Current challenges in the import of fishery products

Effects of the new EU „CATCH“ system on validations and supply chains

A new, fully digital certification system for fishery products has been in place in the European Union since 10 January 2026: CATCH. This system is now the only legally authorised way to digitally submit and validate catch certificates for imports into the EU. The aim is to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) as well as to ensure end-to-end transparent traceability.

Current problems and delays

In the past few days, there has been a significant accumulation of technical faults, especially in Belgium and other EU ports.
The problems range from Validation errors about non-functioning data synchronisation up to System failures, which have led to backlogs at several European ports.
Some authorities - including the Flemish fisheries authorities - are currently reporting Massive delays in the processing of catch certificates. Many applications cannot be processed or can only be processed to a limited extent due to technical problems in the system. 

This means for importers:

• In some cases, amendments to the system cannot be made on time.
• New applications are currently being prioritised in order to systematically document system errors.
• There are delays in validation, which temporarily disrupts supply chains.

Background: The new EU regulation

The CATCH digital system is based on the updated version of the EU-IUU regulation; significant changes have been made to the CATCH system. on 10 January 2026 in force.
Additional data fields and stricter requirements were introduced, for example:

• Details of the fishing gear used
• Extended fishing area information
• Mandatory digital transmission via CATCH
• standardised documents for all EU member states

The transition from paper documents to a fully digital import control system was a central component of the reform.
The aim of the EU is in particular

• Higher data quality
• Improved traceability
• Reduction of IUU fishing
• Real-time transmission between importer, authorities and EU systems

Current implications for supply chains

However, the EU-wide introduction of the system has led to considerable initial difficulties. In particular:

• Blockades at major ports (e.g. Rotterdam) because digital certificates cannot be processed.
• Delays in delivery and spoilage of fresh goods.
• Additional effort for exporters and authorities for error documentation. 

Our daily operational experience also shows that in some cases validations can no longer take place within the same week if corrections need to be made to the system.

What does this mean for our customers?

We are constantly monitoring the situation and are in direct dialogue with European authorities.
For our customers this means

• Allow extra time at this stage, especially for goods that are subject to veterinary or fisheries inspections.
• Check catch certificates at an early stage to initiate corrections in good time.
• We will inform you as soon as the situation stabilises or official measures are published.

Important EU sources and further links

Official information from the EU

• FAQ of the EU Commission on CATCH
  https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/
• CATCH launch 2026 - EU press & analysis
  https://weareaquaculture.com/

Current reports on faults

• „European ports face fish logjam as Catch system fails“
  https://www.firstpost.com/

Regulation & legal matters

• EU IUU Regulation Updates (2023-2026)
  https://content.govdelivery.com/