Armenia Approves Procedures to Export Fish to European Union

The Government of Armenia approved procedures on July 16, 2026, to export frozen and processed fish and fishery products to the European Union. This move follows official permission from the European Commission, which granted approval after five years of mandatory monitoring of Armenian fish farms to ensure compliance with EU standards regarding antibiotics and residues.

To facilitate exports, Armenian companies must register in the European Union's Trade Control and Expert Support System (TRACES) by submitting 18 documents to the Food Safety Inspection Authority for audit. While the Ministry of Economy reported interest from five companies, only one has formally applied to the regulator. Four EU experts are scheduled to arrive in Armenia on July 20 to provide technical guidance for the initial shipment.

This initiative is designed to diversify Armenia's export markets. Russia currently remains the primary destination for Armenian fish products, though the relationship has been strained by temporary restrictions and investigations by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision into falsified imports.