The MSC has introduced a series of changes to its objections process, which came into effect on Thursday 27 February 2025 as a 12-month pilot.
The objections process provides a route for stakeholders to challenge the outcome of a fishery assessment if they believe the independent assessor did not follow procedures correctly.
Objections will continue to be rigorously and independently scrutinised, but the revisions are expected to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure objections can be resolved without immediate escalation to an adjudication hearing. The revisions will also align the process with those of other leading sustainability certification schemes.
All new objections received after 27 February will be subject to the revised process.
Revised eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria now ensure objections focus on the procedural performance of the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).
Objections should not be based on a challenge to Standard requirements or other related policies or based on information that was not provided during the assessment.
Stakeholders are encouraged to share feedback on MSC policies or raise issues directly with the MSC or through participation in formal standard reviews. This will help ensure policy changes are thoroughly evaluated though public consultations and impact assessments.
Review and investigation by ASI
A new step has been introduced to the process, requiring objections to be reviewed by Assurance Services International (ASI), the independent body that oversees the performance of CABs.
An expert team from ASI will determine whether the objection meets the eligibility criteria and if so, how it should be addressed. In most cases, ASI will investigate whether the CAB followed assessment procedures correctly. This may require corrections to the assessment report, which must be addressed by the CAB before certification can be granted.
This new stage provides additional technical oversight, while keeping adjudication as an option for exceptional cases. It also intends to shorten the process and reduce costs. With fewer objections leading to adjudication, parties to the objection will, for example, avoid incurring unnecessary travel costs to attend a hearing. It also removes the perceived need for legal representation.
Antonio Hervás, ASI MSC program manager, stated “For nearly 20 years, ASI has been MSC’s trusted assurance partner. Leveraging this experience and our expertise in dispute resolution, we are able to provide the necessary tools to ensure the credibility of MSC's objection process.”
Addressing stakeholder feedback
The revisions were introduced in response to feedback from different stakeholder groups and following a review of the MSC Assurance System, both of which highlighted a need to adjust the objections process, while maintaining its rigour.
The MSC continues to welcome input in the development of its Standards and encourages stakeholders to submit feedback and participate in formal reviews. There are also multiple mechanisms which enable stakeholders to raise concerns about the conduct of a certificate holder, certification body, or the MSC itself.
