SEG publishes revised Standard for a responsible eel sector
Press release
The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) has published a revised version of the SEG Standard for the responsible capture, trade and farming of European eel. The Standard has been simplified and clarified, making it easier for businesses to implement and for certifiers to assess. The SEG certification system has also been designed for future accreditation to ISO 17065.
The review followed best practice guidelines for developing sustainability standards and included two rounds of open consultation with stakeholders between March and September 2026, giving stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.
The main aim of the review was to simplify both the Standard and its assessment. The requirements have been more clearly defined and leave less room for differing interpretations. As a result, the new SEG Standard 8.0 is more accessible to businesses in the eel sector and enables independent certifiers to assess compliance more consistently.
SEG Standard 8.0 has been developed with future accreditation to ISO 17065 in mind. It also takes account of the European ‘Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive’, ensuring that claims made based on SEG certification comply with the Directive.
“With this revision, SEG Standard 8.0 has become clearer and more practical, without compromising the requirements we set for a responsible eel sector,” said Andrew Kerr, Chairman of the Sustainable Eel Group. “The new Standard is therefore easier to work with for both businesses and certifiers. At the same time, it has been prepared for future ISO 17065 accreditation and ensures that we meet the new European requirements for sustainability claims.”
The revised SEG Standard is ready for the new glass eel fishing season, which starts in October 2026. Existing SEG certificates will remain valid until their current expiry date. When existing certificate holders are recertified, the new version, SEG Standard 8.0, will apply.
Further information
Further information about the SEG Standard, its background and rationale, and how to apply for SEG certification is available here.
SEG is also publishing a separate summary of the main changes introduced in the new version.
The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) is Europe’s leading collaboration of scientists, conservation organisations, businesses and advisers dedicated to the recovery of the European eel. SEG is an independent, not-for-profit non-governmental organisation (NGO), with offices in Brussels and the Netherlands and collaborators across Europe and beyond.
SEG’s vision is: healthy wild eel populations throughout their natural range, fulfilling their role in the aquatic ecosystem and enabling responsible use for the benefit of communities, local economies and traditions.
