Imports of IUU fishery products from China
4.11.2025
Question for written answer E-004341/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE), Gabriel Mato (PPE)
According to the Beyond CATCH report[1] (EU IUU Fishing Coalition), illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries products from China are continuing to enter the EU market without sufficient verification or oversight. The report highlights systemic weaknesses in EU import controls, showing that high-risk fisheries products from third countries can reach EU consumers despite existing regulations.
According to Faro de Vigo[2], Asian vessels will continue to receive authorisation to sell their catches in the EU[3], despite being included on IUU fishing lists created by regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs).
In their joint advice[4], MAC and LDAC highlight the urgent need to reinforce and harmonise import controls, especially in EU ports.
- 1.What is the Commission’s view on the risk of IUU fisheries products from China entering the EU market, especially through EU ports? What measures will the Commission take to ensure that all products comply with the IUU Regulation?
- 2.Was the Commission aware of the situation reported by Faro de Vigo?
- 3.How will the Commission follow MAC and LDAC’s joint advice to strengthen the regulation’s enforcement and close existing loopholes?
Submitted: 4.11.2025
- [1] https://aeur.eu/f/j6q.
- [2] https://www.farodevigo.es/mar/2025/10/20/buques-asiaticos-multados-pesca-ilegal-o-abusos-laborales-pueden-vender-en-la-ue-122788562.html.
- [3] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tracesnt/directory/listing/establishment/publication/index#!/view/CN/FISHERY_PRODUCTS.
- [4] https://marketac.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EN-LDAC-MAC-Advice-EU-import-control-rules-27.06.2025.pdf.