The RFM Chain of Custody Application Process
Stakeholders in the seafood fisheries value chain can apply for RFM Chain of Custody Certification.
Seafood companies wishing to supply products bearing the RFM certification logo or certification claim will need to complete an application form provided by one of the approved certification bodies.
This Chain of Custody standard program will verify that participating seafood handlers can demonstrate effective traceability and have systems in place to ensure that the certified seafood product is not mixed with non-certified seafood.
Length of a Chain of Custody Certificate
Certificates are valid for three years with a surveillance every 12 to 18 months. On-going certification is maintained as long as there is sufficient evidence that the applicant remains in compliance with the criteria of the Standard.
The application and certification process has a number of distinct stages
(this process can take from 1-3 months)
- Stage 1: The potential company can request information on the Chain of Custody Standard from the Certified Seafood Collaborative and/or the Certification Body.
- Stage 2: If they wish to progress to certification they will need to complete an official application form from one of the RFM Approved Certification Bodies. A single organization or a group organization can apply.*
- Stage 3: The company’s application form is assessed by the Certification Body and an assessment plan is created on how the company will gain certification to the Chain of Custody Standard.
- Stage 4: If the company agrees to the assessment plan an audit by an approved assessor will be conducted.
- Stage 5: During the audit the assessor will compile an assessment report of how the company does or does not meet the Chain of Custody Standard.
- Stage 6: The assessment report will be submitted to the Certification Body’s Certification Committee for a Certification Decision.
- Stage 7: When the certification of the company is confirmed the Certification Body will issue a Chain of Custody Certificate to the company. The certificate is valid for 3 years with a re-assessment every 12 to 18 months.
- Stage 8: The certified company can apply to the Certified Seafood Collaborative for the right to use the RFM Certification logo or statement. This request can be made at rfm@rfmcertification.org
* Companies who currently have MSC CoC through one of the RFM approved CBs can do a combined RFM/MSC certification audit and save on costs.
