EU rules on arsenic content could impact UK seafood exports
New EU rules on food safety will take effect next week – and now the organisation representing the shellfish industry is planning its own monitoring system to help producers comply.
The Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB) is intending to implement a new monitoring programme to help the UK shellfish industry comply with upcoming EU food safety rules on Inorganic Arsenic in seafood.
From 8 October 2025, Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1891 will introduce maximum permitted levels of Inorganic Arsenic in a wide range of seafood, including all shellfish. This new regulation will therefore affect all UK exports of seafood to the EU. Inorganic Arsenic testing, and/or proof of compliance, may be required both in the UK (prior to export) and on arrival into the EU; and it may take up to 15 days to receive test results. Note that the new regulation only applies to Inorganic Arsenic levels in seafood.
To support the UK shellfish industry, SAGB says it will coordinate an Inorganic Arsenic monitoring programme, initially sending monthly samples of a variety of shellfish species, from differing ICES areas, for accredited laboratory testing.
SAGB are inviting all shellfish exporting businesses to join the programme. Costs will be shared among all participating businesses, and results shared only with those same participants. Testing for other heavy metals can also be arranged.
The SAGB said: “This shared approach, modelled on the successful operation of the SAGB Crab Exporters data sharing group (for China), will reduce cost burdens, generate robust evidence, and ensure the UK shellfish industry remains compliant, competitive, and trusted in both domestic and export markets.”
The Association is calling on producers to contact SAGB Chief Executive David Jarrad at david@shellfish.org.uk for further information.
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