Common solution for fish traceability
The EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) sets requirements for the traceability, data management and reporting of fishery products. Operators must be able to collect, store and exchange product information throughout the supply chain with both competent authorities and trading partners. While solutions are already in place to support compliance with CFP requirements, challenges related to data management and information exchange remain. Information is often dispersed across different systems and company-specific solutions, making it difficult to utilise data effectively and increasing the need for manual work.
The project brings together the perspectives of fisheries companies, retailers, wholesalers and authorities to develop a future operating model that supports both regulatory requirements and the practical needs of businesses. The aim is to establish a shared vision of how traceability information could be managed and exchanged more efficiently between stakeholders. A common approach is expected to facilitate compliance, improve the flow of information and reduce manual work throughout the food chain.
This project represents the first phase of the initiative and will result in a proposal for the target state and future development activities. Based on the outcomes, a decision will be made on whether to launch a second phase, during which the traceability solution and its implementation would be defined in greater detail.
Tasks and objectives
The objectives of the project are to:
- identify the CFP and related reporting requirements for fish traceability
- assess the current state of fish traceability information exchange between stakeholders across the food chain
- evaluate challenges associated with current operating models and information exchange practices
- establish a shared vision for the future target state.
The project will produce:
- an assessment of the data requirements necessary for fish traceability
- a visualised model of the core functionalities required for an industry-wide solution
- a proposal for proceeding to a specification project, during which the implementation approach and required resources would be defined in more detail.
Project timetable
6.5.–14.8.2026
Project organisation
The project is coordinated by GS1 Finland and includes representatives from Finnforel, Hätälä, Kalamakasiini, Kalaneuvos / Martin Kala, Kesko, Kespro, Lerøy Finland, Meira Nova, Pielisen Kalajaloste, PNM-Chipsters, the Finnish Food Authority, SOK, the Finnish Fish Farmers’ Association and Valio Aimo.
