A neutral reference to the certifications and health frameworks that shape farm design, procurement specifications and export access — from ASC and BAP through HACCP and the EU health-certification regime.
Issued by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (independent)
Third-party certification for responsibly farmed seafood. Covers environmental impact, community, animal welfare and worker conditions.
When neededRequired or preferred by most European and North American retailers of premium farmed seafood.
Issued by Global Seafood Alliance
Multi-star certification framework spanning farm, hatchery, feed mill and processing plant. 4-star BAP requires the full chain.
When neededWidely required by US retail and foodservice buyers.
Issued by GlobalG.A.P.
Farm-level certification with a Chain-of-Custody add-on covering food safety, worker welfare and environmental management.
When neededBaseline requirement for many EU retailers.
Issued by ISO
Framework for managing environmental impact — waste, water, energy, emissions — with continuous-improvement obligations.
When neededCommon requirement in tenders, EIA processes and lender ESG due diligence.
Issued by ISO
End-to-end food safety management standard applicable to seafood processors and feed mills.
When neededOften required alongside HACCP for export-oriented processors.
Issued by Codex Alimentarius / FDA / EU
Risk-based food safety framework identifying and controlling biological, chemical and physical hazards.
When neededLegal requirement for seafood processing plants in most export markets.
Issued by US Food & Drug Administration
US-specific HACCP rule for seafood processors and importers.
When neededMandatory for anyone selling seafood into the United States.
Issued by European Commission (DG SANTE) via national competent authorities
Health certification framework governing imports of live aquatic animals and products into the EU.
When neededMandatory for any operator exporting to EU markets. Requires an approved establishment number.
Issued by MSC
Wild-capture standard often referenced in mixed-source supply chains where chain-of-custody segregation is required.
When neededWhere a processor handles both farmed and wild seafood on the same site.
Issued by World Sustainability Organization
Alternative farm-level sustainability certification, common in Mediterranean and Latin American markets.
When neededBuyer- or region-specific requirement.
Issued by WOAH (formerly OIE)
International reference for aquatic animal health, biosecurity and disease reporting.
When neededReferenced in national biosecurity regulations and export health protocols.
Issued by ISO
OH&S management system standard covering worker safety across farm, hatchery and processing sites.
When neededIncreasingly required by lenders and multinational off-takers.
Choosing suppliers who already meet ASC, BAP, HACCP or ISO 14001 documentation is 10× cheaper than retrofitting compliance after commissioning.