A new system introducing a digital catch certificate for all fishery products entering the European Union came into force on 10 January 2026. This will support global efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, help protect marine biodiversity and contribute to the EU’s broader simplification efforts.
The new system, known as CATCH, replaces the previous paper-based process and makes import controls for fishery products more effective and harmonised across the EU. By streamlining the exchange of information between EU traders and control authorities, the new system should make it easier to ensure that all products entering the EU are legal and meet the EU’s regulatory standards. A more modern and effective control system helps create a level playing field for EU fishers, with all imported products meeting EU standards.
CATCH is a key deliverable of the Ocean Pact, the EU’s strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas, and reflects the EU’s long-stated commitment to combatting IUU fishing.
Seafood imports account for 70% of EU consumption, and 80% of these imports concern products covered by the IUU Regulation; the new system will be a significant step forward towards improving the traceability of imported products and reducing the risk of illegally fished products entering the EU market.
CATCH will lead to a modernised and harmonised exchange of data and will enhance cooperation between Member State and between EU operators and their national authorities. As CATCH is progressively used and populated with data, it will speed up administrative procedures and reduce administrative burden for EU operators.
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Questions and answers on CATCH