Mar 16th, 2023
3 mins
Following on from a strategic review in 2021 , Seafish are now consulting on changes to the Seafish levy.
Seafish is non-departmental public body (NDPB) set up as part of the Fisheries Act 1981 to support the seafood industry in the UK and is funded by a levy on the first sale of seafood products in the UK, including imported seafood.
During the Strategic Review, the seafood industry expressed that they wanted a fairer and more equitable Seafish levy system but changing the levy requires a change to legislation. This involves a formal process, hence they are consulting with industry on the changes they want to make, as outlined below:
- A single levy rate, with a phased implementation for some species;
- Including all canned, bottled, and preserved seafood products – not just ones manufactured in the UK;
- An automatic inflationary adjustment to the levy each year which will be set at 2%;
- Minor changes to the administration of the levy to make collection and payment more efficient.
If approved by Ministers these will be the first changes made to the Seafish levy in twenty-five years.
The consultation will run for a six-week period, closing on 23rd April.
We would encourage anyone with an interest in the Seafish Levy to share their views on the proposals. The full consultation paper, along with a link to take part and an explainer video can be found here.
You can also contact Seafish directly at SeafishLevyReview@seafish.co.uk
