New seafood export requirements will apply from 8 January 2026

The UK will require seafood exporters to provide new information to generate IUU documentation through the Fish Export Service (FES) from the evening of 8 January. This change comes slightly earlier than the EU's requirement, which takes effect on 10 January. We've chosen this earlier date to avoid launching changes over a weekend and to ensure we can provide the best possible support when the new rules go live.

From 17:00 on 8 January FES will be unavailable while the necessary updates are made. Once the changes have been made, FES will be available again, and the information will be mandatory for UK exporters to complete to create a catch certificate, processing statement or non-manipulation document. 

Marine Management Organisation, working in partnership with all UK Fishing Administrations, is continuing to support industry readiness through the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign. 

There are now just over 30 days to go until the new EU requirements come into effect. A raft of supporting materials and industry webinars is available to help exporters, fishermen, merchants, importers and transporters through these changes. 

Visit the Fish Trace Ship Campaign site for more information including guidance, FAQs and links to sign up to the webinars.