1. WHAT IS THE AQUACULTURE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (ASC)?

ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) is an international independent non-profit organization that administers the world’s leading certification and labeling program for responsible aquaculture. The ASC was established by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Netherlands Sustainable Trade Initiative.

ASC’s Mission:

• Recognize and promote responsible aquaculture through the ASC certification program and seafood trademarks
• Promoting the best environmental and social choices when buying seafood
• Contributing to the transformation of the seafood market towards sustainability

2. IMPORTANCE OF ASC STANDARDS

2.1 Global context

With scientific research showing that global fish and shrimp consumption will skyrocket in the coming decades, the aquaculture industry is expanding to meet this growing demand. Seafood is a source of nutritional protein and a key ingredient but has not been properly evaluated for global food security.

2.2 The need for social and environmental responsibility

With this expansion comes the need for aquaculture feed producers to maintain high standards of social responsibility, legal compliance, and environmental sustainability.

3. MAIN ASC STANDARDS

3.1 ASC Farm Standard

The ASC Farm Standard establishes responsible practices for global aquaculture. Impact-based sustainability requirements include animal welfare, farm management, human rights, and environmental stewardship for fish, farms, people, and the planet.

Main Requirements:

• To achieve ASC certification, farms must complete a rigorous performance assessment and meet more than 500 compliance points
• Compliance with the law (following the law, legal right to operate)
• Conservation of the natural environment and biodiversity
• Conserving water resources
• Conserving species diversity and wild populations

3.2 ASC Feed Standard

The ASC Feed Standard is driving progress towards sustainable aquaculture through a holistic approach to aquafeed, which requires responsible sourcing for all major feed ingredients.

Main features:

• The ASC Feed Standard adopts a holistic approach that includes both environmental and social responsibility within the feed plant and throughout the entire supply chain, covering all components >1% including
• The ASC Feed Certification Program ensures every food ingredient (>1% inclusive) is risk-assessed for impacts on people and our planet, and best practices in the food supply chain are recognized
• The standard requires feed factories to meet strict environmental and social requirements; sourcing ingredients from socially responsible suppliers; and use environmentally responsible raw materials

3.3 ASC Chain of Custody (CoC)

CoC certification covers fish from ‘farm to plate’ to ensure traceability and provides rules for the purchase, processing and sale of certified ASC products.

4. ASC CERTIFICATION PROCESS

4.1 Evaluation Process

The ASC was developed through dialogue with stakeholders and the certification process for the ASC Feed Standard includes a comprehensive audit of the feed plant’s operations, an assessment of compliance with the ASC’s stringent standards for environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

4.2 Continuous Monitoring

After achieving ASC certification, farms undergo regular audits to ensure they continue to meet stringent performance requirements.

5. BENEFITS OF ASC CERTIFICATION

5.1 For businesses

• Market access to ASC-certified seafood requirements
• Clear and reliable communication of responsible farming with customers and stakeholders
• Eligible for products with ASC eco-label
• Creating a competitive advantage for manufacturers

5.2 For Consumers

• When you see the ASC label on the packaging, you can be sure that your seafood is farmed with care
• By choosing seafood with the ASC label, you are making a proven positive impact on people and the planet
• Assure seafood buyers that products with the ASC label come from a responsible certification source

6. STATISTICS AND CURRENT STATUS

6.1 Certification Difficulty

The ASC is the most challenging and comprehensive certification available. This reflects the rigor and comprehensiveness of the standard.

6.2 Scope of application

ASC has expertise with all major farmed species including pangasius, tilapia, shrimp, salmon, striped salmon, abalone and bivalves.

ASC Feed Certification addresses these issues by providing a rigorous framework that mills can use to assure the market of compliance with their best practices while also enhancing due diligence throughout the entire supply chain.

The ASC standard represents a global commitment to sustainable aquaculture, ensuring that the industry can meet the growing demand for aquaculture while protecting the environment and ensuring social responsibility.

ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) standard training, consulting and certification services

Comprehensive solutions to improve the value of seafood supply chain

Introduction to ASC Standards

The ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) standard is one of the most prestigious international standards in the world for the aquaculture industry. Established in 2010, ASC aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, minimize negative environmental and social impacts, and ensure the benefit of local communities.

