The European Commission (EC) of the European Union (EU) will conduct its fifth inspection of Vietnam’s remediation efforts regarding the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed an official dispatch “on focusing preparations for the fifth inspection mission of the European Commission (EC), with determination to remove the ‘yellow card’ warning on Vietnamese seafood.”

The dispatch notes that despite initial progress, shortcomings remain in combating IUU fishing, particularly in managing and controlling fishing vessels that are not eligible for operation; numerous cases of IUU violations have not been fully addressed; and incidents of vessels infringing upon foreign waters persist.

These shortcomings are the main reason why, after nearly eight years and four EC inspections, Vietnam has yet to have the IUU “yellow card” lifted.

According to the dispatch, the fifth inspection is scheduled for early March 2026. “This fifth inspection carries special significance, as the outcome of the mission will determine whether the EC lifts the ‘yellow card’ or escalates it to a ‘red card’ warning for Vietnamese seafood,” the dispatch states.

To address the “yellow card,” ministries, sectors, and localities engaged in seafood harvesting, purchasing, processing, and exporting—particularly coastal provinces—are required to effectively implement 123 assigned tasks issued by the Government, the Prime Minister, and the Standing Committee of the Steering Committee.

Specifically, efforts must focus on five key areas in line with EC recommendations: (1) legal framework; (2) fleet management; (3) monitoring, control, and surveillance of fishing vessels; (4) traceability of seafood catches; and (5) law enforcement and sanctioning of violations.

From now until March 9, 2026, ministries and localities are instructed to continue inspections and implement planned measures addressing the priority areas identified by the EC.

The dispatch assigns the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to take the lead, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador and Head of Vietnam’s Mission to the EU, and relevant agencies, in thoroughly preparing all matters for engagement with the EC, including scenarios, working programs, protocol arrangements, and logistics.

It is noted that in October 2017, the EC officially issued the “yellow card” warning for Vietnam’s wild-caught seafood exports to the EU.

Source: Kinh te Sai Gon Online