The MSC Chain of Custody Standard

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    Between the ocean and your plate, fish and seafood products may pass through many stages. Supply chains can be very complicated. The MSC Chain of Custody Standard ensures that products from MSC certified sustainable fisheries are traceable and separated from non-certified products.

    For products to carry the blue MSC label, every company in the supply chain must have a valid Chain of Custody certificate. To be certified, businesses are audited by independent certification bodies.
     

    What is assessed?

    There are five key principles that every company must meet to achieve certification.





    1. Certified supply

      Companies must purchase certified product from a certified supplier

    2. Identifiable

      Certified products are clearly identifiable

    3. Separation

      Certified products are separated from non-certified

    4. Traceable and recorded

      Certified products are traceable and volumes are recorded

    5. Good management

      Companies have a management system that addresses the requirements of the Standard

    Different businesses, different needs

    The Chain of Custody Standard was updated in 2015 and now consists of one default version, along with Group and Consumer-Facing Organisation (CFO) versions. The Standard is reviewed every three years.

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    Man working at Unisea fish processing facility, Dutch Harbor, Alaska

    For supply chain companies

    Demand for traceable, sustainably caught seafood is increasing. Selling and promoting MSC certified products offers assurance to buyers and customers.

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    CVO pulse sole and plaice vessel in harbour, Netherlands

    For certification bodies

    Information for and about Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) accredited to carry out assessments to the MSC Standards.

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