Marine Ingredients Denmark (MID), representing Danish producers of fishmeal, fish oil, and marine proteins, calls for smoother trade between the EU and the UK.
In a public hearing brief, the group supports the EU Commission’s proposal to create a joint sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area with Britain.
Phytosanitary refers to measures, standards, and procedures designed to protect plants from pests, diseases, and other harmful organisms.
Checks May Cause Delays
MID points out that the UK is Denmark’s second-largest buyer of fishmeal and fish oil, which are essential in aquaculture feed.
Exports of these goods reach around 6 billion DKK annually, with strong demand from global markets.
Since Britain launched its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in 2024, fishmeal and fish oil are classed as “medium risk” imports.
This means that up to 30% of shipments face identity and physical checks. MID warns that this causes delays, more paperwork, and higher costs for both exporters and UK buyers.
Call for Clear Inclusion and Smarter Logistics
MID urges that the SPS deal should clearly include products like fishmeal and fish oil, even though they are not for direct human consumption.
The group also raises a long-standing issue: health certificate requirements can delay bulk and tanker shipments outside regular office hours, adding significant costs.
They see the SPS area as a way to cut these barriers, improve predictability, and align standards.
MID also notes the proposal’s link between the EU and UK emissions trading systems. They ask for transparency and stability on future rules and prices, especially for energy-intensive industries.