Guidance

Takeover of fisheries products

Updated 19 November 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-trace-weigh-and-distribute-fish-products/takeover-of-fisheries-products

1. Who has to complete a takeover declarations

As a registered buyer, seller or agent or keeper of fish after it has been landed which is intended for sale at a later stage you must submit a takeover declaration.

This could be when:

  • fish is put into storage awaiting a buyer: or
  • fresh fish is kept in a chiller prior to sale by auction if it is not intended to sell the fish at the next available auction

At all times traceability obligations apply.

Whoever takes over the fish is responsible for the submission of the takeover declaration and its accuracy.

2. Information required in a takeover declaration

The takeover declaration must contain at least the following information:

  • PLN (Port Letters and Number) and name of the fishing vessel that has landed the products;
  • Port and date of landing;
  • Name of the vessel’s master;
  • The FAO alpha-3 code of each species and the relevant geographical area in which the catches were taken;
  • The quantities of each species stored in kilograms in product weight, broken down by type of product presentation;
  • The name and address of the facilities where the products are stored;
  • Where applicable, reference to the transport document;

3. How must you submit the takeover declaration

Buyers, auctions or other bodies or persons with an annual turnover of more than €200,000 per year must submit the takeover declaration electronically within 24 hours of the landing, otherwise the takeover declaration must be submitted within 48 hours of the landing.

4. Submit an electronic takeover declaration.

You will need to go to fishub where you can submit the declaration.

There are two methods of submitting takeover declarations online. These are through:

  • Secure area - registered users of the Electronic Reporting System should login and use the takeover declaration form available in the secure area.
  • Public area – for all non-registered users. This allows anyone to submit a takeover declaration without having to register.

5. Submit a paper takeover declaration

If you or your business has an annual turnover of less than €200,000 (Euro) in first-sale fish then you may provide the information electronically or manually within 48 hours after the takeover has taken place.

It is recommended that you submit takeover declarations electronically irrespective of your turnover.

Paper takeover declarations should submitted to your local MMO coastal office.

A suggested buyers’ and sellers’ takeover declarations template designed to help the fishing industry comply with EU regulations that seek to ensure traceability information on catches of fish are made available up to the first point of sale is available.

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