New EU Implementing Regulation on the Weighing and Control of Fishery Products Adopted
2026.9.21
On 10 August 2026, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1932, which lays down detailed rules on the weighing of fishery products, their control and inspection, and the adoption of sampling plans, control plans and common control programmes. The Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 11 August 2026 and will apply from 11 January 2027.
The new Regulation forms part of the implementation of the EU fisheries control framework and establishes detailed requirements for the weighing of fishery products throughout the supply chain. In addition to setting out rules for weighing operations, it also introduces requirements relating to weighing records, documentation, access by competent authorities, inspection measures and national control programmes.
New technical requirements for weighing systems
One of the most important elements of the Regulation is Annex I, which establishes minimum technical requirements for weighing systems used in the fisheries sector.
The Annex contains detailed rules for conveyor belt scales, batch weighing systems, weighbridges and other approved weighing equipment. It also specifies requirements relating to calibration, sealing, recording of weighing operations and procedures to be followed in case of technical failures. Several additional technical requirements must be implemented no later than 10 January 2030, including enhanced monitoring functionalities and specific safeguards against manipulation of weighing data.
More detailed sampling requirements
Annex II introduces new sampling plans for both sorted and unsorted landings of fishery products. The new regime establishes detailed matrices governing the number of samples and minimum sample sizes depending on factors such as species, fishing area and landing volume.
Compared with the systems currently applied in many Member States, the Regulation introduces a more comprehensive and differentiated sampling framework. Particular attention is given to pelagic fisheries and industrial fisheries, where species specific and area specific sampling requirements are established. The purpose is to improve the accuracy and consistency of catch composition and catch weight determinations across the European Union.
Beyond Annexes I and II, the Regulation also contains specific rules for frozen fishery products, weighing on board fishing vessels, and the weighing of fishery products after transport within or between Member States.
