Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

What is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)?

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization founded in 1997 that promotes sustainable fishing on a global scale. MSC's mission is to protect the world's fish stocks by:

• Establishing standards for sustainable fishing and supply chains.
• Certifying fisheries that meet these standards.
• Educating consumers about choosing seafood products from sustainable sources.

The blue MSC logo on seafood products guarantees that they come from certified, sustainable fisheries. For more information, visit the official MSC website.

MSC Chain of Custody Standard

The MSC Chain of Custody Standard is a set of rigorous requirements aimed at ensuring full traceability of seafood products from the point of capture to the consumer. This standard guarantees that:

• Products bearing the MSC logo genuinely come from certified sustainable fisheries.
• The entire supply chain is monitored and controlled for compliance with MSC standards.
• No mixing of certified products with non-certified products occurs at any stage.

Benefits of MSC Certification

• Consumer Trust: An increasing number of customers are seeking products from sustainable sources.
• Access to Global Markets: Many international retailers and supermarket chains require MSC certification from their suppliers.
• Environmental Protection: Supporting sustainable fishing contributes to preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
• Increased Competitiveness: The MSC certificate distinguishes a company from its competitors and can enhance its appeal to business partners.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting international standards and regulations concerning responsible fishing.

MSC Chain of Custody Certification Process

Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the MSC Chain of Custody Standard.
• Conduct an internal audit to assess your current state.

Choosing a Certification Body:

• Contact an accredited MSC certification body.
• Determine the scope of certification and costs.

Pre-Audit (Optional):

• Conducted to identify potential non-compliances.
• Helps prepare for the main audit.

Certification Audit:

• Detailed evaluation of the company's processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Verification of compliance with the standard's requirements.

Issuance of Certificate:

• After a positive audit outcome, the company receives a certificate valid for three years.
• The company is authorized to use the MSC logo on its products.

Surveillance Audits:

• Conducted at least once a year.
• Ensure continuous compliance with the standard's requirements.

Requirements for Businesses

To obtain the MSC Chain of Custody certificate, a company must meet the following criteria:

Traceability Management System:

• Implement procedures that ensure product traceability at every stage.

Product Segregation:

• Physical or temporal separation of certified products from non-certified ones.

Documentation and Records:

• Maintain accurate documentation regarding the purchase, processing, and sale of products.

Staff Training:

• Ensure that all employees are aware of the standard's requirements and their responsibilities.

Supplier Control System:

• Ensure that all suppliers are also certified or meet the required standards.

Procedures Regarding the MSC Logo:

• Comply with guidelines for using the MSC logo on products and marketing materials.

How to Start the Certification Process

Contact MSC:

• Visit the official MSC website for detailed information.
• Utilize available training materials and guides.

Choose a Certification Body:

• Select an accredited body from the list available on the MSC website.
• Compare offers and scope of services.

Prepare Your Company for the Audit:

• Implement necessary procedures and systems.
• Train your staff.

Conduct a Pre-Audit:

• Optionally, to identify areas needing improvement.

Undergo the Certification Audit:

• Submit to a formal evaluation by the chosen certification body.

Obtain the Certificate:

• After a positive audit result, begin using the MSC logo.

Examples of Companies with MSC Certification

Many reputable companies worldwide have obtained MSC certification, including:

• Global Retail Chains: Such as Lidl, Aldi, and Carrefour, which offer MSC-certified products.
• Food Manufacturers: Companies like Findus and Iglo, which market frozen seafood products.
• Restaurants and Catering: Dining establishments that emphasize their commitment to sustainable practices.

Summary

Obtaining the Marine Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Standard (MSC) certificate is a strategic step towards sustainable development and social responsibility. Certification not only strengthens a company's market position but also contributes to the protection of marine ecosystems and ensures future fish stocks.