A Catch Certificate (CC) is an official document that verifies that fish and seafood products imported into the European Union (EU) were caught legally, sustainably, and in compliance with international fisheries regulations. Required under EU catch certification rules, the CC must be presented to customs authorities when importing fishery products into the EU, ensuring compliance with traceability and sustainability standards.
The Catch Certificate is issued by the competent authority of the fishing vessel’s flag state or by the exporting country’s authorities. It contains detailed information about:
In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) enforces catch certification requirements. Importers of fishery products must ensure that a valid Catch Certificate accompanies every shipment, as failure to provide one can result in fines, delays, or rejection of goods at the border.
The purpose of the Catch Certificate is to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promote sustainable fishing practices, and protect marine ecosystems. It is a key component of the EU’s commitment to responsible and traceable seafood trade, helping businesses maintain compliance, sustainability, and consumer confidence in their imported fish products.
