Anyone in Lower Saxony or Schleswig-Holstein who needs a new scale for fisheries inspection will soon pay only 15 percent of the cost themselves. Both states will cover the remaining 85 percent. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the situation is different: Although funding is available for fisheries monitoring there, there is currently no specific subsidy for scales. Which rule applies therefore depends on the federal state in which the application is submitted.
The reason for the funding: The EU has tightened its rules on weighing fish . Effective January 10, 2026, catches must be weighed by species immediately after landing, before being stored, transported, or sold. In addition, there are technical requirements set forth in a new EU regulation. For many businesses, this means they will need to purchase a new scale anyway. The grant makes this investment more affordable.
Part 1: Key Points at a Glance
Funding in the three federal states at a glance
| State | Are scales eligible for funding? | Funding rate | Submit an application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Saxony | Yes | 85% of the total cost | Available as of September 4, 2026 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | Yes | 85% of the net costs | available until further notice |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | Not yet | Clarify in advance | Consult with LALLF before purchasing |
Lower Saxony
Anyone who purchases a new scale for fisheries inspection can receive funding for it. Since June 1, 2026, the funding guidelines have explicitly mentioned “digital scales and weighing systems.” Important: The subsidy does not apply only to scales on board. For monitoring systems, the phrase “on board” is specifically mentioned in the text—but not for scales.
Who is eligible for funding: small and medium-sized fishing businesses, associations of fishermen, recognized producer organizations, and their federations. The business must be based in Lower Saxony, the fishing vessel must be moored in a Lower Saxony port, and the applicant must be a member of a recognized producer organization. The ministry may grant exemptions from the membership requirement on a case-by-case basis.
How much funding is available: 85 percent of the total cost, for investments of 2,000 euros or more. Even a broken, old scale can be replaced—this is an exception under this grant program; otherwise, no funding is provided for replacement only.
Who is responsible: The Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture, Funding Division, Department 2.1.3, P.O. Box 91 06 02, 30426 Hanover. Contact persons: Artur Trifonov, phone +49 511 3665 1423. Or Silke Emmel, phone +49 511 3665 1478.
Please note regarding the form: The application form available there is still from October 2023. It no longer complies with the current regulations in two respects: It still refers to scales as “onboard investments,” and it requires a declaration that no replacement is being requested. Anyone wishing to apply for a scale on shore or a replacement should clarify this with the Chamber of Agriculture beforehand.
Forms and Guidelines: -> Coastal and Deep-Sea Fishing at the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture
Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein also provides funding for new scales. The subsidy rate is 85 percent of the net purchase price—that is, the cost excluding VAT. Unlike in Lower Saxony, there is no minimum investment requirement. There is currently no fixed deadline for submitting an application. The funding for fisheries enforcement across the entire state most recently amounted to around 199,000 euros—not a large sum, and one that is not replenished indefinitely.
Who is eligible for funding: Fishing businesses for which fishing is the primary source of income, based in Schleswig-Holstein, and that are members of a recognized producer organization. Also eligible are recognized producer organizations, fishing cooperatives, and fishing associations based in Schleswig-Holstein.
One important point: Only non-automatic scales are eligible for funding—that is, scales that require a person to manually assist with the weighing process. This is not a problem for standard floor, platform, pallet, hanging, or vehicle scales. For fully automatic systems, such as those on a conveyor belt, you should check in advance to see if they are eligible for funding.
Responsible agency: State Office for Agriculture and Sustainable Land Development (LLnL), Division 30 – Fisheries Promotion, Hamburger Chaussee 25, 24220 Flintbek. Contact persons: Eckhard Schultz, phone +49 4347 704 431. Or Mirko Spiedt, phone +49 4347 704 358.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The situation here is unclear. Although the state provides funding for fisheries monitoring, the only current funding program offered by the LALLF specifies only vessel monitoring equipment—not scales. Anyone in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania planning to purchase a new scale should therefore inquire in writing beforehand to find out if and how much funding is available for this purpose.
Responsible authority: the State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety, and Fisheries (LALLF), Thierfelderstraße 18, 18059 Rostock. For fisheries funding: Matthias Holznagel, phone +49 385 588 61631. For general questions: Florian Kundinger, phone +49 385 588 16481.
The most important mistake you should avoid
Do not make any purchases before the grant has been approved. As soon as you sign a contract, the project is considered to have begun—and then you will no longer receive funding for it. You may, however, request a quote beforehand; in fact, this is part of the application process.
Which scale is right for you?
