Salmon Scotland calls for new electronic systems to help UK exporters

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott has requested a new electronic system for UK exporters after fisheries minister Mark Spencer applauded similar measures that support seafood imports from Norway. Both have attended the Norway-UK seafood summit held in London.

In more detail, Scott recalled: "We’ve been saying since Brexit that we need electronic systems to reduce the red tape for salmon farmers. So given this now happens for seafood imports from third countries like Norway, as highlighted by the fisheries minister, we’re surprised that this still hasn’t been sorted for exporters to the EU."

In addition, the trade body Salmon Scotland has alerted that farmers are still disappointed due to the absence of updated eCertification for export health certificates (EHCs), and the problems associated with the existing outdated system.

An extra £3 million a year cost since Brexit

According to Salmon Scotland, post-Brexit paperwork has caused Scottish salmon farming companies to spend an extra £3 million a year. Salmon producers have already tried the electronic EHC system to prove that this will make easier European exports.

Finally, as Scottish salmon is getting more popular in smaller European markets such as the Netherlands and Spain, there is a need for a "smoother" trade flow.

"International demand for Scottish salmon continues to increase, and it’s vital for economic growth here at home that we remove barriers for key exporters like salmon farmers," Scott said.