Key tips for exporters from a large shellfish processor

At Seafish, we’re passionate about collating industry insights on processes that affect the sector.

We wanted to get an industry perspective on the current export process – the challenges, tips for best practice, and the benefits that exporting can bring. These insights could then be used to spread knowledge across the sector more broadly. So, earlier in 2025, we sat down with the exports specialist of a large shellfish processor. This business exports their products both to the EU and Rest of World countries.

A man in oilskins walks through a warehouse filled with fishboxes.

In May 2025, the UK and EU announced plans to negotiate a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which will remove most routine border checks on food and agricultural products moving between the UK and EU. Negotiations for a UK-EU SPS Agreement are ongoing. Once an agreement is in place, we will seek feedback from industry on the new process of exporting seafood to the EU. This will enable us to reflect on what’s changed for businesses and how UK seafood exporters can best utilise the SPS Agreement.

Key current challenges in exporting to the EU

1. Physical collection and delivery of documents:

The need for wet ink signatures on Export Health Certificates (EHCs) means physical collection and delivery of these documents. It takes this exporter an hour-long round trip to collect an EHC and return to their site.
If the EHC then needs to be transported alongside the fish itself, there is an additional journey to get the paperwork to the ferry or other mode of transport before that departs.

2. Differences in interpretation:

Different EU border control posts can interpret EU entry criteria in varying ways. Rejection of consignments can occur because of minor typing errors in the accompanying paperwork.

3. Information entry:

Export documentation like the EHC and certificate of origin often need the same information to be entered, increasing the administrative burden for exporters.

Tips for best practice

1. Initial research is critical:

New exporters should connect with experienced businesses and conduct thorough research into customs contacts, as well as the entry requirements of each preferred EU border control post.

2. Have a dedicated team:

Exporting is labour-intensive. So, a seafood exporter should have a dedicated export lead or even a team focused on this aspect of the business. You may wish to consult external consultants for additional expertise.

3. Don’t rely solely on government guidance:

Gov.uk is a great resource, providing general guidance on exporting fish and seafood. However, you may need knowledge tailored to your business’ specific products and supply chains. This shellfish processor advises new exporters to conduct in-depth research and develop ‘in-house’ expertise.

Experience of groupage

This business uses groupage but relies on their logistics provider to handle the relevant paperwork. They have not experienced consignments being rejected due to a problem with another business’ product in the same grouped consignment.

A worker in a warehouse leads a trolly of fishboxes out of a door.

Business benefits of exporting

1. Strategic importance:

Exporting allows the business to compete globally and diversify beyond what they said is a highly competitive UK market.

2. Revenue potential:

Exporting can open lucrative international markets, but it requires significant investment in staff training and process management.

Final advice to new exporters

1. Be organised, diligent, and attentive to detail.

2. Train staff thoroughly and avoid mistakes, as even small errors can result in full shipment rejections.

3. Be prepared for some extra costs – health certificates alone can cost £100–£150, and mistakes can amplify those costs. However, exporting has the potential to make your seafood business significantly more profitable.

For further guidance about how to export seafood from the UK, please contact our Regulation Team.