ASC certification is a testament to the fact that farming facilities comply with strict requirements for environmental protection, social responsibility, animal welfare, and product traceability. ASC-certified products are increasingly popular in the international market, especially in fastidious markets such as Europe, the US, and Japan.

The role of ASC training, consulting and certification services

Achieving ASC certification not only helps businesses improve product value, expand export markets but also shows a long-term commitment to sustainable development. However, the process of obtaining ASC certification requires thorough preparation, professional knowledge, and strict compliance with regulations. That is why ASC training, consulting and certification services have become the optimal solution for aquaculture businesses.

• Training: Provide the necessary knowledge and skills to help the management team, employees and employees understand the standards and principles of ASC, control and supervision measures in actual operation.
• Consulting: Supporting the analysis of the current situation, identifying strengths and weaknesses, building a roadmap for improvement and standardizing the production process as required by ASC.
• Certification: Independent assessment and confirmation of facilities/factories that fully meet ASC’s criteria, provide valid certificates, help businesses affirm their position in the market.

ASC training, consulting and certification process

The service implementation process typically includes the following basic steps:

1. Survey & analysis of the situation

Experts will conduct grassroots surveys, collect information on production activities, environmental management, disease control, animal welfare, labor safety, community relations, etc. Based on the data collected, businesses will receive a detailed assessment report on the level of response and areas for improvement.

2. In-house planning & training

On the basis of the survey results, the consultant coordinates with the business to develop a specific action plan. The team participating in the program will receive in-depth training on the principles, requirements, demonstration documents, operation and supervision methods according to ASC standards.

3. Consulting on process improvement & standardization

Support enterprises to build, modify and complete operation processes, management records, quality control systems, traceability, waste management, environmental incident handling, etc. to meet the mandatory criteria of the ASC. Weaknesses will be thoroughly overcome, ensuring long-term sustainability.

4. Internal Testing Review

Prior to the official audit, the business will conduct a comprehensive internal audit to check the level of compliance. Errors and problems will be detected and handled in a timely manner.

5. ASC Assessment and Certification

The enterprise will be independently audited by an ASC-accredited certification body. If you fully meet the requirements, you will receive a valid ASC certificate with international validity.

6. Maintenance & Recertification

Businesses that have been certified need to carry out periodic inspections, continuous improvement, and periodic recertification to maintain the validity of the ASC certificate.

Benefits of using ASC certification training and consulting services

• Improve competitiveness: Meet international standards, expand export opportunities, increase product value.
• Environmental and community protection: Effectively manage water resources, treat waste, conserve biodiversity, and ensure the interests of local communities.
• Strengthen corporate governance: Standardize processes, improve operational efficiency, and reduce risks.
• Sustainable development: Long-term commitment to green development, creating a prestigious image, attracting international investment.
• Compliance with the law: Ensure strict implementation of state and international regulations on environment, social responsibility, labor, etc.

Subjects of application of the service

ASC standard training, consulting and certification services are suitable for all organizations, businesses, cooperatives, farms and processing factories in the field of aquaculture such as shrimp, pangasius, salmon, mollusks, bivalve mollusks, seaweed, etc.

Taking advantage of ASC training, consulting and certification services is a strategic step to help seafood enterprises in Vietnam firmly integrate with the world market, contributing to the development of sustainable aquaculture, environmental protection and improving national brand position. In addition, achieving ASC certification also creates a motivation for the aquaculture community to constantly innovate, innovate and move towards green, safe and sustainable production for the future.

CONTACT SERVICE SUPPORT:

ISC Global

International Standards Training & Certification Partner

Contact Vietnam representative: Duc Luong Services – Hoa Dang Duc Luong Co., Ltd.

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email: info.vietnam@iscglobal.asia – van.pham@iscglobal.asia – van.pham@iscvietnam.net – ducluongservices@gmail.com – van.pham@tcivietnam.com

Website: https://iscglobal.asia/ – https://ducluongservices.com/ – https://iscvietnam.net/ – https://tcivietnam.com/