IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing is a term
commonly used in the fishing industry worldwide. IUU practices pose
a major threat to the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic
resources and to regional and international efforts to protect
marine biodiversity. It is estimated that IUU fishing activities
represent US$15 billion per year and it is equivalent to almost 20%
of the catch value that is reported worldwide.
In an effort to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, the
European Union implemented Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 on
September 29th 2008 ("Regulation 1005/2008") which
entered into force on 1st January 2010.
Regulation 1005/2008 regulates the importation of fish products
both processed and unprocessed (with some exceptions) to the EU
either by EU flagged vessels or third country vessels (non-EU
Member State). It also aims to regulate fishing activities of EU
vessels exporting fish products outside the EU. As prescribed
