As businesses and communities worldwide are adapting to travel bans, school closures and social distancing as a result of the global covid-19 pandemic, our team at the Marine Stewardship Council has changed the way it is working, so that we can support our valued partners at this exceptionally challenging time. Some of the changes we’ve put in place since the virus outbreak include:
Audits and assessments
In March 2020 fisheries were offered a six-month extension on the usual timelines for MSC assessments and certifications. Where feasible, fishery partners were able to continue with remote audits and existing timelines if agreed with Conformity Assessment Bodies.
As the extension period comes to a close, the MSC will continue to permit remote auditing and assessment for both fishery and supply chain clients where Covid-19 restrictions prevent on-site audits. Additional risk mitigation measures are being put in places for businesses entering certification for the first time. This new derogation is effective from 28 September 2020 until 27 March 2021.
Supply chain businesses with an MSC Chain of Custody certificate who are required to undergo independent labour audits, still have until 28 March 2021 or the second audit in the revised standard (whichever is later), to complete these.
MSC Offices
We have temporarily closed most of our offices around the world, including our London headquarters, in response to government guidance and for the safety of our staff and stakeholders.
However, our colleagues globally are available during their usual office hours on email, by telephone and video conference. If you do not have a regular MSC contact person, the email and telephone contact details for our regional offices are available here.
Some of our offices in Asia-Pacific remain open or have re-opened. However, as the situation is changing quickly we would ask that you confirm in advance if you have an in-person meeting scheduled.