The decision was taken by the Directorate General of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and was the result of the recognition of measures taken by Ukraine in harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with the EU in combating illegal fishing.

The decision of the Commission allows export of bioresources, caught by fishing vessels of the flag of Ukraine in compliance with national and international legislation in the field of fisheries to the customs territory of the European Union without further ratification procedures.

The issue of access of Ukrainian fisheries products and protection of aquatic biological resources raised during the last visit of EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki to Ukraine on February 14, 2013.