Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries and Eco-Certified Fisheries |
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The purpose of Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries (ISF) is to obtain certifications for fishing gear and fish stocks utilized around Iceland. ISF seeks certification against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard, where independent and accredited certification bodies assess and audit Icelandic fisheries based on the criteria set forth in the MSC standard.
The objective is to demonstrate to buyers and consumers that only sustainable fishing is practiced in Iceland, and that extensive effort is dedicated to ensuring that fish stocks and the marine environment continue to be a source of prosperity for the country, driven by knowledge and respect for the marine ecosystem.
ISF was founded in 2012 by companies involved in the fishing, processing, and sale of Icelandic seafood. The company's shareholders hold the exclusive right to sell their products as MSC-certified. This certification opens up seafood sales to markets that specifically demand MSC certification, where consumers are less likely, or completely unwilling, to purchase products without eco-labeling such as the MSC.
The objective is to demonstrate to buyers and consumers that only sustainable fishing is practiced in Iceland, and that extensive effort is dedicated to ensuring that fish stocks and the marine environment continue to be a source of prosperity for the country, driven by knowledge and respect for the marine ecosystem.
ISF was founded in 2012 by companies involved in the fishing, processing, and sale of Icelandic seafood. The company's shareholders hold the exclusive right to sell their products as MSC-certified. This certification opens up seafood sales to markets that specifically demand MSC certification, where consumers are less likely, or completely unwilling, to purchase products without eco-labeling such as the MSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a company become a member of ISF?
According to ISF's articles of association, membership is open to all who request it. It is required to pay for share capital, amounting to ISK 1,765,000, and enter into a shareholder agreement with ISF. Following this, the new member gains access to the fisheries certificates owned by ISF and is permitted to export products as MSC-certified. For processors and sales companies, it is necessary to contact a certification body to conduct an audit and obtain Chain of Custody certification through their production and supply channels.
Furthermore, under the company's articles, a subsidiary can gain access to the parent company's certificates without becoming a shareholder or paying for share capital, provided the parent company has already done so; subsidiaries do not become shareholders themselves. To share certificates with subsidiaries, parent companies must formally notify ISF, and the annual membership fee for the additional membership is 60% of the full fee.
Is the purpose of ISF to operate for profit?
The company is operated such that membership fees are utilized to pay invoices from certification bodies that perform assessments on fish stocks, fishing gear, and fisheries management according to the MSC standard. The annual membership fee is ISK 1,200,000, payable according to invoices issued by ISF.
How do companies demonstrate their membership?
Sales invoices reference the certificate numbers of the species included in the invoice that have received sustainability certification according to the MSC standard. It is common for sales invoices to include a reference to the ISF website, which features a list of companies that hold membership in the ISF certificates and are therefore authorized to sell MSC-certified products.
Who is authorized to utilize the MSC certificates for their exports?
Eingöngu þau félög sem eru með aðild að ISF, ásamt tilkynntum dótturfélögum. Það eru þessi félög sem greiða fyrir kostnað vegna vottana og viðhald skírteina og eiga skírteinin sem eru geymd og rekin hjá ISF.
Is it not sufficient to hold a Chain of Custody Certification to be allowed to export MSC-certified products?
No, it is not sufficient. Chain of Custody certification simply means that a company can handle MSC-certified products in a way that prevents the chain of custody from breaking. However, Chain of Custody certification and the certification of fish stocks are entirely different things. ISF owns the certifications for the fish stocks, which a Chain of Custody certificate grants no rights to utilize. Only membership in ISF activates the certificates, allowing members of the ISF Client Group to activate the certificates by owning the product at any stage of processing so that exported products can be considered as originating from MSC-certified fisheries in Iceland.
According to ISF's articles of association, membership is open to all who request it. It is required to pay for share capital, amounting to ISK 1,765,000, and enter into a shareholder agreement with ISF. Following this, the new member gains access to the fisheries certificates owned by ISF and is permitted to export products as MSC-certified. For processors and sales companies, it is necessary to contact a certification body to conduct an audit and obtain Chain of Custody certification through their production and supply channels.
Furthermore, under the company's articles, a subsidiary can gain access to the parent company's certificates without becoming a shareholder or paying for share capital, provided the parent company has already done so; subsidiaries do not become shareholders themselves. To share certificates with subsidiaries, parent companies must formally notify ISF, and the annual membership fee for the additional membership is 60% of the full fee.
Is the purpose of ISF to operate for profit?
The company is operated such that membership fees are utilized to pay invoices from certification bodies that perform assessments on fish stocks, fishing gear, and fisheries management according to the MSC standard. The annual membership fee is ISK 1,200,000, payable according to invoices issued by ISF.
How do companies demonstrate their membership?
Sales invoices reference the certificate numbers of the species included in the invoice that have received sustainability certification according to the MSC standard. It is common for sales invoices to include a reference to the ISF website, which features a list of companies that hold membership in the ISF certificates and are therefore authorized to sell MSC-certified products.
Who is authorized to utilize the MSC certificates for their exports?
Eingöngu þau félög sem eru með aðild að ISF, ásamt tilkynntum dótturfélögum. Það eru þessi félög sem greiða fyrir kostnað vegna vottana og viðhald skírteina og eiga skírteinin sem eru geymd og rekin hjá ISF.
Is it not sufficient to hold a Chain of Custody Certification to be allowed to export MSC-certified products?
No, it is not sufficient. Chain of Custody certification simply means that a company can handle MSC-certified products in a way that prevents the chain of custody from breaking. However, Chain of Custody certification and the certification of fish stocks are entirely different things. ISF owns the certifications for the fish stocks, which a Chain of Custody certificate grants no rights to utilize. Only membership in ISF activates the certificates, allowing members of the ISF Client Group to activate the certificates by owning the product at any stage of processing so that exported products can be considered as originating from MSC-certified fisheries in Iceland.
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Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries
Grandagarði 16 101 Reykjavík Iceland |