Regulatory activity in the seafood traceability space is rapidly evolving in both producer and market countries around the world.

In Europe, the EU IUU Regulation has been in force since 2010 and is now undergoing a process of “modernization” that will add rigor to EU seafood import documentation requirements.

In the United States, new regulations require traceability and basic production information to be provided in electronic format for all seafood entering the US market.

Meanwhile, in producer and processor countries, the implementation of a new international legal framework – the Port State Measures Agreement – includes specific information requirements that need to be met when wild fish products are brought into port.

In short, the trend towards increased regulation of seafood traceability is strong and growing. If done properly, this can deliver real benefits for the seafood industry, as governments can help provide clear standards, collect and verify data, create the enabling conditions for fair competition, and raise consumer confidence.

However, if regulations expand in an uncoordinated manner, or without taking into consideration common business realities and issues, there is a danger of proliferating incoherent requirements and excessive compliance costs.

The Global Dialogue provides a platform for companies and stakeholders to help identify effective and efficient regulatory practices, and to promote international alignment of regulatory approaches. This Dialogue can help provide strong inputs towards policies and regulations that are coherent, coordinated, and appropriate on a global basis.