The date when the UK will require seafood exporters to supply new information to produce critical documentation via the Fish Export Service has been set for 8 January 2026.

In a statement on 8 December, the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) explained that the decision – which relates to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) documentation – had been made for a number of reasons.

“This change comes slightly earlier than the EU’s requirement, which takes effect on 10 January,” it said. “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,” it added.

How exporters can stay in the loop

The changes slated for next year are wide ranging and require exporters to be clued-up on details of what’s required, such as extra information on catch certificates. Failure to comply could have a significant impact for businesses, from holdups to rejections at border control areas.    

“From January 2026, if the fish was landed in the UK and processed after landing in the UK, the consignment must be accompanied by a catch certificate for the landed weight that is being exported AND a processing statement referencing that catch certificate,” the MMO has previously said.

Additional detail on fishing trip dates, gear type, catch areas and transport details will also be required, according to the MMO, which has been running a series of webinars to provide guidance on the shift, with further sessions scheduled for 10 and 17 December.

Clock ticking

According to a December 2025 report from the MMO, the UK exported 380,000 tonnes of fish and fish preparations in 2024, with that segment’s export value amounting to £2bn.

The EU is the UK’s biggest market for seafood exports, but the latter’s decision to depart the bloc – it officially left on 31 January 2020 – has created several challenges, including extra administrative work, for companies operating in the sector.

In its announcement on 8 December, the MMO hammered home the urgency of the current situation. “There are now just over 30 days to go until the new EU requirements come into effect,” it said.

“A raft of supporting materials and industry webinars is available to help exporters, fishermen, merchants, importers and transporters through these changes.”