Marine Ingredients Denmark Urges EU Fishery Control Enhancements, Impartial Weighing, and Harmonised Standards
Marine Ingredients Denmark (MID) has submitted a comprehensive consultation response to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries regarding the implementing provisions for the EU Fisheries Control Regulation.
The submission, dated 25 June 2025, underlines MID’s commitment to strengthening control mechanisms across EU member states.
Marine Ingredients Denmark represents the Danish producers of fishmeal and fish oil, an industry where Denmark holds a leading global position. Products are primarily derived from sprats, sandeels, and blue whiting, with an increasing focus on by-products from fish destined for human consumption, thereby bolstering the circular economy. In 2024, marine ingredients exports reached approximately DKK 6 billion (€804,000/694,0000), accounting for 22 per cent of Denmark’s total fish exports, highlighting the industry’s crucial role in the national and EU blue economy.
The Danish fishmeal and fish oil industry is recognised as a global leader in control, species sorting, weighing, quality assurance, and full traceability of raw materials. The sector consistently adheres to international certifications and standards for sustainability and food safety.
Landing registrations are managed through an independent third-party system that complies with ISO 17020 Type A standards, ensuring impartial and independent certification, precise weighing, accurate species distribution monitoring, and data-driven fisheries management. MID has also developed a Code of Conduct to provide clear guidelines for weighing and species control, fostering transparency and collaboration with authorities and research institutions.
Key Recommendations for EU Fisheries Control
Marine Ingredients Denmark welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a revised Control Regulation and supports efforts to enhance fishery control mechanisms across the EU. However, MID stresses several key areas for improvement:
Impartial Weighing and ISO 17020 Type A Accreditation
MID particularly highlights the critical importance of impartiality in the weighing process, advocating for it as a fundamental principle within the common control framework. They recommend that Article 60, paragraph 5 of Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 explicitly require weighing operators to be impartial and independent, specifically suggesting accreditation under the ISO 17020 Type A standard. This accreditation ensures complete independence from inspected activities, significantly enhancing trust in the control system’s integrity.
Harmonised Technical Equipment Requirements
MID also points to the urgent need for precise and harmonised requirements for technical weighing equipment, including weighing systems and “Master (Weight) Totalisers”. Currently, a lack of clear definitions and standards for this equipment can lead to inconsistent implementation across member states. MID recommends a common EU definition and technical requirements to ensure uniform and fair application.
Standardised Sampling Practices
For sampling related to control and species sorting, MID recommends harmonising sample size practices across the EU to ensure consistent sampling plans for all species. This would increase transparency and strengthen the data foundation, aligning with the successful model already in place in Denmark.
Remote Monitoring as Supplement, Not Replacement
Finally, Marine Ingredients Denmark emphasises that remote electronic monitoring (REM/CCTV) should complement, rather than replace, physical control activities. To achieve maximum reliability, transparency, and traceability, sampling and physical registration of catches should always be carried out by an impartial inspector with relevant ISO 17020 Type A accreditation, with REM/CCTV serving as a supplementary tool for double-checking. This combined approach, MID believes, will contribute to a more robust and credible control process throughout the EU.
Source: Marine Ingredients Denmark