The subsidy covers the costs. Which scale is right for your business and meets the regulations is another question—and that also depends on which state you fish in. Contact us and get a quote before you submit your application:
Part 2: A Closer Look at Technology and the Law
Technology Determines Where Weighing Takes Place
Under EU regulations, the catch is normally weighed onshore immediately upon landing. The buyer is not automatically the one authorized to weigh it—it could also be a fish auction, a producer organization, or the captain. Whoever actually performs the weighing is responsible for ensuring that the result is accurate.
Weighing on board remains the exception. This requires a permit and a plan—approved by the European Commission—specifying how often and how precisely the catch is to be inspected. This occurs primarily on trips lasting several days, when the catch is weighed before being stored under ice.
On land, robust scales are needed: stainless-steel floor and platform scales, box and crane scales for lifting operations, and, in larger operations, vehicle scales as well. It is important to use materials that can withstand saltwater, a design that can be sealed, and a display whose readings can be processed further.
On board, the challenge is different: The ship sways, and the scale must compensate for that. This is possible with so-called sea-condition-compensated onboard scales—manufactured by a handful of specialists in Europe. We don’t build these scales ourselves—we’ll be honest with you about that. If you need a scale like this, we’ll tell you who manufactures it and handle everything else on land.
Two Dates, Two Laws
The new Article 60 has been in effect since January 10, 2026: The weighing requirement is therefore already law. The exact technical specifications are set forth in a new EU regulation dated August 10, 2026. This regulation has been in force since August 18, 2026, but does not take effect until January 11, 2027. Until then, businesses have time to adapt their equipment—however, in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, only scales that meet these new requirements and are approved, calibrated, and sealed in accordance with German law are eligible for subsidies as of now.
This is where German calibration law comes into play. Three terms are often confused in this context:
- Calibration means comparing the reading to a verified standard and recording the deviation. This does not change anything on the scale.
- Adjustment means resetting the scale. This is not recorded.
- Verification is the official inspection that authorizes a scale for use in sales. It is valid only for a specific period of time.
It’s also important to note: “calibratable” is not the same as “calibrated.” “Calibratable” simply means that a scale could be calibrated. “Calibrated” means that it actually has been calibrated—with an expiration date. If you need a scale that must be calibrated, you should specify that when placing your order. It’s often not possible to do this later.
After calibration, a validity period begins: typically two years for smaller scales, and three years for scales with a maximum load of 3,000 kilograms or more. If a calibration seal is damaged, the calibration becomes invalid immediately. Calibration is therefore not a one-time event at the time of purchase, but something that must be scheduled on a regular basis.
Why Documentation Is Important
A record must be made for every unloading. This record must be retained for three years and be available for inspection at any time. You can do this with a pen and paper—but a scale with a digital interface handles it automatically during the weighing process.
Another date to mark on your calendar: Starting January 10, 2030, the usual deduction for water and ice will generally no longer apply. Accurate weighing will then become even more important.
In a nutshell
Does the scale have to be on board in order to receive funding for it? No, that’s not specified in the guidelines for Lower Saxony or Schleswig-Holstein. It’s best to check with the approving authority beforehand anyway.
Can I have a broken scale replaced? In Lower Saxony, yes—it’s explicitly permitted. In Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you should clarify this beforehand.
How long does the scale have to remain in operation? Usually five years from the last payment. During this time, you may not sell the scale or use it for any other purpose without permission.
Is there a deadline for submitting the application? In Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, there is no fixed deadline—but funding is limited. In Schleswig-Holstein, approximately 199,000 euros were most recently allocated for fisheries monitoring throughout the state. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you must first clarify whether funding is even available.
Why act now, and why choose ESSMANN?
Funding is limited. If funds run low, a points system determines who gets priority. Additionally, the process—from the initial inquiry through the quote to the final decision—takes time—and orders can only be placed after that.
ESSMANN has been manufacturing scales since 1860, ranging from laboratory balances to rail scales. Four things matter in this endeavor: a scale that suits your work and cleaning needs; calibration that works correctly from start to re-calibration; weighing data that ends up where the documentation is created; and someone who answers the phone when things go wrong. Our experienced service technicians handle maintenance, calibration, and verification—ideally all in a single day—so your operations don’t come to a standstill for long. We stock replacement parts for at least ten years—which isn’t a given, especially with a five-year contract term.
If your application and the technology are a good match, you’ll get 15 percent of the total investment—no matter which coast you’re fishing on. Contact us before you submit your application: Contact ESSMANN | Scales & Automation now
