The Market Advisory Council (MAC) is calling on Brussels to introduce improvements to the CATCH digital import control system to help ensure proportionality, legal certainty and market stability as the platform becomes established across the European Union.
CATCH entered into force on 10 January 2026 under the EU’s framework to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The digital platform is designed to streamline the verification of catch certificates for fishery products entering the EU market, creating a more consistent and effective approach to import controls.
“The EU fisheries value chain is highly integrated and dependent on stable logistics and predictable import procedures,” said Yobana Bermúdez, chair of the MAC.
“Through the digitalisation and streamlining of data, CATCH can be a key tool to reinforce the fight against the presence of IUU products in the EU market.
“Nevertheless, the long-term credibility and effectiveness of the new tool depend not only on the robustness of controls, but also on the practical usability and reliability of the system for authorities and operators, including SMEs, alike.”
While welcoming CATCH as a significant step towards harmonising import checks, the MAC said food business operators have encountered a range of operational, technical and administrative challenges during the early stages of implementation. These include the manual transcription of third-country documentation, technical limitations within the system, delays to customs clearance and higher operational costs, together with inconsistent implementation across member states.
To address these issues, the council has recommended additional harmonised guidance, stronger coordination between the European Commission, member states and single liaison offices, and the resolution of technical shortcomings identified by operators and authorities.
The recommendations also call for greater integration between digital systems, structured technical engagement with third countries, delegated access for authorised representatives such as customs agents and freight forwarders, and comprehensive testing before major system upgrades are introduced.
The MAC said these measures would help ensure CATCH delivers effective fisheries controls while minimising unnecessary administrative burdens and supporting efficient, resilient seafood supply chains across the European Union.
