Key Fish and Fish Products Upcoming Regulations to Monitor

From sustainability mandates to labeling enforcement and transparency in licensing, the regulatory landscape for fish and seafood products is undergoing a global transformation. Whether you're importing salmon to the EU, farming shrimp in the Gulf Coast, or labeling crawfish in Mississippi, new laws are reshaping the way businesses operate across the fish value chain.

As global consumption of aquatic products continues to grow, authorities are tightening control over how fish are caught, processed, transported, and marketed. With a wave of new regulations coming into force between 2025 and 2028, food businesses must stay ahead of a complex web of national and international changes.

In this article, we highlight the most impactful upcoming regulations for fish and fish products, including those targeting country of origin labeling, licensing confidentiality, aquaculture import controls, recreational fisheries, and by-catch reduction. These laws not only reflect evolving food safety and trade priorities—but also raise the bar for compliance.

Key Trends in Fish Regulations

Several key themes are emerging across upcoming fish-related regulations:

1. Stronger Labeling and Traceability Requirements
Multiple bills—particularly in the U.S. (Mississippi)—are expanding mandatory labeling rules for seafood, including detailed country of origin designations. These measures are designed to enhance consumer transparency and protect local producers from unfair competition.

2. Rise of Digitalization and Confidentiality in Licensing
New rules are emerging to protect personal and business data within fisheries licensing systems. Mississippi’s upcoming legislation, for example, will exempt seafood license records from public disclosure under open-records laws, reflecting growing concerns over data privacy in the fisheries sector.

3. Expansion of Recreational and Commercial Controls
The EU and U.S. are tightening oversight on recreational and habitat-related fisheries activities, introducing new fees (e.g., habitat stamps), mandatory authorizations, and enforcement mechanisms to better manage fishing pressure and fund conservation efforts.

4. Emphasis on Import Controls and Aquaculture Biosecurity
Countries such as Georgia and Russia are implementing stricter veterinary, health, and certification requirements for aquaculture imports, targeting disease prevention and ensuring traceability of foreign-sourced fish products.

5. Sustainability and Ecosystem Protection
A notable trend in EU legislation focuses on reducing by-catches and protecting endangered species in marine ecosystems. Several upcoming regulations outline selective gear requirements and technical measures, particularly in cod-heavy regions like the Baltic Sea.

6. International Harmonization with Codex Standards
Emerging economies like Nicaragua are aligning national policies with Codex Alimentarius standards for fish and aquaculture products, signaling a shift toward global standardization—especially important for exporters aiming at international markets.

Upcoming Regulations in the Fish and Seafood Industry

Using SGS Digicomply’s Regulatory Intelligence Hub, we’ve identified a series of upcoming regulations that will shape the future of the fish and seafood sector. From enhanced labeling requirements to new licensing rules and international trade controls, these measures are set to impact producers, distributors, retailers, and regulatory teams worldwide.

Below is an overview of the most significant changes, along with their expected enforcement timelines and potential implications for compliance and market access.

Upcoming Regulations in the Fish and Seafood Industry

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3094

Market: European Union
Published on: November 27, 2024
Enforceable Date: April 09, 2025
Source: EUR-Lex

Summary: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3094 establishes detailed technical specifications for selective fishing devices intended to reduce incidental cod catches in the Baltic Sea, as outlined in Annex VIII of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241. The regulation mandates that codends must feature two square-mesh panels of equal dimensions, connected by selvedges, with netting arranged so that bars are parallel and perpendicular to the codend’s length. Devices such as NEMOS and ROOFLESS are illustrated, with NEMOS allowing optional features like floats and weights. Additionally, the regulation requires that the escape window be at least 175 cm long.

Explore the current status, comprehensive dashboard with trends, and full text of regulations using the SGS Digicomply Regulatory Intelligence Hub. Check out the demo to see our regulatory compliance tools in action.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3093

Market: European Union
Published on: October 13, 2023
Enforceable Date: April 09, 2025
Source: EUR-Lex

Summary: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3093 amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 to introduce targeted technical measures aimed at reducing by-catches of cod in the Baltic Sea. Based on recommendations from the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the regulation promotes the use of a modified T90 codend in combination with a Roofless selection device to reduce cod mortality and support stock recovery. Within ICES subdivisions 22 to 26, bottom trawl vessels must deploy this gear configuration or other Commission-approved alternatives that meet the regulation's performance criteria.

