernization and harmonization among member states, while strengthening cooperation between EU businesses and national regulatory bodies. When fully implemented and continuously updated, the system is expected to shorten administrative processing times and reduce the burden on EU businesses.

Source: VTV