Steps for the creation of a catch certificate
Step 1: As exporter, start creating a catch certificate
Note
To create a catch certificate, you need to have an operator role with activity fishing exporter.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then CATCH.
Click on the green button located on the top-right hand side of the window entitled + Catch Certificate and then Create new Catch Certificate.
Note
The option “Create new Catch Certificate (paper version validated by flag State before 10/01/2026)” is to be used only by the importer’s operators.
Select commodities
For the catch certificate, the commodity codes follow the Harmonized System (6-digit code) developed by the World Customs Organization.
A pop-up window is shown requesting to select the commodities. You can provide the nomenclature code, section or species in the “search” field or search it manually by clicking on the “+” button on the left side of the codes.
Click on Search.
Select the relevant commodity code by clicking the checkbox to the right of a commodity. You can select one or more commodity codes.
Click on Done.
Note
At least one commodity code must be selected.
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The electronic version of the "European Union Catch Certificate" creation page is displayed, showing the following tabs and fields:
Details of the catch certificate – where you need to enter the details of the certificate.
Transport details – where you need to enter the information required in box 10.
History icon – where you can view all previous statuses and the actors involved in this certificate.
Status – displays the current status of your certificate. Hover over the status to see additional information about the next actions to be taken.
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Save the certificate as Draft
For the system to recognize you as an exporter and launch the Exporter workflow, you need to fill in Box 1 and Box 8 and then save the document as Draft.
Note
All the boxes marked with red * are mandatory.
Depending on the workflow, the mandatory boxes may be different.
Tip
Use the shortcut tool on the right-hand side of the certificate to navigate easily between the boxes.
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Box 1: Validating authority
The purpose of this box is to select the validating authority that is controlling the activities of the fishing vessel (i.e., the flag State of the fishing vessel).
To complete this box, it is possible to:
In the Name field, start typing the name of the validating authority and select it from the drop-down list that appears. If you select the country first, you can narrow the results in the list.
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Click on the Advanced button and run an “Advanced search” adding filters to narrow the search. Selecting the country of the authority is mandatory.
Then click on Search and select the relevant authority from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Note
If the country you wish to insert does not appear in the list, it means that the flag State is not a notified country or is identified/listed as non-cooperating country.
Once the correct option is selected, the “Name”, “Country” and other details (click on the three dots to see them) of the validating authority are automatically completed.
You can click on Clear to remove the authority included in your certificate, if needed.
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Box 8: Exporter
Complete with your information.
To complete this box, it is possible to:
In the Name field, start typing the name of the operator and select it from the drop-down list that appears. If you select the country first, you can narrow the results in the list.
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Click on the Advanced button and run an advanced search (by clicking the small “+ button”), adding filters to narrow the search. Selecting the country of the operator is mandatory.
Then click on Search and select the relevant operator from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Select an operator that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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Tip
Save your information as “Favorite”. This action speeds up the submission process.
To do that:
1. you need to run an advanced search
2. find your operator
3. tick the star on the left of the operator’s name.
The star will turn yellow, and you can start using it as a “Favorite”.
Once the correct option is selected, the “Name”, “Country” and other details (click on the three dots and the small icon to see them) of the operator are automatically completed.
You can click on Clear to remove the operator included in your certificate, if needed.
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Next step
Click on the button Save as Draft, in the lower right corner.
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The status is DRAFT. This means the certificate is saved and you can still edit it at a later moment.
A draft serial number is automatically assigned to the certificate.
The information “EU IUU Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, after 10th January 2026” below the reference highlights the template used.
Complete the catch certificate
Important
Either the exporter or the master of fishing vessel or fishing licence holder (FLH)/duly mandated representative can fill in boxes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
If it is up to the master or FLH/duly mandated representative to do it, the exporter must select the fishing vessel(s) in Box 2 and the respective master or FLH/duly mandated representative in Box 5 and submit the certificate. In this case, the filling of boxes 2, 3, 4 (and eventually 6 or 7) is the responsibility of the latter.
Section: Document Number
This section is to be filled in by the validating authority.
Box 2: Fishing Vessel
Note
Only vessels flying the flag of the validating authority must be selected.
If the country you wish to insert does not appear in the list, it means that the flag State is not a notified country or is identified/listed as non-cooperating country.
To complete this box, it is possible to:
Click on Select fishing vessel and run an advanced search, adding filters in the name field to narrow the search (e.g. name, national registration number, IMO number).
Then click on Search and select the relevant fishing vessel from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Select a fishing vessel that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the fishing vessel name. This will register this vessel as your favorite.
If the fishing vessel is not on the list (not yet registered in the system), you can create a new one:
Click on + Create a new Fishing vessel.
Complete the data (the mandatory data is marked with a red asterisk).
Tick the box “Not available” in case you don´t have access to the mandatory data.
Click on Save and Select.
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Note
The “+ Create a new fishing vessel” button will only appear once you did an advanced search in order to avoid as much as possible duplicates in the system.
Once the vessel is selected, Box 2 is automatically partially completed (vessel name, country, home port, registration number, call sign, IMO/UVI number and contact).
You can:
check all details of the vessel by clicking on its name. In case the data is outdated, you can modify it and click on Save.
use buttons Remove (garbage) to remove vessels included in the certificate, if needed.
select more fishing vessels, by repeating the procedure.
Box 2: Fishing vessel – Type of processing and Fishing licence
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To complete this box, for each vessel selected:
Type in the free text box the “Type of processing authorised on board”, if applicable.
Add “Fishing licence no. – valid until”.
To complete this section:
Click on Select.
Select one or more licences from the list by clicking on the Select button, to the right of a licence.
If there is a long list, enter the reference number in the “Search” field (displayed at the top) and the result appears.
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In case the license has the wrong expiry date in the database and has been extended in time, you need to update it.
Click on the small icon next to the “Select” button → Click on the small calendar icon to select a new expiration date → click on Update.
