How to apply for SEG certification
This page describes the process for applying for and gaining certification to the SEG Standard and what you can expect. The full procedure: 213 SEG – CAB Certification Procedure, is available here.
Is SEG certification for you?
SEG certification can offer significant benefits to you and your business.
It:
• Demonstrates that you are acting responsibly, according to the Best Practice Code of Conduct – the SEG Standard
• Shows that you are trading in ‘certified, responsibly sourced, European eel’,
• Shows that you are making a contribution to the protection and recovery of the European eel.
It can:
• Give you a competitive advantage over those who are not SEG certified.
Certification is a substantial commitment in terms of work, leadership and cost. You should consider carefully before embarking on it and make sure the reasons are right for your business and that you have the resources to do it. You should ask yourself:
- Why do you want it?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the risks or disadvantages?
- Are you seeking an eco-label, or are you aiming to truly show your commitment to playing your part in the recovery of the European eel and its sustainability in the future?
- .We suggest that you discuss this in your business, with suppliers and customers. You are also welcome to talk to the Sustainable Eel Group at standard@sustainableeelgroup.org and/or to one of the two independent Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), who provide our certification services:
> Control Union: eschipper@controlunion.com or
> Vottunarstofan Tún: seg@tun.is
The application and certification process
1. You consider the questions above.
2. You read and understand:
- If you wish to apply for certification, please contact the selected CABs to request application forms and information on the process and its costs.
- You complete an application, including a Self-Assessment (SA) that will help you to understand the SEG Standard better, and what you will need to do to comply and prepare for full assessment.
- CAB assesses the SA and contacts you with feedback and the next steps. CAB issues an assessment contract for signing.
- Once you have successfully completed the SA and signed a contract, you will shortly receive notification of the initial on-site audit. CAB auditor conducts the assessment to the SEG standard within 60 days of being appointed and provides a draft report for internal and client review, including list of any non-compliances identified within 14 days of the audit.
- You respond to the audit report and provide details of corrective actions required within the stated time deadline.
- The CAB communicates the outcome of the assessment, which could be: Certified, Conditionally Certified or Non-Compliant. The decision process for this is in the diagram below.
- If certified, the CAB issues the certificate, assessment report, covering letter and SEG standard terms and conditions to the Client, copied to SEG.
- SEG updates its Register of certificates
- You can use and share your certified status, according to the 205 Claims and Labelling Guide.
- Certificates are usually valid for four years, but that is dependent on completing surveillance audits (usually after two years), and observing the 105 SEG Standard Conditions.
Other information
All latest documentation that describes and supports the SEG Standard system is available here.
If you have any queries with SEG about our system, please contact: standard@sustainableeelgroup.org
Decision chart for certification
