New EC Regulation to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing remains one of the biggest global threats to the sustainable management of fish stocks. The EU is the largest market for and importer of fisheries products in the world, and therefore a major target for IUU operators. 

As a result, the EU has introduced a new regulation to prevent, deter and eliminate the import of IUU fishery products into the Community, which is due to come into force on 1 January 2010.

The Regulation will create new requirements on fish and fisheries products entering the EU market from outside the Community.  Catch certificates, to show that fish were caught legally, must accompany the fishery product throughout the supply chain, and will be required on entry into the EU.  The certificates are to be checked by the relevent authorities at the same time as checks are carried out on the veterinary and public health certificates. 

Although EEA/EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands) are not subject to the EC veterinary checks regime, they will be be required to submit IUU catch certificates.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published an Information Note about the new rules on its website at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/fisheries/marine/conservation/iuu-regulation.htm

The Information Note includes a full interpretation of the requirements of the regulation.  It aims to ensure that there is clarity on what these new rules are and to assist compliance by the UK seafood industry.

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