If the licence is not on the list, click on + Create new fishing license.
Complete the required data and then click on + Create.
To finally add the selected licences to the certificate, click on Add selected fishing licences.
Once the correct option(s) is added, the reference number and validity of the licence is automatically completed.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change licenses included in your certificate, if needed.
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Next step
Click on the Save as Draft button again, to correctly save the list of selected fishing vessels.
Box 3: Description of products
The purpose of this box is to complete, for each fishing trip related to a selected product code, the mandatory sections Species, Fishing vessel, Catch area – FAO area(s), Catch area – EEZ or high seas, Catch date (from), Catch date (to) and the respective weight.
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In this box, it is possible to:
Use buttons + Add commodity or Modify commodities to add or change product codes included in your certificate.
Use button Remove to delete the selected product code from the list (if there is more than one).
Use button Clear rows to delete all rows (fishing trips) related to the selected product code.
Use button + Add row to add 1 row (fishing trip) related to the selected product code. You can add 5, 10, 50 or 100 rows at once by clicking on the arrow.
Use the small icons on the right side of the row (fishing trip) to delete, edit or copy independently the selected row.
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Product code
The product code is automatically completed after selecting the commodity (ies). Clicking on the small information icon will open a pop-up message with the full product code description.
Click on Close to close the pop-up message.
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Species
To complete this section:
Click on the white field and enter a “blank space”.
Select the relevant species from the corresponding drop-down list.
Alternatively, to find the required species you can type the scientific name of the species or the FAO code (alpha3-code).
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Note
Only species with the alpha 3- code and with the scientific (Latin) name as listed in the ASFIS are available for selection.
Only one species can be selected at a time in a row (fishing trip).
Tip
To select multiplespecies (within the same code), click on + Add row button in the product code line or click on the “2 sheets” icon on the right side of the row to duplicate it. Then select the additional species.
The “2 sheets” icon copies all the information entered in the row (fishing trip) into a new one.
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Fishing vessel
In this section, you must select a fishing vessel from the pre-selected list in Box 2:
Click on the white field.
Select one fishing vessel from the drop-down list.
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Catch area – FAO area(s)
To complete this section, it is possible to:
Click on Select and run an advanced search, adding filters to narrow the search (e.g. country of the exclusive economic zone, catch area name, catch area number).
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch area from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Select a catch area that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the FAO area number. This will register this FAO area as your favorite.
Once the correct option is selected, the name and number of the FAO area is automatically completed.
You can select more than one FAO area, by clicking on the “+” button and repeating the procedure.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change FAO areas included in your certificate, if needed.
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Catch area – EEZ or high seas and Catch area – RFMO
The purpose of these sections is to complete the “catch area – EEZ or high seas” and when applicable, the “catch area – RFMO”.
To complete these sections, after selecting the catch area – FAO area, you can select the correspondent “high seas”, to pick one (or more) coastal State(s) and the relevant RFMO area:
Click on the white field to select each section. All corresponding results appear.
To select more than one of these areas, you need to click on the “+” button.
Each selection can be independently removed by clicking on the “−” button displayed on the right or selecting the option “No” or “blank”.
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Tip
Hold the mouse over the titles to have additional information about these sections.
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Catch area (other)
This section is to be completed only in the importer workflow, if applicable.
Catch date (from) and catch date (to)
Click on the small calendar icon and select the capture dates.
Estimated weight to be landed, Net catch weight and Verified weight landed (net catch weight in kg)
Complete the appropriate weight - only one weight value should be provided.
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Tip
Hold the mouse over the titles to have additional information about the weights.
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In CATCH, numeric values – in kilograms (kg) - must follow these formatting rules:
Decimal separator: A dot (.) is used to indicate decimal places.
Example (kg): 1250.5 (one thousand two hundred fifty point five kilograms).
Thousand separator: No symbol (comma or space) is used to separate thousands. Numbers are written as continuous strings.
Example(kg): 5000 (five thousand kilograms), 20000 (twenty thousand kilograms).
Notice
Key Rules:
Avoid the dot (.) as thousand separators (e.g., do not use 1.500 kg).
Only use a dot (.) for decimals to prevent system errors.
Next step
Click on the Save as Draft button again, to correctly save the fishing trips.
If the list of fishing trips is long, improve system responsiveness by collapsing Box 3. To do that, click on the arrow (>) next to its title.
Box 4: References to applicable conservation and management measures
This box is a mandatory free text box, which means you must type in the conservation and management measures associated with the fishing vessel(s) and its fishing trip(s) details provided in box 3.
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Box 5: Master of fishing vessel or of fishing licence holder
The purpose of this mandatory section is to provide the name of the master(s) of the fishing vessel (or of the fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative)), to whom the certificate is to be submitted next.
To complete the name, it is possible to:
Click on + Add master(s) of fishing vessel or fishing licence holder(s). Click on Select and run an advanced search, adding filters to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant operator from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Note
The “country” of this type of operator is not the nationality but the flag State of the fishing vessel.
Click on + Add master(s) of fishing vessel or fishing licence holder(s).
Then select a master/FLH/duly mandated representative that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the operator. This will register this operator as your favorite.
Once the correct option is selected, you can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change the master/FLH included in your certificate, if needed.
Next step
Click on the Save as Draft button again, to correctly save the master(s) and/or fishing licence holder(s).
After completing the name, to finish completing this section:
Click on the batch identifier button (at the left side of the name) to select the respective fishing trip(s) from the pop-up window list. The fishing trips are identified by the “batch identifier” number at the left side of the product code. You can select one or more fishing trips by clicking on Select and then on Add selected fishing trips.
Click on Close to close the pop-up window.
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Once selected, you can click on the “batch identifier”number to remove the assigned fishing trip, if needed.
