⁠Your Guide to Importing Frozen Fish into the European Union (2025 Update)

Importing frozen fish into the EU is highly regulated — and for good reason. With strict food safety, traceability, and labelling requirements, European buyers expect more than just quality product — they need compliant, fully documented shipments. For exporters and importers alike, a small oversight can lead to customs delays, port rejections, or even bans.

This updated 2025 guide outlines what you need to know about importing frozen fish into the EU, including certifications, documentation, packaging, and sourcing best practices.

✅ 1. EU Market Snapshot: Why Frozen Fish Imports Are Growing

• The EU is one of the world’s largest seafood markets, with high demand for white fish, shrimp, squid, and value-added products.

• Key countries: Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France

• Main import channels: wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice suppliers

• Buyer priorities: food safety, origin traceability, ethical sourcing, eco-labels

  
  

✅ 2. Approved Countries & Facilities: Know Your Source

To export to the EU, your product must come from a country and facility approved by the European Commission.

Check:

• Is your exporter on the EU’s approved list of establishments?

• Is the seafood processed in a HACCP-certified facility?

• Does it meet EU hygiene package requirements?

CMDX only works with EU-approved processors and provides full batch-level traceability on request.

✅ 3. Required Documents for Entry

Here’s what buyers and exporters need to prepare:

Document	Purpose
Health Certificate	Proves product safety and hygiene compliance
Catch Certificate	Verifies legal catch (EU IUU Regulation)
Commercial Invoice	Declares value, terms, quantity
Packing List	Details of packaging units, net/gross weights
Bill of Lading / AWB	For logistics and customs clearance
Certificate of Origin (if applicable)	Used for tariff purposes or proof of preferential origin

Missing or mismatched documents can result in port delays or rejections.

✅ 4. Labelling & Packaging: EU Requirements

Every frozen fish shipment must be labelled correctly in one of the EU's official languages, and include:

• Common and scientific name of the species

• Production method (wild/farmed)

• Country of origin

• Net weight and glaze %

• Storage instructions

• Lot number and processor ID

CMDX provides custom-labelled packaging that complies with EU labelling laws.

✅ 5. Logistics & Cold Chain Management

Temperature control is non-negotiable. For frozen fish, the EU mandates:

• Cold storage at −18°C or lower

• Temp loggers or data recorders are often required by larger importers

• Use of food-grade reefer containers with door seal inspections

CMDX manages end-to-end cold chain from processing to port, including documentation for audits.

✅ 6. Tips to Avoid Import Delays or Violations

• Work only with EU-approved suppliers

• Double-check all documentation formats and expiry dates

• Use inspection videos or 3rd-party pre-shipment QC

• Track container temps and ETA to avoid port demurrage

• Stay updated on EU regulatory changes (e.g. new vet inspection rules in 2025)

✅ 7. Common Products Imported to the EU

CMDX supplies EU buyers with high-demand frozen fish species, including:

• Pangasius (Vietnam)

• Shrimp (Vannamei)

• Squid and cuttlefish

• Tilapia

• Mackerel

All with EU-compliant specs, processing standards, and QA support.

Conclusion: Work With Exporters Who Understand Compliance

Importing to the EU isn’t just about finding low prices — it’s about protecting your business, your end customers, and your reputation. CMDX Global specializes in sourcing and exporting frozen seafood to the EU with full regulatory compliance, documentation readiness, and QA transparency.

Need help sourcing frozen fish to the EU in 2025? Contact CMDX for approved processors, trial shipments, and documentation walkthroughs.