Egypt has been approved for inclusion on the European Union’s list of countries authorized to export aquaculture products, marking a first for the country, the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) announced on Wednesday.
The decision follows Egypt’s fulfillment of all technical requirements, including the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring system to track veterinary drug residues, ensuring full compliance with relevant EU standards.
The move is expected to be formally adopted in the third quarter of 2026, with the decision entering into force 20 days after official approval.
The authorization covers exports of finfish and their products, as well as crustaceans, representing a significant step toward expanding the presence of Egyptian seafood in European markets.
It also underscores the growing competitiveness of Egypt’s aquaculture sector, widely seen as a promising contributor to the national economy.
Authorities are continuing to finalize technical and regulatory procedures domestically in preparation for the decision’s formal adoption. These steps aim to strengthen Egypt’s readiness to scale up exports to the EU once the updated framework is in place.
Ongoing efforts include the inspection and approval of production facilities, the rollout of traceability systems, and the enhancement of laboratory testing capabilities.
In parallel, officials are preparing technical documentation and guarantees for composite products, food items containing multiple ingredients, including dairy or other animal-origin components, to ensure full alignment with EU import requirements.