Scottish Fishermen Raise Alarm Over Trade Checks, Fearing Increased EU Influence

Industry Sounds Alarm on Proposed Trade Legislation

The Scottish fishing industry voiced significant concerns on February 26, 2026, over proposed legislation concerning plant and animal product trade checks. The industry fears that the new measures could lead to increased influence from the European Union and compromise the UK's regulatory autonomy. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), a key representative body, has been at the forefront of these warnings.

SPS Agreement and Fears of EU Re-alignment

At the heart of the industry's apprehension is the potential scope of the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. While initially intended to streamline food safety regulations, the SFF has warned that recent discussions suggest the agreement may extend beyond these parameters to cover technical barriers to trade. This expansion, they argue, could significantly widen its scope into areas directly affecting fisheries governance. The primary concern is that such an agreement could risk drawing the United Kingdom back into elements of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), a prospect the industry views with alarm. The SFF has sought explicit confirmation from the government that the SPS Agreement will not extend into fisheries management or policy control, and that the UK's regulatory autonomy over its own waters will be preserved.

Operational Challenges and Economic Impact

Beyond the broader policy concerns, the Scottish fishing and seafood processing sectors are grappling with the practical implications of new trade requirements. New paperwork, such as the 'catch passport' system, has been introduced for exporting seafood to the EU. Industry representatives describe some of these requirements as 'unworkable' and warn they could jeopardize jobs and millions of pounds in revenue. The seafood sector is a vital component of Scotland's economy, with exports accounting for approximately 70% of the total seafood industry. Around 80% of the fish caught in the North Sea is exported to the EU, making seamless access to European markets critical. The new rules necessitate increased data submission for traceability across the entire supply chain, from fishers to processors and exporters. Concerns have been raised that errors in this complex new system could lead to rejected consignments and substantial financial losses for businesses.

Context of Post-Brexit Fisheries Landscape

The current concerns are set against a backdrop of existing dissatisfaction within the Scottish fishing industry regarding the post-Brexit fisheries settlement. The industry has already endured significant concessions, including continued EU fleet access to UK waters until 2038. The Scottish Seafood Association (SSA) has echoed the SFF's calls for government backing, highlighting signals that the UK government might concede to EU demands for greater quotas and fishing ground access. The UK government has been updating its Fish Export Service (FES) to help businesses comply with new EU import rules around traceability, which came into force on January 10, 2026. Additionally, the #FishTraceShip campaign was launched to assist the industry in preparing for these changes.