EU fishing organisation warns control rules are unworkable as EAPO challenges European Commission weighing legislation and compliance burden
Industry Challenges EU Weighing Rules In Formal Letter
The European fishing industry has raised serious concerns over new EU control rules, warning that proposed legislation on the weighing of fishery products is impractical, costly and risks creating unmanageable administrative burdens.
In a letter sent to Costas Kadis, the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations said the revised control framework, alongside proposed delegated and implementing acts, introduces “additional layers of complexity” without clear justification.
The letter, co-signed with Europêche, states that compliance with several of the proposed measures is “questionable” in practical terms and criticises what it describes as limited engagement between the European Commission and the fishing industry.
Concerns Raised Over Lack of Consultation And Clarity
EAPO said it has repeatedly raised concerns with the Commission over recent years through multiple letters, consultations and meetings, including direct engagement with Commission officials in December 2025.
Despite this, the organisation states there is “little evidence” that these concerns have been reflected in the latest draft legislation.
The letter states, “The Commission seems to be in a race to introduce new rules with scant regard for the legitimate concerns of the fishing industry and their ability to comply with poorly thought out and costly measures.”
Sampling Rules Identified as Key Area of Dispute
A central issue highlighted in the letter is the proposed sampling plan for weighing fishery landings, particularly for both sorted and unsorted catches.
EAPO argues that changes in the latest draft are minimal compared to earlier versions, despite industry objections. The removal of a previous sampling matrix and its replacement with a placeholder is cited as evidence that key technical work remains incomplete.
The organisation also questions the Commission’s approach to sampling methodology, stating that increasing the number of samples does not necessarily improve accuracy and criticising the continued grouping of industrial and human consumption fisheries under a single framework.
Removal of Accuracy Requirement Raises Further Questions
The letter also points to the removal of wording requiring sampling to be “unbiased and sufficiently representative to ensure that the results are accurate” from the updated draft.
EAPO states that this change suggests the Commission recognises that sampling cannot guarantee accuracy unless applied at a full, 100 percent level.
Practical Constraints Highlighted by Industry
Further concerns focus on operational feasibility. Proposed rules requiring samples to be clearly identified, labelled and kept separate from other fishery products for a minimum period are described as unworkable.
EAPO warns that such requirements would involve handling large volumes of fish, placing pressure on space and time during landings, and potentially damaging product quality. This, the organisation says, would lead to financial losses for both vessel owners and processors.
Industry Calls for Proportionate and Workable Legislation
The organisation concludes by calling for renewed dialogue with the Commission to ensure that implementing legislation is proportionate and workable in practice.
Jean-Marie Robert, President of EAPO, said the sector remains willing to engage constructively to ensure that control measures can be applied effectively without undermining the viability of the fishing industry.
The letter reiterates the need for EU legislation to be coherent, practical and aligned with the realities of fishing operations.