Next step
Click on the Save as Draft button again, to correctly save the link between fishing vessels – fishing trips – assigned masters/FLH/duly mandated representative per fishing vessel.
Box 6: Declaration of transhipment at sea
Note
This box should be completed only if applicable.
This box can also be added and completed by the master of fishing vessel or fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative, before signing the catch certificate in box 5.
To complete this box, you need first to add the transhipment:
In box 3, click on the button + Transhipment for the pre-selected product code and species.
Then click on “+ Add transhipment at sea”.
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A row appears in box 6 (with the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code). To directly see it click on the shortcut button “↓ Sea transhipments”.
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Each added row can be independently removed. Use the “−” button (displayed on the top-right corner) and then click on Garbage to remove the transhipment included in your certificate, if needed.
To add more than one transhipment, repeat the procedure.
Complete the information
Provide the mandatory information about the transhipment at sea.
Master of fishing vessel, signature date and signature
The name of the master of fishing vessel is automatically completed after selecting it in box 5 and saving again the information as draft.
The signature is automatically completed once box 5 is signed.
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Estimated weight
Enter the estimated weight of the pre-selected product code and species that were transhipped.
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Key rules:
Avoid the dot (.) as thousand separators (e.g., do not use 1.500 kg).
Only use a dot (.) for decimals to prevent system errors.
Transhipment date
Click on the small calendar icon and select the transhipment date.
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Transhipment area/position
Complete the transhipment position by entering the coordinates with the format DMS (Degrees, Minutes and Seconds): the latitude on the top row and the longitude on the bottom row.
Click on the small square one or two times to get N (North) or S (South) in latitude, or E (East) or W (West) in longitude.
After entering the transhipment position, you can click on the blue button “Show on map” to see the exact place where the transhipment took place.
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Receiving vessel
To complete this section, it is possible to:
Click on Select and run an advanced search, adding filters to narrow the search (e.g. name, national registration number, IMO number).
Then click on Search and select the relevant receiving vessel from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Select a receiving vessel that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the vessel name. This will register this vessel as your favorite.
If the receiving vessel is not on the list (not yet registered in the system), you can create a new one:
Click on + Create a new Receiving Vessel.
Complete the data (the mandatory data is marked with a red asterisk).
Tick the box “Not available” in case you don´t have access to the mandatory data.
Click on Save and Select.
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Note
The “+ Create a new Receiving vessel” button will only appear once you did an advanced search in order to avoid as much as possible duplicates in the system.
Only fishing vessels can be created manually. Other vessel types (e.g., reefers, freezers) must be added to the database by the relevant authorities as approved establishments.
Once the correct option is selected, the name and flag State of the receiving vessel are automatically completed. You can check all details of the vessel by clicking on its name. In case the data is outdated, you can modify it and click on Save.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change vessels included in your certificate, if needed.
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You can use the green “Add to Box 10” button if the fishery products are transported by the receiving vessel to the (next) point of destination. Using this button will automatically complete the "Means of Transport" section in the transport details.
Master of receiving vessel and signature – Normal workflow
The purpose of this mandatory section is to provide the name of the master of the receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company) to whom the certificate is to be submitted next.
To complete the name, it is possible to:
Click on Select and run an advanced search, adding filters to narrow the search. Then click on Search and select the relevant operator from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Note
The “country” of this type of operator is not the nationality but the flag State of the receiving vessel.
Select a master/representative of the transport company that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the operator. This will register this operator as your favorite.
Once the correct option is selected, the “signature” section is blocked.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change the master/ representative of the transport company included in your certificate, if needed.
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Master of receiving vessel and signature – Exception workflow
If the master (or representative of the transport company) is not on the list (e.g. from a country not yet using CATCH), you need to complete the information on behalf of the master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company), in CATCH. However, the master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company) still needs to sign Box 6 in a printed version of this catch certificate and you need to upload it in the supporting documents.
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Name and Signature
Complete these sections after the printed version is completed and signed.
Complete the free text box with the name of the master (or representative of the transport company) who signed in the printed catch certificate.
If the name is illegible, tick the box “Name of the master is illegible”. The name will be blocked with that information.
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Tick the box “Signature is present” only if it is present in the printed catch certificate.
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Note
In this workflow, as exporter, you need to upload the printed version of the certificate, with Box 6 manually signed by the master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company).
To complete this workflow:
• After all the information available entered, submit to the “master of vessel”.
• Click on “Preview PDF” and print a PDF of this catch certificate.
• The master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company) must sign the printed version of this catch certificate.
• Before submitting the CC to the validating authority, complete the “name” and “signature” in box 6 and upload the printed and signed version of the catch certificate in the section “Supporting documents – type catch certificate paper version”.
Box 7: Transhipment authorisation within a port area
Note
This box should be completed only if applicable.
This box can also be added and completed by the master of fishing vessel or fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative, before signing box 5.
To complete this box, you need first to add the transhipment:
In box 3, click on the button + Transhipment for the pre-selected product code and species.
Then you have two options: “+ Add transhipment within a port” and “Add landing within a port”. Select the relevant option.
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A row appears in box 7 (with the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code). To directly see it click on the shortcut button “↓ Port transhipments”.
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Each added row can be independently removed. Use the “−” button (displayed on the top-right corner) and then click on Garbage to remove the transhipment included in your certificate, if needed.
To add more than one transhipment, repeat the procedure.
Complete the information
Provide the mandatory information about the transhipment and/or landing authorisation within a port area.
Authority, name and signature – Normal workflow
The purpose of this mandatory section is to provide the name of the authority to whom the certificate is to be submitted next.
To complete the name of the authority:
Click on Search port authority and run an Advanced search, adding filters to narrow the search. Selecting the country of the port authority is mandatory.
Then click on Search and select the relevant authority from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Once the correct option is selected, the “name” and “signature” are blocked.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change the authority included in your certificate, if needed.
