How to create a simplified catch certificate in TRACES

The simplified certificate exists for catches from small vessels, and its name slightly misleads: it does have fewer boxes than the ordinary one, but the signature path is longer. It goes through you, then the authority, then you again, with a different status at each hop. Whoever treats it as «the easy one» is surprised to find it does not end on submission.

The full path, with statuses

Phase 1 — Create and submit for validation

1. 1

   Go to «Documents» → «CATCH»

   You need the «fishing exporter» activity approved.

2. 2

   Click «+ Catch Certificate» → «Create new Simplified Certificate»

   A distinct option from the ordinary certificate, under the same button.

3. 3

   Select the product codes

   By Harmonised System, six digits.

4. 4

   Fill «Validating Authority» and «Box 4» (Exporter)

   The two initial mandatory fields. Then «Save as Draft».

5. 5

   Complete the «List of Vessels» tab and «Box 2»

   Species, vessels —«small vessels» only— and quantities per vessel. In Box 2, the conservation measures.

6. 6

   Click «Submit for Validation»

   It lands in «VALIDATING AUTHORITY NOTIFIED».

Phase 2 — What the authority does

1. 1

   Completes the national document number

   Not something you enter.

2. 2

   Verifies the information and decides in «Box 5»

   «Validated» or «Not validated».

3. 3

   Signs with «Sign declaration as [authority]»

   The document moves to «VALIDATING AUTHORITY SIGNED».

Phase 3 — Closing it yourself, the step people forget

1. 1

   Open the «Transport details» tab

   Export country, port or airport of departure, destination point, means of transport and container numbers.

2. 2

   Sign with «Sign as [operator]»

   Only now does it reach «VALID».

3. 3

   If needed, add the next operators

   «Next operator(s)» section on the same tab, via «Update next operators». Optional.