Control Union – Certification

MSC – Marine Stewardship Council

MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification promotes and identifies wild-caught fish as sustainable and well-managed. This globally recognized standard applies to the entire seafood supply chain from vessel to plate, helping businesses meet increasing customer demand for traceable, sustainable seafood. Control Union provides expert certification services for both MSC Fisheries and Chain of Custody standards.

Control Union – Certification

    What is MSC?

    The MSC certification covers the complete journey of wild-caught seafood through the supply chain. It centres around three core principles: sustainable fish stocks, minimised environmental impact, and effective fishery management systems.

    For businesses facing growing customer requirements for verified sustainable products, MSC certification opens new market opportunities and strengthens your reputation. Control Union, with its global network of qualified auditors, provides efficient MSC Fisheries assessments and Chain of Custody certification, ensuring your seafood products meet the highest standards of sustainability and traceability.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Additional modules

    Control Union is accredited and can certify the following categories:

    • Marine / Aquaculture Stewardship Council Chain of Custody CUP

    • Marine Stewardship Council-Fishery

    Features of MSC

    Control Union – Certification
    1.

    Sustainable Sourcing Assurance

    Ensures seafood comes from certified sustainable fisheries, protecting fish stocks and marine ecosystems for future generations.

    2.

    Full Supply Chain Traceability

    The Chain of Custody standard tracks seafood from vessel to plate, guaranteeing authenticity and sustainable origins.

    3.

    Enhanced Market Access

    Meet growing global demand for certified sustainable seafood and access markets that prioritize MSC labelled products.

    4.

    Strengthened Brand Reputation

    Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing, building trust with environmentally conscious customers.

    5.

    Globally Recognized Standard

    Based on robust principles developed in 1999 and regularly reviewed to incorporate best practices in sustainable fisheries.

    Commodities

    MSC certification applies exclusively to wild-capture fisheries and the products derived from them. The following marine commodities can be certified under the Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries program:

    • Fish & seafood

    Control Union – Sustainable commodities
    In a constantly changing environment, we are working with supply chain partners to create a demonstrably more sustainable future
    James Schadenberg – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Certificeringen

    Request MSC or freely discuss?

    We are happy to help. Simply fill in the form below, or contact us on +31 (0) 38 42 60 121

    Name(Required)
    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Control Union - supply chain