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Authority, name and signature – Exception workflow
If the port is not on the list, (e.g. Port authority from a country not yet using CATCH), you need to complete the information on behalf of the port authority, in CATCH. However, the port authority still needs to sign Box 7 in a printed version of this catch certificate, and you need to upload it in the supporting documents.
To complete this section:
Complete the Authority´s text boxes with the name, address and telephone of the respective authority.
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Name and Signature
Complete these sections after the printed version is completed and signed.
Complete the free text box with the name of the person who signed in the printed catch certificate.
If the name is illegible, tick the box “Name of the signing person is illegible”. The name will be blocked with that information.
Tick the box “Signature and Seal present” only if both are present in the printed catch certificate.
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Note
In this workflow, as exporter, you need to upload the printed version of the certificate, with Box 7 manually signed by the port authority.
To complete this workflow:
• After all the information available entered, submit to the “master of vessel”
• Click on “Preview PDF” and print a PDF of this catch certificate.
• The port authority must sign and seal the printed version of this catch certificate.
Before submitting the CC to the validating authority, complete the “name” and “signature” in box 7 and upload the printed and signed version of the catch certificate in the section “Supporting documents – type catch certificate paper version”.
Port of transhipment/landing
Type the name of the port.
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Date of transhipment/landing
Click on the small calendar icon and select the date of transhipment/landing.
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Receiving vessel (for transhipment at port)
To complete this section, it is possible to:
Click on Select and run an advanced search, adding filters in the name field to narrow the search (e.g. name, national registration number, IMO number).
Then click on Search and select the relevant receiving vessel from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Select a receiving vessel that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the vessel name. This will register this vessel as your favorite.
If the receiving vessel is not on the list (not yet registered in the system), you can create a new one:
Click on + Create a new Receiving Vessel.
Complete the data (the mandatory data is marked with a red asterisk).
Tick the box “Not available” in case you don´t have access to the mandatory data.
Click on Save and Select.
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Note
The “+ Create a new Receiving vessel” button will only appear once you did an advanced search in order to avoid as much as possible duplicates in the system.
Only fishing vessels can be created manually. Other vessel types (e.g., reefers, freezers) must be added to the database by the relevant authorities as approved establishments.
Once the correct option is selected, the name and flag State of the receiving vessel are automatically completed. You can check all details of the vessel by clicking on its name. In case the data is outdated, you can modify it and click on Save.
You can use buttons Clear (garbage) or Change (pencil) to remove or change vessels included in your certificate, if needed.
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You can use the green “Add to Box 10” button if the fishery products were transported by the receiving vessel to the (next) point of destination. Using this button will automatically complete the "Means of Transport" section in the transport details.
Submit the certificate to the master of vessel(s) or fishing licence holder(s)
Click on the button Submit to Vessel Masters, in the lower right corner.
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Note
If you filled in any of the boxes incorrectly, an “Error” message will appear.
Click on the expanding sign on the right-hand side of the error message to read the message in more detail.
When you click on each of the messages you will be redirected to the box and field, which requires modification.
Click on the X to minimize the message box.
SUCCESS: your catch certificate has been submitted to the master(s) of fishing vessels or fishing licence holder(s) - and eventually to the master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company)/port authority.
The status is NEW.
A new serial number of the catch certificate appears with the prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The master(s) of fishing vessel or the fishing licence holder(s)/duly mandated representative(s) must now sign the certificate.
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More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Delete: this allows you to delete the existing certificate.
Copy as new: this allows you to quickly create a new catch certificate based on the previous one. This action speeds up the submission process. The original catch certificate is not altered by this action.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 2: As master of vessel or fishing licence holder, sign certificate
Note
To sign box 5, you need to have an operator role with master or fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative activity.
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Notifications
After the submission of the catch certificate to you, you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
To activate the notifications, you need to:
Click on your email address that is displayed at the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page.
Select Edit your profile.
In Notification Subscriptions, set up your notification preferences on the topic “CATCH certificates”.
Also, set up your notification preferences in Notification Options.
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Find the catch certificate submitted to you
In CATCH, the catch certificate has the serial number prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The catch certificates submitted by the exporter to you have the status NEW. You must now complete or check the veracity of the information in the catch certificate and sign.
To access the catch certificate that you need to sign, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX is ready to be completed and signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search.
Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX is ready to be completed and signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then CATCH. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: New” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to sign and click on its reference number.
Check the information submitted on the certificate
The electronic version of the "European Union Catch Certificate" page is displayed, showing the following tabs and fields:
Details of the catch certificate – where you need to check the details of the certificate.
Transport details – where the exporter needs to enter information required in box 10.
History icon – where you can view all previous statuses and the actors involved in this certificate.
Status – displays the current status of your certificate. Hover over the status to see additional information about the next actions to be taken.
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Tip
Use the shortcut tool on the right-hand side of the certificate to navigate easily between the boxes.
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Important
Either the exporter or the master of fishing vessel orfishing licence holder (FLH)/duly mandated representative can fill in boxes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
If it is up to you to do it, complete them catch certificate and sign box 5.
Sign certificate
Note
If you need to add transhipment(s) to the certificate, you need to add it before signing box 5.
Box 5: Name of master of fishing vessel or of fishing licence holder
Click on the button Sign as [you].
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You will receive a pop-up message:
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If ok, click on the green button “Proceed”.
Note
If you filled in any of the boxes incorrectly, an “Error” message will appear.
Click on the expanding sign on the right-hand side of the error message to read the message in more detail.
When you click on each of the messages you will be redirected to the box and field, which requires modification.
Click on the X to minimize the message box.
SUCCESS: the certificate has been signed and a notification was sent to the exporter.
The status is MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED.
The serial number of the catch certificate remains the same.
The exporter must now submit the certificate to the validating authority.
