The CSI Chain of Custody Application Process
Organizations that would like to process, sell, trade, distribute, store or handle products bearing the CSI certification logo or certification claim must complete an application form provided by one of the approved Certification Bodies.
The CSI Chain of Custody Standard utilizes the previous Unified Responsible Fisheries Management / Iceland Responsible Fisheries Standard, with targeted modifications to ensure that it is fit for purpose for a program of global scope.
Duration of a Chain of Custody Certificate
Certificates are valid for three years, with a surveillance audit conducted every 12 to 18 months. Certification is maintained provided there is sufficient evidence that the applicant remains in compliance with the criteria of the Standard.
The application and certification process entails the following distinct stages, which collectively take 1-3 months:
Stage 1
Interested organizations should request information on the Chain of Custody Standard from Certified Seafood International and / or an approved Certification Body (CB).
Stage 2
Organizations will complete an official application form from one of the approved CBs. A single organization or a group organization can apply.
CSI values efficiency and cost-effective processes. For this reason, organizations that currently hold an MSC Chain of Custody certificate awarded by a CSI-approved Certification Body can combine CSI and MSC certification audits and save on costs.
Stage 3
The application form is evaluated by the CB and an assessment plan is created, which lays out the required steps for the organization to attain Chain of Custody certification.
Stage 4
Upon the organization’s agreement to the assessment plan, an audit by an approved CB will be conducted.
Stage 5
As part of the audit process, the CB will compile an assessment report indicating where the organization meets the Chain of Custody Standard and identify any areas where it may fall short.
Stage 6
The assessment report will be submitted to the CB’s Certification Committee for a final decision.
Stage 7
Upon confirmation of certification, the CB will issue a Chain of Custody Certificate to the organization. The certificate is valid for 3 years with a surveillance audit conducted every 12 to 18 months.
Stage 8
If the certified organization wishes to use the CSI logo or make a related claim, it may execute a logo usage agreement with Certified Seafood International. Contact info@csicertified.org.