Country-specific catch certification requirements

Learn about the requirements and apply for a catch certificate for:

European Union
Chile
Japan
Ukraine

European Union illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) Fishing Regulations

The document titled ‘Agreed Record Between Canada and the European Union’ summarizes the agreement concluded between Canada and the European Union (EU). This Agreed Record allows Canada to establish an electronic certification system for Canadian exporters of fish and seafood products destined for the EU. This permits a simplified method for Canadian exporters to meet the requirements of the new EU regulation to deter IUU fisheries.

Chile: Certificate of Legal Origin (Resolution No. 2796)

In December 2009, the Government of Chile enacted Resolution No. 2796 that establishes conditions and requirements for authorizing the admission to Chile of marine resources and their products, and the procedure for proving that they are of legal origin. The Chilean regulation applies to all aquatic products.

The Catch Certification Program was made aware of the new requirements in January 2010. At that time, it was agreed that Canadian products would be exempt from the regulation until an agreement on implementation was reached between the two countries.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, developed a catch certification scheme to respond to Chile’s new requirements.

The Government of Canada is awaiting a response from the Government of Chile to finalize the agreement and begin the issuance of Chilean catch certificates. Until that time, the Catch Certification Program is issuing letters of attestation to Canadian exporters as proof of legal origin. The Catch Certification Program will inform all clients when the agreement is finalized and Chilean catch certificates will become available through the Fisheries Certificate System.

Catch Certificates for Japan

As of December 10, 2014, Canadian processors and exporters of the following crab species to Japan are required to apply for a Canadian catch certificate to accompany their product, through the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS):

Hairy Crab,
Queen Snow Crab,
Red Crab,
Red King Crab, and
Blue King Crab.

The application for a catch certificate for Japan can be obtained by logging into the Fisheries Certificate System, clicking on “Create Application" and then choosing the type of catch certificate for Japan you require (Group-Based, Standard, or Foreign Catch Export).

Standard applications may include more than one (1) vessel involved in the catch.

Besides this change, all other application processes and service standards will remain the same as applications for catch certificates to other destinations submitted within the Fisheries Certificate System.

Groupings created within the Fisheries Certificate System are valid for all destinations, including Japan.

Catch Certificates for Ukraine

As of November 1, 2014 Canadian processors and exporters of fish and seafood products to Ukraine are required to apply through the Fisheries Certificate System (FCS), for a Canadian catch certificate to accompany their product.

The application for a catch certificate for Ukraine can be obtained by logging into the Fisheries Certificate System, clicking on “Create Application" and then choosing the type of catch certificate you require (Group-Based, Standard, or Foreign Export).