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Note
If there is more than one master or FLH/duly mandated representative in this certificate, the status MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED is reached only when all have signed box 5.
More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Copy as new: this allows you to quickly create a new catch certificate based on the previous one. This action speeds up the submission process. The original catch certificate is not altered by this action.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 2.1: As master of receiving vessel or representative of the transport company, sign certificate (if applicable)
Note
To sign box 6, you need to have an operator role with master of vessel or representative of the transport company activity.
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Notifications
After the signature of box 5 (by the master of vessel or FLH/duly mandated representative), you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
To activate the notifications, you need to:
Click on your email address that is displayed at the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page.
Select Edit your profile.
In Notification Subscriptions, set up your notification preferences on the topic “CATCH certificates”.
Also, set up your notification preferences in Notification Options.
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Find the catch certificate submitted to you
In CATCH, the catch certificate has the serial number prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The catch certificates submitted by the exporter to you have the status NEW. You must now check the veracity of the information in the catch certificate and sign box 6.
To access the catch certificate that you need to sign, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX ready to be signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search.
Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX ready to be signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then “CATCH”. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: New” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to sign and click on its reference number.
Check the information submitted on the certificate
The electronic version of the "European Union Catch Certificate" page is displayed, showing the following tabs and fields:
Details of the catch certificate – where you need to check the details of the transhipment at sea.
Transport details – where the exporter needs to enter the information required in box 10.
History icon – where you can view all previous statuses and the actors involved in this certificate.
Status – displays the current status of your certificate. Hover over the status to see additional information about the next actions to be taken.
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Tip
Use the shortcut tool on the right-hand side of the certificate to navigate easily between the boxes.
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Box 6: Declaration of transhipment at sea
This box provides information about the transhipment at sea.
The transhipment row presents the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code, in box 3. To directly see the row click on the shortcut button “↓ Sea transhipments”.
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Master of fishing vessel
This section displays the name of the master of fishing vessel or of the fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative.
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Estimated weight
This section displays the name of the master of fishing vessel or of the fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative.
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Transhipment date
This section displays the transhipment date.
Transhipment area/position
This section displays the transhipment position with the format DMS (Degrees, Minutes and Seconds): the latitude - N (North) or S (South)- on the left side and the longitude - E (East) or W (West) - on the right side.
You can click on the blue button “Show on map” to see the exact place where the transhipment took place.
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Receiving vessel
You can check all details of the vessel by clicking on its name.
Click on Close to close the pop-up window.
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Sign the certificate
Important
You can only sign after the signature of the master of fishing vessel(s) or FLH/duly mandated representative has signed in box 5.
Click on the button Sign as [you].
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SUCCESS: the certificate has been signed and a notification was sent to the exporter.
The status is MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED.
The serial number of the catch certificate remains the same.
The exporter must now submit the certificate to the validating authority.
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Note
If there is more than one transhipment in this certificate, the status MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED is reached only when all have signed box 6.
More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Copy as new: this allows you to quickly create a new catch certificate based on the previous one. This action speeds up the submission process. The original catch certificate is not altered by this action.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 2.2: As port authority, sign certificate (if applicable)
Note
To sign box 7, you need to have an authority role with port authority domain.
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Notifications
After the signature of box 5 (by the master of vessel or FLH/duly mandated representative), you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
To activate the notifications, you need to:
Click on your email address that is displayed at the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page.
Select Edit your profile.
In Notification Subscriptions, set up your notification preferences on the topic “CATCH certificates”.
Also, set up your notification preferences in Notification Options.
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Find the catch certificate submitted to you
In CATCH, the catch certificate has the serial number prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The catch certificates submitted by the exporter to you have the status NEW. You must now check the veracity of the information in the catch certificate and sign box 7.
To access the catch certificate that you need to sign, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX ready to be signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search.
Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX ready to be signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then “CATCH”. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: New” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to sign and click on its reference number.
Check the information submitted on the certificate
The electronic version of the "European Union Catch Certificate" page is displayed, showing the following tabs and fields:
Details of the catch certificate – where you need to check the details of the transhipment at port.
Transport details – where the exporter needs to enter the information required in box 10.
History icon – where you can view all previous statuses and the actors involved in this certificate.
Status – displays the current status of your certificate. Hover over the status to see additional information about the next actions to be taken.
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Tip
Use the shortcut tool on the right-hand side of the certificate to navigate easily between the boxes.
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Box 7: Transhipment and/or landing authorization within a port area
This box provides information about the transhipment and/or landing at port.
The transhipment row presents the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code, in box 3. To directly see the row click on the shortcut button “↓ Port transhipments”.
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Port of transhipment/ landing
This section shows the name of the port where the transhipment/ landing took place.
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Date of transhipment/ landing
This section shows the transhipment/ landing date.
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Receiving vessel
You can check all details of the receiving vessel by clicking on its name:
If the flag Country is different than your country, a pop-up window is shown. Click on Close to close the pop-up window.
If the flag Country is the same as your country, the vessel manager page opens in a different tab. Verify the data and edit it, if necessary. Return to the certificate.
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Sign the certificate
Important
You can only sign after the signature of the master of fishing vessel(s) or FLH/duly mandated representative has signed in box 5.
Click on the button Sign as [you].
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SUCCESS: the certificate has been signed and a notification was sent to the exporter.
The status is MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED.
The serial number of the catch certificate remains the same.
The exporter must now submit the certificate to the validating authority.
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Note
If there is more than one transhipment/landing at port in this certificate, the status MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED is reached only when all port authorities have signed box 7.
More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Delete: this allows you to delete the existing catch certificate. The submission is considered to have been “withdrawn”.
Copy as new: this allows you to quickly create a new catch certificate based on a previous one. This action speeds up the submission process. The original catch certificate is not altered by this action.