House Bill 602 – Expanded Country of Origin Labeling for Crawfish and Seafood

Market: United States of America, Mississippi
Published on: January 15, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 01, 2025
Source: Mississippi Legislature

Summary: House Bill 602 amends Section 69-1-55 of the Mississippi Code to broaden country of origin labeling requirements to include all seafood intended for human consumption, including saltwater finfish, crustaceans, and molluscan shellfish. It defines key terms such as “food service establishment,” “farm-raised,” and “foreign,” clarifying that farm-raised seafood must originate from U.S. sources. Restaurants in violation will be issued a written notice and must correct deficiencies within three days. Regulatory authority is jointly held by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Department of Marine Resources. Fines from violations will be directed to the Mississippi Seafood Fund.

Senate Bill 2281 – Habitat Stamp Requirement for Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping

Market: Greece
Published on: January 20, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 01, 2025
Source: Mississippi Legislature

Summary: Senate Bill 2281 requires all individuals aged 16 and older in Mississippi to obtain a conservation stamp before engaging in hunting, fishing, or trapping activities. Nonresidents must pay a $25 fee, while residents may acquire the stamp at no cost, with the option to make voluntary donations. The bill outlines penalties for noncompliance and allocates funds from stamp sales to wildlife conservation and resource management. The act includes a repeal clause scheduled for June 30, 2026.

House Bill 1103 – Reimbursement for Lost Revenue from License and Fee Discounts

Market: United States of America, Mississippi
Published on: January 20, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 01, 2025
Source: Mississippi Legislature

Summary: House Bill 1103 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to be reimbursed for revenue losses stemming from statutory discounts applied to hunting and fishing licenses, state park admissions, and other fees. The department must submit an annual accounting to the Department of Finance and Administration by June 30. The equivalent amount will be transferred from the state general fund into the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund within 30 days of submission. These records will be subject to audit by the State Auditor.

House Bill 660 – Exemption of Seafood License Records from Public Disclosure

Market: United States of America, Mississippi
Published on: January 15, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 01, 2025
Source: Mississippi Legislature

Summary: House Bill 660 creates a new section in the Mississippi Code exempting records related to seafood license applications and their holders from public access under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. Disclosure is only permitted through a court order or with written approval from the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources. Law enforcement agencies retain full access. The bill also amends Section 25-61-5 to align with this exemption and clarifies timelines for processing requests and denials.

Senate Bill 2263 – Amendments to Oyster Lease Approvals and Public Access

Market: United States of America, Mississippi
Published on: January 15, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 01, 2025
Source: Mississippi Legislature

Summary: Senate Bill 2263 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code regarding oyster reef leasing. The bill authorizes the Department of Marine Resources to lease reef bottoms to qualified applicants, including those without prior cultivation experience if financial capacity is demonstrated. It allows for public access to unleased reef areas, collaboration with port authorities, seasonal closures, and issuance of special permits for off-season or restricted-area oyster harvesting.

CNNC Resolution No. 01-2024 – Adoption of Codex Standards for Fishery and Aquaculture Products

Market: Nicaragua
Published on: January 09, 2025
Enforceable Date: July 09, 2025
Source: National Assembly – Nicaragua

Summary: CNNC Resolution No. 01-2024 mandates the full adoption of international standards and the Codex Alimentarius Code of Practice for Fishery and Aquaculture Products in Nicaragua. Initiated by the Institute for Agricultural Protection and Health (IPSA), the resolution establishes binding compliance requirements for all seafood production and import establishments under IPSA oversight. It also defines the scope and responsibilities for sanitary inspections and audits, while repealing previously established national technical standards. The regulation aims to align Nicaragua’s seafood safety framework with global norms and will take effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Law No. 496-FZ – Amendments to the Veterinary Law of the Russian Federation

Market: Russian Federation
Published on: December 26, 2024
Enforceable Date: September 01, 2025
Source: Parliamentary Newspaper

Summary: Law No. 496-FZ introduces amendments to Article 14 of the Russian Federation’s Law “On Veterinary Medicine,” further modifying terminology and legal definitions related to animal health, product safety, and regulatory enforcement. The new provisions update terms such as “veterinary rules” to “veters” in Article 19 and make adjustments across Articles 11, 21, 22, 23, 25, and 118 to better reflect contemporary practices in the processing, production, and import of potentially hazardous products. These changes apply broadly to sectors involving meat, fish, and general food products and reinforce veterinary oversight within Russia’s food safety framework.

Federal Law – Amendments to Articles 27 and 192 of the Law "On Veterinary Medicine

Market: Russian Federation
Published on: January 28, 2025
Enforceable Date: September 01, 2025
Source: Parliamentary Newspaper

Summary: The Russian Federation has adopted a federal law amending Articles 27 and 192 of the national law "On Veterinary Medicine," with the goal of enhancing veterinary oversight in food production. Effective September 1, 2025, the amendments establish formal veterinary rules for determining the zoosanitary status of facilities involved in animal farming, slaughter, production, and storage of regulated goods. Assessment of zoosanitary status will be voluntary and managed by both federal and regional veterinary authorities. Special provisions apply to facilities operating under federal defense or security jurisdiction, reinforcing national biosecurity and food safety controls.

