Fish export service: important changes on 10 January 2026

You will need to include new information on catch certificates on the Fish Export Service (FES). This is due to the EU’s illegal and unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations.

We advise everyone to become familiar with the changes now, and to start providing the relevant information to buyers when selling Welsh seafood.

The change is mandatory. Even if you don’t export directly yourself, the changes will affect fishers. Otherwise, you may not be able to sell your produce.

Exporters must provide the following information on the catch certificate for seafood to enter the EU:

• the start date of the fishing trip
• the gear type used
• the area of catch:
  • the exclusive economic zone the catch occurred in
  • whether there is interest from a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO)

November 2025

On 20 November, we updated the FES system to:

• include the changes to processing statements, and
• deliver the new 'non-manipulation' document template for those involved in export process

October 2025

We will shortly be introducing the 'non-manipulation' document. This will replace the storage document from January. The 'non-manipulation' document will have a new template. We may ask you to provide data in a different way.

The use of the new 'non-manipulation' document is voluntary at the moment. But it will become mandatory for exports from the UK from 10 January 2026. At that point, we will stop using storage documents. You must provide the relevant information to your buyer, so that it can be passed on to the exporter. If not, you may not be able to sell your produce.

We will update you when the 'non-manipulation' document is available in the FES system.

September 2025: gear type and area of catch

In September, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will introduce changes to fields relating to gear type and area of catch. The MMO is working to support fishers, merchants and exporters with these changes. The aim is to minimise any disruption to commercial operations and trade. 

July 2025: the start date of the fishing trip

In July, the MMO introduced the first of these changes. You must provide the start date of the fishing trip as well as the landing data. You must also enter all details for the first mode of transport.