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You can preview the declaration in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 3: As exporter, submit certificate for validation
Notifications
After the signature of the master(s) of fishing vessel or FLH/duly mandated representative (and eventually the signature of the master of receiving vessel or the representative of transport company/ signature of the port authority), you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
To activate the notifications, you need to:
Click on your email address that is displayed at the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page.
Select Edit your profile.
In Notification Subscriptions, set up your notification preferences on the topic “CATCH certificates”.
Also, set up your notification preferences in Notification Options.
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Find the catch certificate signed by the master of vessel or fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative
In CATCH, the catch certificate has the serial number prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The catch certificates signed by the master of fishing vessel or FLH/duly mandated representative have the status MASTER OF VESSEL SIGNED.
You must now submit the catch certificate for validation.
To access the catch certificate that you need to submit, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX signed) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then “CATCH”. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: Master of Vessel Signed” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to submit and click on its reference number.
Section: Supporting documents
Note
After submission for validation, uploaded supporting documents cannot be added or modified.
In this non-mandatory section, you can enter identifying information and upload any documents requested by the flag State.
To complete this section:
Click on the button Add Accompanying Document and select the type of document from the corresponding drop-down list. Enter all relevant information such as “Number” and “Country”.
You can upload files by clicking on the Select file(s) button and performing a local search for it on your device/computer. Wait for the correct upload of the file. Click on Apply.
To add other types of accompanying documents, repeat the procedure and select the relevant type of document.
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Once the supporting document is added to the certificate, you can see the uploaded documents by clicking on the “clip” on the left-hand side of the screen. Click on it again to minimize the information.
Use buttons Remove or Edit to remove the document added to your certificate or to change the information previously entered, if needed.
In case there are several accompanying documents you can order them by dragging and dropping the items with the double sense arrows on the left.
Note
You can complete the transport details before or after the submission to the validating authority.
Submit the catch certificate for validation
Click on the button Submit for Validation, in the lower right corner.
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Note
If you filled in any of the boxes incorrectly, an “Error” message will appear.
Click on the expanding sign on the right-hand side of the error message to read the message in more detail.
When you click on each of the messages you will be redirected to the box and field, which requires modification.
Click on the X to minimize the message box.
SUCCESS: your catch certificate has been submitted for validation to the validating authority.
The status is VALIDATING AUTHORITY NOTIFIED.
The serial number of the catch certificate remains the same.
The validating authority must now take a decision on the exportation.
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More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Cancel: this allows you to cancel a catch certificate in CATCH.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 4: As validating authority, validate certificate
Note
To validate catch certificates, you need to have an authority role with validating authority domain.
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Notifications
After the submission (by the exporter) of the catch certificate for validation, you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
To activate the notifications, you need to:
Click on your email address that is displayed at the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page.
Select Edit your profile.
In Notification Subscriptions, set up your notification preferences on the topic “CATCH certificates” and in particular subscribe the notification “Catch Certificate: submitted to validating authority”.
Also, set up your notification preferences in Notification Options.
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Find the catch certificate submitted for validation
In CATCH, the catch certificate has the serial number prefix CATCH.CC followed by the two-letter ISO country code of the validating authority.
The catch certificates submitted for validation have the status VALIDATING AUTHORITY NOTIFIED.
You must now take a decision on exportation.
To access the catch certificate that you need to validate, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX created) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search.
Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX created) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, check "My pending certificates” list. The system provides a small list with pending certificates.
You can click on See more to access the full list.
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On the TRACES NT home page, on the upper-left menu, click on Dashboards and then My pending certificates. The system provides the full list with the pending certificates. Add filters to narrow the list of results (e.g., date range, last 30 days).
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On the TRACES NT home page, on the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then CATCH. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: Validating authority notified” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to validate and click on its reference number.
The electronic version of the "European Union Catch Certificate" page is displayed, showing the following tabs and fields:
Details of the catch certificate – displays the details entered by the operators.
Transport details – displays transport information, if provided.
History icon – displays all previous statuses and the actors involved in this certificate.
Status – displays the current status of the certificate. Hover over the status to see additional information about the next actions to be taken.
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Tip
Use the shortcut tool on the right-hand side of the certificate to navigate easily between the boxes.
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Save the certificate as in progress
For the system to block the data submitted to you, without any further changes by the exporter, you need to save the certificate as in progress.
Click on the button Sign as in progress.
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The status is IN PROGRESS. This means you started working on that certificate.
The information “EU IUU Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, after 10th January 2026” below the reference highlights the template used.
You may use the comments box in Box 9, to save comments and share them with your colleagues.
Check the information submitted on the certificate
Section: Document number
Note
Lowercase letters are not accepted.
Complete with the national document number:
Type the document number of the respective catch certificate.
Click on Validate reference.
A message appears “Success: Document number is valid”.
“+ I don´t have a reference, generate one”.
Important
“Document number is taken”
If the reference was already introduced in the system, an error message appears when validating the reference: “Document number is taken: this catch certificate or processing statement already exists in CATCH.” This error prevents the assignment of the same document number to different certificates.
You need to type a new document number.
Box 2: Fishing Vessel
This box shows the data of the fishing vessel(s).
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In this box, you can:
Click the fishing vessel’s name, shown in blue, to open the vessel manager page.
Fishing license - check if license covers the capture dates
Note
You can’t validate a catch certificate with fishing vessels in status NEW. This status means the operator has registered the vessel in the system for the first time or has modified one or more details of it.
To have more information about the fishing vessel and/or change its status:
Click the fishing vessel’s name, shown in blue, to open the vessel manager page.
Verify the data and edit it, if necessary.
In case the status is “New”, modify it to “Active”.
Click on Save changes.
Return to the certificate and click on Save to see the modification done.
Box 3: Description of products
The purpose of this box is to show, for each fishing trip related to a selected product code, the mandatory sections Species, Fishing vessel, Catch area – FAO area(s), Catch area – EEZ or high seas, Catch date (from), Catch date (to) and the respective weight.
