Review of Licensing and Regulatory Processes Tool

This tool is developed in response to a survey of the aquaculture industry across EU member states. The top issues identified in the survey relate to legislation, regulation and licensing of the industry, in particular, the aquaculture consenting process which is perceived to be a bottleneck to blue growth. 
Successful reviews have been summarised and the methods described have been complied by pooling best practice from these previous reviews. Analysis of EU led Multi-Annual National Plans highlight simplification of administrative procedures as a goal set by over 50% of EU member states. Several member states have outlined strategies to do this through review groups (inter-ministry) and taking the following actions: 
- Review the applicable legislation 
- Simplify applicable legislation 
- Streamline application procedures 
- Improve involvement of stakeholders in the decision-making process 
- Simplification of access for applicants – creation of a one-stop-shop for licence applications 
- Develop a single web portal for submission and follow-up of applications 
- Guidelines to make the legislation and procedures more transparent, understandable and predictable
Such reviews and new measures have shown: 
- Significant simplification of the licensing procedures 
- Reduced time and costs for the investors 
- Formally established time limits 
- Clarity of roles and agencies involved in decision making
- Streamlining of licences and where possible incorporation of multiple permits
The methodology presented in this guidance document should equip users with the tools to achieve the following: 
- Carry out a review of their aquaculture consenting process with the aim to identify the changes needed that will: ensure consenting decisions happen in a timely manner; and create clarity and transparency in the consenting process; ensure it takes on board best practice and experience from other jurisdictions
- Ensure the review provides clear, specific and actionable recommendations to provide a streamlined, transparent, efficient, fit for purpose and rational legislative framework and licensing system
- Produce a specific and timed implementation plan for the recommendations of the review