Armenia clears domestic regulations to launch fish exports to EU

The Armenian government has formally approved regulatory guidelines governing the export of domestic fish products to the European Union, marking a key step in Yerevan's strategic pivot toward Western markets.

According to Armenian media reports cited by Caliber.Az on Thursday, July 16, the Cabinet of Ministers has established registration and compliance requirements for domestic aquaculture farms and seafood processors. These standards will enable Armenian producers to register in the EU’s integrated veterinary system, TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System), a prerequisite for exporting to the bloc. Under the new framework, the country's Food Safety Inspection Body will oversee facility audits, register eligible exporters, and issue the necessary veterinary health certificates.

The move comes as Yerevan aggressively diversifies its trade partnerships following a series of sweeping Russian import bans on Armenian agricultural goods, wine, brandy, and fish. In response to Moscow's economic restrictions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged EU support, offering $60 million in financial assistance to aid trade diversification alongside access to the EU's single market of 450 million consumers.

While a definitive timeline for the European Parliament and the European Council to enact Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) for Armenia remains outstanding, diplomatic channels are moving to fast-track the process. On July 14, Armenia's Ambassador to Belgium announced that the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade is scheduled to review a simplified approval mechanism for the ATMs. If approved, the simplified pathway could compress the standard 12-to-18-month legislative timeline down to just a few weeks.

By Tamilla Hasanova