Nutrition Labelling – Table of Reference Amounts for Food

Market: Canada
Published on: November 24, 2022
Enforceable Date: January 01, 2026
Source: Canada.ca

Summary: Canada’s updated Nutrition Labelling regulations, effective January 1, 2026, introduce a detailed table of reference amounts applicable to a wide range of food categories including fish and fish products, meat, dairy, beverages, cereals, and more. The regulation defines standard metric and household measures for labeling consistency and clarifies that reference amounts refer to the ready-to-serve state of food. Transitional provisions allow manufacturers to use existing formats until December 31, 2025. The updated table also excludes certain liquid packaging formats and sets rules for using generic descriptors. This regulation ensures clearer, more consistent nutritional information across prepackaged foods.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/274 – Control of Recreational Fisheries

Market: European Union
Published on: February 12, 2025
Enforceable Date: January 10, 2026
Source: EUR-Lex

Summary: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/274 sets out detailed rules for the enforcement of Article 55 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, targeting the control of recreational fisheries across the EU. The regulation introduces requirements to address illegal fishing and reduce the environmental impact of abandoned or lost fishing gear. Key provisions include the mandatory secure marking of passive fishing gear with durable materials and the submission of catch data as stipulated under the broader EU Fishing Regulation. These measures aim to enhance traceability, accountability, and sustainability within the recreational fishing sector.

SALE OF FOOD ACT (CHAPTER 283, SECTION 56(1)) – Food Regulations

Market: Singapore
Published on: January 30, 2025
Enforceable Date: January 30, 2026
Source: Singapore Statutes Online

Summary: Singapore’s updated Food Regulations under the Sale of Food Act (Chapter 283, Section 56(1)) will come into effect on January 30, 2026. Modeled on European Union standards, the regulation introduces new rules for the sale, labeling, and safety of food products including fish, dairy, cereals, and general food items. Key provisions include mandatory accurate labeling, prohibition of misleading health or nutrition claims, and defined limits for food additives and contaminants. The regulation also introduces nutritional grading requirements—such as Nutri-Grade—for beverages, aligning with broader public health and transparency goals.

Decree № 597 – Conditions for Marketing and Importing Aquaculture and Its Products

Market: Georgia
Published on: December 29, 2017
Enforceable Date: January 01, 2027
Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia

Summary: Decree № 597 establishes health and certification requirements for the placement and import of aquaculture animals and their products into the Georgian market. Effective January 1, 2027, the National Food Agency will be responsible for enforcement under Georgia’s Food/Animal Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Code. All consignments of live aquaculture animals for further processing must be accompanied by veterinary health certificates indicating the country of origin and the exact location of the farm or breeding site. The regulation exempts fish that have been slaughtered and gutted and sets restrictions on the import of decorative aquatic animals, which must originate from approved regions and meet designated animal health criteria.

Resolution № 275 – Minimum Frequency of State Controls for Animal Health Compliance

Market: Georgia
Published on: July 25, 2023
Enforceable Date: January 01, 2028
Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia

Conclusion

The fish and seafood industry is entering a new regulatory era—one defined by precision, traceability, and accountability. From licensing transparency in Mississippi to Codex alignment in Nicaragua and selective gear mandates in the Baltic Sea, governments are rewriting the rules for how aquatic products are caught, labeled, and traded. For businesses across the value chain, this isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying competitive in a global market where regulations are no longer just background noise, but strategic priorities. The clock is ticking, and those who act early will be the ones best positioned to lead.

Explore SGS Digicomply’s Regulatory Intelligence Hub

SGS Digicomply’s Regulatory Intelligence Hub offers a powerful solution for managing regulatory complexities across 150+ jurisdictions. With AI-driven research tools, easy-to-read regulatory guides, change monitoring, and an interactive agenda, the platform empowers teams to make informed, timely decisions. Whether you’re tracking new rules or comparing global standards, SGS Digicomply is your essential partner for proactive compliance. See how it works in our demo.

Key Fish and Fish Products Upcoming Regulations to Monitor

Key Trends in Fish Regulations

Upcoming Regulations in the Fish and Seafood Industry

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3094

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3093

House Bill 602 – Expanded Country of Origin Labeling for Crawfish and Seafood

Senate Bill 2281 – Habitat Stamp Requirement for Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping

House Bill 1103 – Reimbursement for Lost Revenue from License and Fee Discounts

Conclusion

Explore SGS Digicomply’s Regulatory Intelligence Hub

30 September, 2024

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