Introduction to EAC Certification for Frozen Seafood under TR CU 040/2016
I. Regulatory Background and Scope of Application
TR CU 040/2016 is a mandatory technical regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on food product safety, applicable to all food products, including frozen seafood. Its core objective is to ensure that products comply with hygiene, safety, and quality standards, thereby protecting consumer rights.

Applicable Countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.
Certification Type: EAC (Eurasian Conformity) certification, available in two forms: Declaration and Certificate. Frozen seafood typically requires an EAC Certificate.
II. Core Requirements for EAC Certification
Product Compliance
The production, storage, and transportation of frozen seafood must comply with EAEU hygiene standards (e.g., temperature control, preservation treatment).
Key indicators: microbial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus), heavy metal residues, additive use (e.g., nitrites, preservatives), etc.
Documentation and Labelling Requirements

Technical documents: product formulation, production process, quality inspection reports, proof of origin, etc.  
Labelling: Russian-language labelling indicating product name, ingredients, allergens, shelf life, storage conditions, and manufacturer/importer information.  
Certification Process

Step 1: Select an EAEU-recognised certification body (e.g., Certification Body Contact: Shanghai Jinghe Industrial Equipment Testing Co., Ltd.).  
Step 2: Submit technical documents and samples for laboratory testing (e.g., physical and chemical analysis, microbial testing).  
Step 3: Upon approval, the EAC certificate is issued, with a validity period typically of 3 years.  
III. Common Issues and Recommendations  
Certification Timeline and Costs

Timeline: Approximately 4–8 weeks (depending on the complexity of testing).
Costs: Includes testing fees, certification fees, and translation fees; specific details should be consulted with the certification body.  
Non-Compliance Handling  

If testing fails, corrective actions must be taken before resubmitting for testing. For example, if preservative levels exceed limits, the formulation must be adjusted or suppliers replaced.  
Updates and Oversight  

Certification bodies may conduct unannounced inspections; companies must maintain consistency in production processes.  
IV. Additional Considerations  
Transportation and Storage: Cold chain transportation records must be provided to ensure temperatures remain below -18°C throughout the process.
Local Representative: Some countries (e.g., Russia) require the designation of a local agent to assist with document submissions.
5. Resources and Support
Official Channels: Visit the EAEU official website (https://eaeunion.org) to check the latest regulations.
Professional Certification Institution Contact: Shanghai Jinghe Industrial Equipment Testing Co., Ltd.
By following the above process, frozen seafood companies can systematically meet EAC certification requirements and smoothly enter the EAEU market.