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Product code
Clicking on the small information icon will open a pop-up message with the full product code description. For the catch certificate, the commodity codes follow the Harmonized System (6-digit code) developed by the World Customs Organization.
Click on Close to close the pop-up message.
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Fishing Vessel
For further details about the fishing vessel(s), please refer to Box 2.
Estimated weight to be landed, Net catch weight and Verified weight landed (net catch weight in kg)
Only one weight value must be present.
Tip
Hold the mouse over the titles to have additional information about the weights.
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Box 4: References to applicable conservation and management measures
This box shows the conservation and management measures associated with the fishing vessel(s) and its fishing trip(s) details provided in box 3. 
Box 5: Master of fishing vessel or of fishing license holder
This box shows the name and signature of the master(s) of the fishing vessel (or of the fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative) and the related fishing trip(s). The fishing trips are identified by the “batch number” shown to the left of the product code.
You can hover over the batch numbers to view the name of the fishing vessel and the capture dates.
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It is possible to see the user(s) who signed it through the certificate history, accessible by clicking on the history icon.
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For more information, go to the main menu “Actors” 🡪 “Users” and run an advanced search with the username.
If you need more information about the operator(s), go to the main menu “Actors” 🡪 “Operators” and run an advanced search.
Box 6: Declaration of transhipment at sea (if applicable)
This box provides information about the transhipment at sea.
The transhipment row presents the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code, in box 3. To directly see the row click on the shortcut button “↓ Sea transhipments”.
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Master of fishing vessel
This section shows the name of the master of fishing vessel or of the fishing licence holder/duly mandated representative.
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Estimated weight
This section shows the estimated weight for the selected transhipped product codes and species.
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Transhipment date
This section shows the transhipment date.
Transhipment area/position
This section shows the transhipment position with the format DMS (Degrees, Minutes and Seconds): the latitude - N (North) or S (South)- on the left side and the longitude - E (East) or W (West) - on the right side.
You can click on the blue button “Show on map” to see the exact place where the transhipment took place.
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Receiving vessel
You can check all details of the vessel by clicking on its name.
Click on Close to close the pop-up window.
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Master of receiving vessel and signature
This section shows the name and signature of the master of receiving vessel or the representative of the transport company.
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It is possible to see the user(s) who signed it through the certificate history, accessible by clicking on the history icon. For more information, go to the main menu “Actors” 🡪 “Users” and run an advanced search with the username.
Master of receiving vessel and signature – Exception workflow
If the master (or representative of the transport company) is not registered in the system (e.g. from a country not yet using CATCH), their name and signature may be entered in CATCH, on their behalf.
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However, the master of receiving vessel (or representative of the transport company) remains responsible for signing box 6 on a paper version of this catch certificate. This signed certificate must be uploaded to the supporting documents.
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Box 7: Transhipment and/or landing authorization within a port area (if applicable)
This box provides information about the transhipment and/or landing at port.
The transhipment row presents the same “batch identifier” that is present at the left side of the product code, in box 3. To directly see the row click on the shortcut button “↓ Port transhipments”.
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Authority
This section shows the name and details of the port authority responsible for the authorisation of the transhipment and/or landing within a port area.
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Port of transhipment/ landing
This section shows the name of the port where the transhipment/ landing took place.
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Date of transhipment/ landing
This section shows the transhipment/ landing date.
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Receiving vessel
To view more information about the receiving vessel:
Click the vessel’s name, shown in blue, to open the vessel manager page.
Return to the certificate
Name and signature
This section shows the name and signature of the signing person of the port authority.
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It is possible to see the user(s) who signed it through the certificate history, accessible by clicking on the history icon.
For more information, go to the main menu “Actors” 🡪 “Users” and run an advanced search with the username.
Authority, name and signature – Exception workflow
If the port authority is not registered in the system, (e.g. Port authority from a country not yet using CATCH), the name of the authority, the name of the signing person and signature may be entered in CATCH, on behalf of the port authority.
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However, the signing person from the port authority remains responsible for signing box 7 on a paper version of this catch certificate. This signed certificate must be uploaded to the supporting documents.
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Box 8: Exporter
This box shows the exporter’s information and the date the certificate was submitted for validation. To view more information about this operator:
Click the three dots and the small icon to view the minimum data.
Click the operator’s name, shown in blue, to open the operator´s page.
Return to the certificate.
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Section: Supporting documents
The purpose of this section, if applicable, is to present the uploaded documents that must or can accompany the certificate, according to the specific requirements of the flag State.
Check the type of document.
Click on the filename, in blue. The uploaded document opens.
Alternatively, click on the “Clip” at the left-hand side of the screen and then on the filename.
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Box 10: Transport details
The exporter may submit the catch certificate for validation before entering the transport details.
Tip
To access this box, use the shortcut tool (at the right side of the screen) and click on the option “Transport details”. Alternatively scroll up until the top of the page and click on the tab “Transport details”.
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This box displays detailed transport information, in order to guarantee complete traceability of fishery products for export.
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Section: Direct landing
In case fishery products are landed in the EU and have not been previously landed elsewhere, the option “Direct landing” may have been selected, and the information is completed accordingly.
Section: Exporter signature
This box shows the exporter’s information and the date the transport details were signed.
Section: No containers usage declaration
This section is selected only if no containers were used in the transport of the fishery products.
Validate the catch certificate
Box 9: Flag State authority validation
Enter the conclusion and state if the certificate is Validated or Not validated.
You may use the comments box to save comments and share them with your colleagues or the operator.
Click on the button Sign declaration as [your competent authority] in the lower right corner.
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Note
If you filled in any of the boxes incorrectly, an “Error” message will appear.
Click on the expanding sign on the right-hand side of the error message to read the message in more detail.
When you click on each of the messages you will be redirected to the box and field, which requires modification.
