MSC standards and methodologies
The MSC standards and methodologies are cornerstones of the MSC program. They meet global best practice guidelines for certification and ecolabelling programs.
Together they ensure that only seafood from certified sustainable fisheries carries the blue MSC ecolabel.
MSC standards
2 standards, developed and maintained by the MSC, are at the core of the program:
• MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing
• MSC chain of custody standard for seafood traceability
MSC methodologies
Each MSC standard is supported by one or more methodologies, which set out how certifiers should carry out assessments against the standard.
Reviewing our standards and methodologies
How MSC standards and methodologies are reviewed, and how you can comment. Open, transparent, participatory processes are at the centre of the MSC program.
Third party certification
Find out more about what it means to be a third-party program. The MSC's ‘third-party’ approach ensures our certification and ecolabelling program is robust, credible and meets best practice guidelines.
Consultations
Find out about current consultations and read about the outcome of previous consultations.
All MSC documents
View and download all MSC documents in the MSC document centre.
