Reviewing MSC standards

To ensure that the MSC program remains fit for purpose as the world’s leading certification program of wild capture fisheries the MSC standards are reviewed regularly.

Consistent with the MSC’s commitment to best practice for ecolabelling and certification as set out by the FAO and ISEAL, the review process is inclusive, transparent and involves multi-stakeholder collaboration.

How MSC standards are reviewed

The standards are maintained by the MSC Technical Advisory Board and undergo an official review every 5 years in which stakeholder consultation is central. Reviews follow the MSC Standard Setting Procedure that was developed with peer review and stakeholder involvement in May 2007 and updated in March 2011.

Changes to the standards may be proposed by the Technical Advisory Board, the MSC Board of Trustees, the Stakeholder Council or by the MSC Executive. Any changes that are made during to the standards undergo a consultation period in which the Stakeholder Forum, established to ensure that all interested parties are included, may comment. The Interested Parties Advisory Committee, for which the Stakeholder Council may propose members, then reviews the comments and inputs of stakeholders alongside the technical content of the changes. Formalisation of changes only occurs after an extensive cycle of consultation with stakeholders.

The next formal review of the MSC standard commences January 2013.

Download the MSC standard setting procedure

Download the MSC Standard Setting Procedure (PDF, 180 kb)

Comment on the MSC standards and requirements

You can comment on the MSC standards and requirements at any time. Comments are presented to the Technical Advisory Board when a review of the standard is being considered. Comment on MSC standards and requirements.

Contact us

For further information please email standards@msc.org.