A new system introducing a digital catch certificate for all fishery products entering the European Union came into force on Saturday 10 January, according to the European Commission (see EUROPE 13690/13).
This system will support global efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, help protect marine biodiversity and contribute to the EU’s broader simplification efforts, according to the institution.
The new system, known as CATCH, replaces the previous paper-based process and makes import controls for fishery products more efficient and harmonised across the EU. By streamlining the exchange of information between EU traders and control authorities, the new system should make it easier to verify the legality of products entering the EU and their compliance with European regulatory standards. A more modern and effective control system helps ensure a level playing field for EU fishers, by ensuring that all imported products meet EU standards, concludes the Commission. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)