Click on the X to minimize the message box.
SUCCESS: the catch certificate has been rejected in CATCH – if you stated as Not validated.
The status is REJECTED.
Or
SUCCESS: the catch certificate has been validated in CATCH – if you stated as validated.
The status is VALIDATING AUTHORITY SIGNED.
The exporter must now complete and sign the transport details, to get a valid catch certificate in CATCH.
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More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Cancel: this allows you to cancel a catch certificate in CATCH.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 5: As exporter, receive notification with the authority's decision and get a valid catch certificate in CATCH
Notifications
After the validation or rejection of a catch certificate, by the validating authority, you may receive a notification via e-mail or In-App.
Find the validated catch certificate
The catch certificates validated by the validating authority have the status VALIDATING AUTHORITY SIGNED. You must now complete the transport details in the catch certificate and sign.
To access the catch certificate that you need to complete, it is possible to:
Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX validated) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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Click on Notifications option on the top right corner of the TRACES NT home page and then on Open Notifications. The system allows you to run an advanced search by adding filters (event type, date range, include read) to narrow the search. Selecting one of the relevant notifications displayed (CATCH.CC.XX validated) provides a direct link to the catch certificate.
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On the TRACES NT home page, in the upper-left menu, click on Documents and then CATCH. Run an advanced search, adding the filter “Certificate status: Validating authority signed” to narrow the search.
Then click on Search and select the relevant catch certificate from the drop-down list.
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Regardless of the approach chosen, select the certificate you want to complete and click on its reference number.
Complete the “Transport details”
Box 10: Transport details
The purpose of this mandatory box is to provide detailed transport information, in order to guarantee complete traceability of fishery products for import.
Tip
To access this box, use the shortcut tool (at the right side of the screen) and click on the option “Transport details”. Alternatively scroll up until the top of the page and click on the tab “Transport details”.
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Section: Direct landing
Note
This section should be used only in cases where fishery products are landed in the EU and have not been previously landed elsewhere.
Tick the box “Direct landing” and some sections are automatically completed.
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Section: Country of exportation
Click on the white field and select the relevant option from the corresponding drop-down list. You can add filters to narrow the search by clicking on the small world icon and selecting one option from the drop-down list (EEA, EFTA, EU, Schengen Area).
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Section: Port/airport/other point of departure
Complete the free text box with the name of the place of departure.
Section: Point of destination
Complete the free text box with the name of the point of destination (e.g. country, port/airport).
Section: Means of transport
Click on the button Add Means of Transport.
Select the relevant type of transport from the corresponding drop-down list (rail, road vehicle, airplane, ship).
Complete the requested fields. If the means of transport already exists in the system, it appears in the drop-down list while typing. Select it.
If it does not exist yet, complete the fields and click on the green button “+ Create”.
Alternatively, use the Advanced button and add filters to narrow the search.
To add other types of means of transport, repeat the procedure and select the relevant type of transport.
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Once the means of transport is added to the certificate, you can use buttons Remove or Clear to remove the transport added to the certificate or to delete the information previously entered, if needed.
In case there are several means of transport you can order them by dragging and dropping the items with the double sense arrows on the left.
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Section: Container Number/Seal Number
Enter the container number(s), using the format provided.
When applicable, enter the seal number and state if it is the official seal.
Each row can be independently removed by clicking on the “−” button displayed on the right.
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Section: No containers usage declaration
This section is to be used only if no containers were used in the transport of the fishery products.
Click on the tick box “I declare that the consignment has not been transported inside containers”. The “container” section will be blocked.
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Sign the “Transport details”
Section: Exporter signature
Click on the button Sign as [you].
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You will receive a pop-up message:
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If ok, click on the green button “Proceed”.
Note
If you filled in any of the boxes incorrectly, an “Error” message will appear.
Click on the expanding sign on the right-hand side of the error message to read the message in more detail.
When you click on each of the messages you will be redirected to the box and field, which requires modification.
Click on the X to minimize the message box.
SUCCESS: your certificate is completed in CATCH.
The status is VALID.
You can now add “Next operators” to send a notification in-App.
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More options
You have the option of clicking on More at the bottom of the page, in order to:
Copy as new: this allows you to quickly create a new catch certificate based on the previous one. This action speeds up the submission process. The original catch certificate is not altered by this action.
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You can preview the certificate in PDF format and print from the PDF viewer, if required.
Click on the button Preview PDF. The PDF is displayed.
Click on the button with the three dots (…) next to the Preview PDF, to open the language selection and print the PDF in several languages at the same time.
Step 6: As exporter, add “next operator(s)”
Operators that are named as “next operators” may receive in App notifications and are entitled to use the catch certificate in CATCH to, for e.g., create processing statements or launch importer declarations.
To add next operator(s):
Open the respective catch certificate.
Go to the “Transport details” tab.
Section: Next operator(s)
To complete this box, it is possible to:
Click on Add next operator(s).
In the Name field, start typing the name of the operator and select it from the drop-down list that appears. If you select the country first, you can narrow the results in the list.
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Click on Add next operator(s).
Click on the Advanced button and run an advanced search (by clicking the small “+ button”), adding filters to narrow the search. Selecting the country of the operator is mandatory.
Then click on Search and select the relevant operator from the drop-down list by clicking on Select.
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Click on Add next operator(s).
Select an operator that was formerly saved as favorite by clicking on the “star” button.
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To save your “Favorites”, run an advanced search, find the correct option and tick the star at the left side of the operator’s name. This will register this operator as your favorite.
Once the correct option is selected, the “Name”, “Country” and other details (click on the three dots and the small icon to see them) of the operator are automatically completed.
You can click on Clear or Remove to delete the selected operator or to remove the addition of any operator, if needed.
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Next step
Click on the blue button Update next operators, in the lower right corner.
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You can update this section anytime, by repeating the explained procedure.