MSC and ASC Chain of Custody certification
Verify seafood traceability, meet retailer requirements and maintain MSC and ASC label integrity.
Demonstrate traceability and integrity across your seafood supply chain
Ensure that certified seafood products remain fully traceable from sustainable fisheries to the final point of sale. LRQA’s Chain of Custody (CoC) audits help organisations verify the integrity of their supply chains, providing independent assurance that products labelled as certified originate from responsible sources.
The MSC Chain of Custody Standard ensures seafood carrying the MSC label can be traced back to certified fisheries through a controlled and transparent supply chain.
Whether you are a processor, distributor, retailer or foodservice provider, LRQA’s experienced auditors work with you to verify compliance and strengthen confidence in your sustainability claims.
What is MSC Chain of Custody certification?
MSC Chain of Custody certification verifies that seafood products labelled as MSC certified originate from sustainable fisheries and remain traceable throughout the supply chain. Independent audits confirm that certified seafood is identifiable, segregated and traceable at every stage.
If your organisation takes ownership of certified seafood and wishes to sell it as certified, you will typically need Chain of Custody certification. The audit confirms that your organisation has the systems, procedures and controls required to maintain the integrity of certified products.
During a Chain of Custody audit, LRQA assesses whether your organisation:
- Purchases certified seafood from approved suppliers
- Maintains clear identification of certified products
- Prevents mixing of certified and non-certified products
- Maintains full traceability and accurate volume records
- Operates an effective management system
Independent verification helps ensure that sustainability claims are credible and that certified seafood remains fully traceable through every stage of the supply chain.
What is ASC Chain of Custody Module?
ASC certification is a globally recognised benchmark for responsibly farmed fish and seafood. ASC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is built on the MSC Chain of Custody Standard, which provides a robust framework for traceability and segregation across the entire supply chain, and is further strengthened by the ASC CoC Module.
To achieve certification, organisations must meet the additional requirements set out in the ASC CoC Module. These requirements enhance the integrity of seafood supply chains by addressing critical areas such as food safety and antibiotic detection, delivering greater assurance and reinforcing confidence in the ASC label.
Benefits of Chain of Custody certification
Demonstrate traceability and transparency
Certification provides independent assurance that certified seafood can be traced through the supply chain, helping build confidence among customers and stakeholders.
Access global sea food markets
Many retailers, foodservice providers and supply chain partners require or prefer certified seafood products. Chain of Custody certification helps organisations meet these requirements.
Strengthen brand credibility
Verified traceability supports credible sustainability claims and helps protect your brand reputation.
Improve supply chain controls
The certification process encourages stronger internal processes for product identification, segregation and traceability.
The Chain of Custody audit process
Application and planning
We review your organisation’s operations and certification scope to prepare for the assessment.
Audit and assessment
An LRQA auditor evaluates your documented systems and operational controls to confirm compliance with the Chain of Custody Standard.
Certification decision
Following the audit, an independent technical review determines whether certification requirements have been met.
Ongoing surveillance
Certified organisations undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance and maintain certification.
Who needs Chain of Custody certification?
Chain of Custody certification typically applies to organisations that take ownership of certified seafood products and wish to sell them as certified, including:
- Seafood processors
- Distributors and wholesalers
- Retailers
- Foodservice providers
- Logistics and storage operators handling certified products
Certification ensures that the link between sustainable fisheries and the final consumer remains intact.
Why work with us?
Global capability
LRQA has extensive experience across seafood and food supply chains. Our auditors combine deep technical expertise with global coverage, providing consistent audits wherever your operations are located.
Flexible delivery
Depending on certain qualification criteria, the team may be able to deliver your audit remotely through secure digital technology, enabling efficient certification without compromising rigour.
Integrated audits
Your MSC CoC audit can be integrated into other MSC or food safety audits – reducing the total number of audits and audit days for your business.
A partner for your assurance journey
Beyond certification, LRQA supports organisations with advisory, assessment and training services that help address risk and demonstrate responsible sourcing.
In the wrong place?
Transfer to LRQA for confidence in your risk management solutions. With a valid accredited certificate from another provider, transferring your certification to LRQA is simple and hassle-free.
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