MSC Chain of Custody Certification Methodology
The Chain of Custody Certification Methodology sets out how accredited certifiers will carry out an assessment of organisations in the supply chain against the MSC chain of custody standard.
What are the aims of the Chain of Custody Certification Methodology?
This methodology ensures that the supply chain for MSC certified seafood is secure and that the MSC chain of custody standard is properly applied. It specifies requirements such as
• How certifiers should assess mass-balance
• What documentation is necessary to demonstrate a secure supply chain
• How to identify a non-conformance and what action to take
• How to conduct a spot-check or product traceback
• What rules govern certificate withdrawals and suspensions
• How to certify Groups of individual enterprises and multiple site companies
Group Chain of Custody certification guidance
The MSC has issued Guidance on Group Certification Requirements (Appendix C of the Certification Methodology).
Find out more about group certification for MSC Chain of Custody and download the guidance.
Current version of the Chain of Custody Certification Methodology
The current version of the Chain of Custody Certification Methodology is Version 6.1, released 31 July, 2009.
This methodology is the intellectual property of the MSC and is periodically updated by the MSC’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB). The TAB also provides directives and advisories to support this methodology and provide further guidance for certifiers.
Download the Chain of Custody Certification Methodology
Submit your details to download the Chain of Custody Certification Methodology (Version 6.1).
Further information
For further information please email standards@msc.org.
