Introduction

What is first-sale fish?

‘First-sale fish’ means fish and shellfish from a UK fishing vessel, which is offered for sale for the first time. This includes fish below the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS – also known as ‘undersize’) brought ashore in accordance with the landing obligation ( also known as the ‘discard ban’).

Who can become a registered buyer of first sale fish?

You do not need to become a registered buyer if

• you buy less than 30 kg of fish, per vessel, per day, directly from a commercial fisher for your own consumption

• you buy fish from a merchant or wholesaler as this is ‘second sale’ (i.e. it has been purchased previously)

You do need to become a registered buyer if you are someone (an individual, partnership, company or corporate body) who will;

• purchase first-sale fish from a UK fishing vessel (directly or from the vessel’s agent)

• buy fish from a designated auction site

As a buyer of fish you should ensure that;

• you and the person you obtain the fish from understand clearly who is the first buyer of the fish

• what the contractual arrangements are

• who will be responsible for the sales note

What do I need to apply to become a registered buyer?

You can register as a buyer of first-sale fish free of charge by completing this form.

You will need to provide details of:

• where you want to operate in the UK

• you or your company name, address, telephone number and email address. Companies will also need to provide their company registration number and VAT registration number (if applicable)

• your registered and trading addresses

• address where records of purchase or sales transactions involving fish will be kept (this may be the same as your registered or trading address)

• vessel details (if applicable), vessel name and Port Letter Number, also known as vessel registration number.

• details of your facilities and transportation of fish

• proof of identity document. You must provide a photocopy of either your current passport, current UK or Isle of Man driving licence, a bank statement, or a utility bill from the last 3 months (this cannot be used as both proof of identity and proof of address).

• proof of address document. We accept proof of your registered address, trading address, or both. You must provide a photocopy of either your current council tax bill (or equivalent), a bank statement or utility bill from the last 3 months (this must not be the same as the one used for proof of identity).

You must not buy first-sale fish until you have received your registration number.