New EU requirements for importing fish from the USA: what changes in 2026

Key data

European importers of US fish products face a significant regulatory change: the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1205, published on 10 June 2026, amends Decision 2006/199/EC, which for nearly two decades has specifically regulated the conditions for entry into the EU of fish and shellfish originating from the United States.

This update is not a minor adjustment. It directly affects the health, documentary, and border control requirements that these imports must comply with. Any operator working with US suppliers of seafood products must review their processes before the next operation.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/1205 amends the specific regulatory framework that the EU applies to fish products from the United States. The reference standard being updated is Decision 2006/199/EC, in force since 2006, which established the special provisions applicable to these imports.

The changes introduced affect the following areas:

• Health requirements: The conditions that fish products of US origin must meet to enter the EU market are updated.
• Documentary requirements: The documents that must accompany shipments at the time of border control are modified.
• Official control procedures: The competent authorities of the Member States at entry points must adapt their inspection protocols to the new requirements.

The text published in the Official Journal of the EU does not detail the specific content of each change in the available summary, so to know the exact scope of each modification it is essential to consult the full text of the decision.

Economic and operational impact

Changes in the regulatory conditions for importing fish products have direct consequences on the operations and costs of importers. In this case, the foreseeable effects are as follows:

• Compliance costs: Importers will need to review and, where necessary, update their documentation, contracts with US suppliers, and internal import management procedures.
• Possible border delays: If control authorities have not yet adapted their procedures, or if the documentation presented does not comply with the new requirements, shipments may be held at entry points, with consequent logistics and storage costs.
• Impact on trade fluidity: The regulation itself recognizes that the modification may affect the fluidity of trade between the EU and the USA in this sector, which may result in temporary uncertainty for regular operators.
• Supplier adaptation: US suppliers must also be aware of the new requirements to ensure that their products and documentation comply with the EU's updated requirements.

Who is affected?

• European importers of fish and shellfish from the USA: Distribution companies, wholesalers, processors, or retailers that purchase fish products of US origin to introduce them into the EU market.
• Logistics operators and customs agents: Those who manage customs clearance and documentation of these shipments at EU entry points.
• Competent authorities of the Member States: Official control bodies at ports, airports, and border inspection posts that must adapt their health control procedures.
• US suppliers and exporters: US companies that export fish products to the EU and must adjust their documentation and compliance to the new European requirements.
• Processing industry: European companies that use fish raw materials of US origin in their processing or preservation processes.

Practical example

A Spanish importer that regularly operates with salmon or lobster from the USA and has planned new shipments in the coming months should act as follows:

Before confirming the next order to its US supplier, it must review the full text of Decision 2026/1205 to identify exactly which health documents or certificates have changed compared to those it was using under Decision 2006/199/EC. If, for example, the model of the required health certificate has been modified, it must communicate this to its US supplier with sufficient notice so that it can process it with the competent American authorities.

If the importer presents documentation at the EU entry point based on the requirements prior to the modification, the shipment may be held for additional inspection or rejected, with the costs of cold storage, possible product destruction, and commercial loss that this entails.

This same scenario applies to any European operator—whether in Spain, France, Germany, or any other Member State—that imports fish products of US origin.

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the full text of Decision 2026/1205: Access the Official Journal of the EU to identify exactly which articles of Decision 2006/199/EC have been modified and in what way.
2. Review the documentation in use: Compare the certificates, health declarations, and other documents that were being used with the new requirements established in the updated standard.
3. Inform US suppliers: Communicate to US exporters the new documentary and health requirements so they can obtain updated documentation before the next shipment.
4. Coordinate with the customs agent: Ensure that the agent or customs broker managing the imports is aware of the changes and will update the clearance procedures accordingly.
5. Contact the competent authority at the entry point: If there are doubts about how the new controls will be applied, consult directly with the border inspection body of the Member State of entry to avoid surprises at the time of control.
6. Update internal procedures: Review the company's import protocols to reflect the new requirements and avoid non-compliance in future operations.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601205