The Armenian government has approved regulations governing the registration of fish producers in the European Union’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), paving the way for exports of fish and fish products to EU member states.
The decision follows the European Union’s authorization, granted on March 16, 2025, allowing Armenia to export farmed scaled fish and related products to the EU.
Under EU regulations, companies wishing to export fish or fish products must be registered in the TRACES system and comply with EU technical and food safety standards. In Armenia, the Food Safety Inspectorate is the only authority authorized to register businesses in the system.
The government also approved requirements that fish farms, fish processing companies and fish storage facilities must meet to obtain TRACES registration.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan described the decision as a strategically important step toward opening new export opportunities for Armenian producers in the European market.
“Registration of fish farms, fish processing companies and fish storage facilities in the EU Trade Control and Expert System, as well as compliance with EU technical regulations and standards, is a mandatory requirement for exporting to EU countries,” he said.
Papoyan noted that the registration procedure has been designed to be simple, transparent and fully aligned with EU requirements. He added that five Armenian companies have already expressed interest in exporting to the EU and currently meet the required standards.
According to the minister, the decisions will help diversify Armenia’s export markets, reduce dependence on a single export destination, encourage the modernization of domestic production and strengthen food safety standards.
Papoyan also said the ministry has prepared a roadmap that will be integrated with the State Revenue Committee’s systems.
State Revenue Committee Chairman Eduard Hakobyan said Armenia is also working with the European Union to join the bloc’s digital transit system, which would allow export documentation to be transmitted electronically to EU customs authorities before goods arrive.
He explained that Armenia has already submitted its initial application to obtain observer status in the system and plans to seek full participation at a later stage.
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan stressed the importance of product traceability, noting that while ensuring traceability across transit countries is challenging, it is essential for competing successfully in developed international markets.
