CATCH – an Integrated Computerised Information Management System for the Catch Certification Scheme

In order to enable the integrated management, processing, storage and exchange of information, data and documents relevant to checks, inspections, control and other related official activities concerning the import, re-export and, where applicable, export of fisheries products, the European Commission has developed a digital information management system for the catch certification scheme — CATCH.

The purpose of the system is to create an online application that facilitates the management of official documents related to the catch certification scheme, including their issuance, control and verification, and automates the related procedures as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 and its annexes.

The CATCH system is part of the TRACES NT platform — Trade Control and Expert System New Technologies — developed by the European Commission. TRACES NT is a digital management tool used to ensure compliance with sanitary requirements for the import of animals, food, feed and plants.

Use of the system will be mandatory for the import of fisheries products into the EU, for the export of fisheries products, and for state authorities when checking and approving the submitted documents.

Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 November 2023 requires Member States to use the CATCH system from 10 January 2026.

Use of the system will not be mandatory for third countries. They may submit documents through the system on a voluntary basis. If a third country does not use the system, the obligation to submit all documents required for import will fall on the importer’s representative in the Member State.

The Fisheries Service encourages users to start using the CATCH system in the test environment now, so that the process runs smoothly once its mandatory use enters into force.

We attach presentations prepared by the Fisheries Service with links to training materials for importers and exporters.

Frequently asked questions related to the CATCH system and other IUU fishing matters.