Table of Contents
China's New Export Traceability Policy for Fishery Products Implemented, Suppliers Face Three Major Challenges
Recently, the Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued the “Notice on Granting Corresponding System Permissions to the First Batch of Designated Fishing Ports for Export Fishery Product Traceability Management,” designating the first list of 23 fishing ports and requiring the related system to be fully operational by July 1, 2025. Meanwhile, China hosted the second national capacity-building International Seminar on the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) in Shanghai in December 2025, demonstrating China’s commitment to enhancing fisheries compliance and international alignment. While these initiatives help improve the compliance and traceability of Chinese aquatic product exports, they also introduce new operational challenges for Chinese seafood suppliers.
Challenge One: Designated Unloading Ports Increase Logistics and Time Costs
According to the notice, export fishery products must be unloaded and undergo legality verification only at the designated fishing ports. This means suppliers can no longer freely choose unloading ports and must transport catches to specific ports on the list, which inadvertently increases transportation distance, time, and logistics costs. Especially for fishing fleets located far from these ports, operational flexibility is reduced, and supply chain efficiency is put to the test.
Challenge Two: Fishing Certificates Issued Only After Actual Transaction
The new system requires fishing ports to issue relevant certificates only after confirming the legality of the catch, and this process must occur after the actual purchase of raw materials. This means suppliers cannot obtain fishing certificates in advance and must initiate the certification process only after completing procurement. This may delay export customs declarations and shipments, impacting supply chain responsiveness and customer delivery commitments.
Challenge Three: Dual Registration Requirements for Fishing Vessels and Suppliers
While the notice does not detail the registration process, based on the “Work Plan for Legality Certification Reform of Aquatic Products Exported to Europe” and the spirit of the PSMA seminar, it is anticipated that export enterprises will need to complete dual registration procedures for both fishing vessels and suppliers. This will increase the administrative burden and time costs for businesses, particularly raising the compliance threshold for small and medium-sized suppliers.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall, China is accelerating its efforts to promote sustainable fisheries development and international compliance, which positively enhances the industry’s overall image and export competitiveness. However, suppliers need to quickly adapt to the new traceability management system, optimize logistics routes, strengthen collaboration with designated fishing ports, and proactively prepare for compliance registration to address the upcoming operational challenges.
