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EU adopts new rules on fisheries control and enforcement

2025.11.21

The European Commission has adopted detailed rules on fisheries control and enforcement aimed at harmonising procedures and reducing administrative burdens for EU Member States and operators. The new provisions, published on 12 November 2025 in both a delegated act and an implementing act, will apply from 10 January 2026. Certain requirements will be phased in gradually until 2028 to ensure a smooth transition for administrations and the industry.

At EFFOP, we welcome efforts to create a more coherent and transparent control framework across the EU. We believe that accurate measurement is essential for both market integrity and sustainable fisheries management. Impartial and consistent weighing procedures support reliable catch reporting and contribute to high-quality scientific data.

To strengthen transparency and ensure equal treatment across all Member States, we recommend that weighing operations are supervised either by national fisheries control authorities, by weighing operators designated and authorised by these authorities, or by independent, accredited third-party operators. Such measures help safeguard impartiality and ensure a level playing field within the EU and in international trade.

Throughout the process, we have provided input and formal responses to the European Commission and contributed through our participation in the Advisory Councils. We will continue our work on weighing practices and promote solutions that support fair, transparent and science-based fisheries management.

Read more about the new rules here, and find the delegated act here and the implementing act here.

Read also more about our Industry Standard here: Our Industry Standard

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