Danish fishers are facing higher costs following the introduction of new producer responsibility rules for fishing gear in 2026. The scheme adds new fees on fishing gear sold in Denmark.
According to the Danish Fisheries Association, the costs are passed on directly to fishers through higher prices.
The rules require producers of fishing gear to document recycling and pay several fees per kilo of gear. The total charge is 9.62 Danish kroner per kilo, equal to about EUR 1.29. Producer organisations say this has already led to price rises of 5 to 20 per cent on fishing gear.
In concrete cases, the price of a single item of gear has risen by 80,000 to 85,000 Danish kroner, or roughly EUR 10,700 to 11,400. The Danish Fisheries Association says fishers cannot pass these costs on, as they are price takers in the market.
New fees replace the earlier harbour-based system
Before the new rules, fishers paid harbour dues. Ports accepted worn-out gear and handled disposal and recycling without extra charges. The Danish Fisheries Association says this system worked well and involved limited administration.
The association also cites DTU assessments indicating that lost or abandoned gear is not a widespread problem in Danish waters. This suggests that fishers already delivered used gear to ports under the old system.
Industry calls for a pause and review
Under the current model, gear producers pay fees to several bodies, including Dansk Retur, the Ministry of the Environment, and Dansk Producentansvar. The industry argues that Denmark may be the only EU country applying the rules with such high costs.
The Danish Fisheries Association has asked the Ministry of the Environment to suspend the fees. It also calls for a review to check whether Denmark has gone further than required under EU law.