Frequently Asked Questions

Fisheries Certificate System (FCS) Registration

1. What is the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS), and where is the FCS website?
2. Do I need to be registered in the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS) before I apply for a catch certificate?
3. How do I register with the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS)?
4. Why can't I log into the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS)?

Application Process

1. What do I do if my catch certificate has been approved and I find out some information has changed or is incorrect?
2. How long will it take for my applications to be approved?
3. What do I do if FCS is not available?

Catch Certificates

1. What is the difference between a " Catch Certificate – Standard " and a " Catch Certificate - Group-Based "? Which type should I use?
2. What is the difference between a " Catch Certificate - Request Grouping " and a " Catch Certificate - Group-Based "?
3. What is a grouping?
4. European Union Catch Certificates: What is an indirect export and what do I have to do if my consignment is an indirect export?
5. European Union Catch Certificates: How do I know if the catch certificate from the country of origin is valid?

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FCS Registration

1. What is the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS), and where is the FCS website?

FCS is an online, user-friendly website, developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to respond to the European Union's IUU fishing regulation. The FCS is used by Canadian exporters to obtain catch certificates, in compliance with international regulatory requirements, to export their fisheries products to international markets.

The FCS test site can be used to learn the application process before applying for valid catch certificates.

2. Do I need to be registered in the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS) before I apply for a catch certificate?

Yes. All registration requests must be approved by the Catch Certification Program's Operations Centre (CCP: OC). The registration process is very simple and intuitive. Assistance is also available via telephone or email, if required. After you register, you will be ready to apply for certificates. Requests for groupings must also be completed in advance and are subject to the CCP: OC's approval. Please refer to the Application Process section for all service standards.

3. How do I register with the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS)?

To register online click on “Does your company require an account?” located under the login fields. You will be redirected to a registration page. Please note: all blue fields are mandatory. Once you have completed the Registration Request form, click the ‘Submit' button. You will receive a confirmation email with the FCS Delegation of Authority and Terms and Conditions of Use. Review, sign and return the document and confirm the Registration Request to complete the process. Once your registration has been approved by the Catch Certification Program, you will receive an email containing your FCS account information. Please be sure to send your signed Delegation of Authority to the address provided on the form. Use of the FCS cannot commence until the CCP: OC receives the form.

4. Why can't I log into the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS)?

Ensure that your username and password have been entered correctly. Check for capital letters, spaces and symbols that are missing or have been mistakenly entered. If you have been prompted by the FCS to change your password, your password may have expired. For security purposes, the FCS requires that users change their password every three months. If you are still unable to log in to FCS, please contact the CCP: OC for assistance.

Application Process

1. What do I do if my catch certificate has been approved and I find out some information has changed or is incorrect?

You will first need to cancel the original catch certificate; this can be done by contacting the Catch Certification Program's Operations Centre by email (CCO-BCC_Info@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) and providing the document ID number of the original catch certificate and stating the reason why you will not be using the approved catch certificate. You will then need to create a new catch certificate application with the correct information. Please note that only the FCS Delegated Manager can cancel catch certificates for their company.

2. How long will it take for my application(s) to be approved?

Below are the service standards for services provided by the Catch Certification Program's Operations Centre:

• Registration requests - 10 business days
• Grouping requests - 10 business days
• Catch Certificate (fresh products shipped by air and / or exported on application date) - 2 hours
• Catch Certificate (processed products shipped by sea and / or exported after application date) - 48 hours
• Fax or mail requests - All requests have a 14 business day service standard, starting on the day the request is received at the CCP: OC

3. What do I do if FCS is not available?

From time to time, FCS will be unavailable for scheduled maintenance. The Catch Certification Program’s Operations Centre will inform FCS users of any upcoming scheduled maintenance to allow them to prepare their applications around these breaks in service. In the event that FCS is unexpectedly unavailable, a backup application process will be put in place for urgent certificate requests.

Please contact the CCP: OC for more details.

Catch Certificates

1. What is the difference between a Catch Certificate – Standard and a Catch Certificate – Group-Based? Which type should I use?

A Catch Certificate – Standard requires that each of the vessels involved in the catch is identified, as well as the vessel’s home port, applicable fishing license number, and call sign. The Catch Certificate – Standard should be used whenever possible as it provides the most traceability

A Catch Certificate – Group-Basedincludes groups of vessels, communities, and/or buyers that need to be approved for use by the Catch Certification Program’s Operations Centre.

The use of Catch Certificates – Group-Based is limited to special circumstances, and the use of Catch Certificates – Standard is the recommended option. Groupings are approved by the CCP: OC on a case by case basis and depending on the type of fishery. If you are unable to complete a Catch Certificate – Standard application, please contact the CCP: OC for more details.

2. What is the difference between a Catch Certificate – Request Grouping and a Catch Certificate – Group-Based?

Before a Catch Certificate – Group-Based can be created; you must first create a grouping by applying for a Catch Certificate – Request Grouping. Users can create various types of groupings (vessels, communities, collector vessel) when a specific fishery may be too complex as a result of different operations or management measures. After groupings have been approved, you may apply the group(s) for future catch certificates (Group-Based). This will prevent users from having to re-enter source information on subsequent applications.

Please contact the CCP: OC for more details.

3. What is a grouping?

Groupings are approved by the CCP: OC prior to applying for a Catch Certificate – Group-Based, and used to report the source of the product in complex value chains through various structures depending on the business process of the applicant. The grouping prevents the FCS applicant from having to re-enter the information of the source of their product each time they apply for a certificate.

Please refer to the FCS User Manual or contact the CCP: OC for more details.

4. European Union Catch Certificates: What is an indirect export? What do I do if my product is an indirect export with a final destination in the European Community?

An indirect export is a consignment that is not intended for direct export into the European Community (EC). The consignment instead will land in another country outside of the EC, whether or not for processing, before it is landed in a European Union member state.

In the Detail Tab of the application for both a Catch Certificate – Standard and a Catch Certificate – Group-Based, the first line reads ‘Is the consignment intended for direct export to the European Community?’ with the option of selecting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. If your consignment is an indirect export, click the button indicating ‘No’. Enter the anticipated date of export by clicking on the drop-down arrow next to the Exportation Date field, to view and select a date from the calendar.

On the Import Tab, use the drop-down menu to select the anticipated final market destination. If the final market destination is unknown, select ‘Unknown’ in the drop-down menu. Then complete the Importer Declaration fields using your client’s information.

Please refer to the FCS User Manual or contact the CCP: OC for more details.

5. European Union Catch Certificates: How do I know if the Catch Certificate from the country of origin in valid?

The website of the European Commission provides a list of flag states with EC approved competent authorities for the issuance of catch certificates.

Please refer to the European Commission Fisheries to obtain the list of approved flag states.