EU CATCH & Traceability Readiness (deadline: Jan 9, 2026)
Be export-ready for the EU’s digital catch certificates. The EU is making its CATCH IT system mandatory for EU importers from January 9, 2026. That means your EU buyers must submit catch certificates via CATCH—and your data needs to be clean, complete, and digital so they can file without delays. We align your plant records (SFCR one-up/one-down), DFO Catch Certification Program workflows, and exporter docs so your shipments keep moving.
Primary CTA: Run a CATCH gap check
Secondary CTA: Book a 20-minute exporter consult
What we do
- CATCH readiness audit (2–3 hours): Check current export documents, product codes, and data handoffs; map what your EU buyer needs to submit in CATCH.
- DFO Catch Certification Program alignment: Set up/streamline your use of DFO’s Fisheries Certificate System (FCS) so EU-bound lots have matching catch certificates and metadata.
- SFCR traceability hardening: Ensure “one step back, one step forward” traceability (lot codes, splits/merges, receiving→production→inventory) is audit-ready.
- Plant digitalization (optional): Implement processor software to capture lots, splits/merges, and share customer-facing traceability when required by buyers.
- Exporter health/other docs: Confirm when CFIA health certificates are needed alongside catch certificates and how they’re issued.
Why this matters now
- The EU’s reformed control system makes CATCH compulsory for imports starting Jan 9, 2026 (some authorities cite Jan 10; plan for early compliance).
- Canadian exporters still obtain catch certificates through DFO’s Catch Certification Program; aligning your data and timing with your EU importer’s CATCH submission prevents rework and delays.
How a rollout works (simple)
- Gap check (documents, data fields, codes, timelines).
- DFO FCS tune-up (templates, lot mapping, roles).
- Traceability proof (lot lineage for splits/merges; SOPs that meet SFCR).
- Buyer handshake (agree CATCH data format & responsibilities).
- Mock run (dry-run a shipment end-to-end).
FAQs
Is CATCH something we log into as a Canadian exporter?
CATCH is the EU’s portal for EU operators/importers; your buyer files there. Your job is to provide complete, consistent data and Canadian certifications so their CATCH submission passes without issues.
What Canadian systems are involved on our side?
You’ll use DFO’s Catch Certification Program / FCS for EU catch certificates. We make sure your certificates and product data match what the importer must enter in CATCH.
What traceability level does SFCR require?
Under SFCR Part 5, you must trace one step forward and one step back (supplier ↔ customer) with lot identifiers; we ensure production splits/merges are captured.
Do we still need CFIA health certificates?
For many EU seafood shipments, CFIA health certificates are also required; we confirm if yours are in scope and how to obtain them.
Compliance note
We stay vendor-agnostic and align every export workflow to DFO Catch Certification Program rules, SFCR traceability, and your buyer’s CATCH obligations. Always follow the latest official guidance.