The European Union (EU) has introduced new rules for fish imports to combat illegal and unreported fishing. From the 10th of January 2026, catch certificates for fish imported into EU member states will need to meet stricter requirements regarding registration of information. Additionally, a processing statement will be required for processed seafood products.

Throughout 2025, the Directorate of Fisheries has been working on a new catch certificate system to meet these new requirements, with the aim of minimizing the impact of the change on the system's users. The catch certificate system will create both catch and processing certificates and send them to the EU electronically.

Main changes to implementation

• All certificates will be sent digitally from the Directorate of Fisheries' system to the EU's CATCH system.

• A processing certificate will be created alongside the catch certificate for all processed seafood products exported to EU member states from the 6th of January 2026.

Changes to certificates

• The new system's certificates have a new look and provide more information.

• Users need to link the product and fish species to a landing.

• Information about the catch, vessel, and captain is sourced from the Directorate of Fisheries' databases.

• From the 6th of January:

  • users will need to register the production volume of the product.

  • users will need to register the fish processing plant that processed the products.

  • a processing certificate will be prepared in parallel with a catch certificate for processed products.

Useful information for users

• The log in to the system is with electronic ID via Ísland.is at the URL https://vottord.fiskistofa.is

• If someone other than the authorised signatory prepares a certificate, a mandate is required.

• The Directorate of Fisheries offers a web service connection for submitting catch certificates.

• If problems arise during registration via Wisefish, please contact the Wisefish Help Desk.

• All questions regarding the new system can be sent to vottord@fiskistofa.is.

Important

Exporters are encouraged to start using the new system as soon as possible, as the old system will close on the 6th of January 2026.

You can read more about catch certificates, the system, logging in, and access instructions in the article on catch certificates on the Directorate of Fisheries website.