European Commission approves Danish mussel sampling and weighing control plan, new rules effective 2 October

The European Commission has approved Denmark's control plan for the sampling and weighing of unsorted mussels landed ashore. At the same time, the necessary amendments to Danish national legislation have entered into force, and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency has accordingly published written guidance for operators responsible for weighing, sampling and catch registration.

The approval means that businesses with approved sampling points can use the sampling model to determine the composition of unsorted landed catches, rather than having to fully sort the entire catch. The model was approved by the European Commission as part of Denmark's control plan.

The national legal basis for using the sampling model is now in place, with the amendment to the Control Regulation having entered into force on 2 October 2026. The approved control plan and the related sampling and inspection procedures are valid until 10 January 2027.

The written guidance prepared by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency sets out the requirements and procedures to be followed when using the sampling model. The guidance covers: sampling requirements; the sorting and weighing of samples; the registration and reporting of catch information; the retention of sample material for inspection purposes; and the responsibilities of operators in carrying out sampling. The purpose of the guidance is to ensure that the approved sampling model is used consistently and correctly.

Use of the sampling model requires that the business has a sampling point approved by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Businesses without an approved sampling point must still fully sort their catch before weighing and registration.