Revision of the SEG Standard for the European eel, 2026
Following feedback from certified operators and our certification body, SEG is undertaking a substantial review of its standard and associated assurance system in 2026.
The main aims of the review will be to improve protection for the eel, and simplify and clarify the standard and assessment against it, leading to greater understanding and better implementation of the SEG certification scheme.
Timetable and consultation
Timeline |
Activities |
16 March 2026 – 15 April 2026 |
Stakeholder comments on:– Current Standard– Current Assurance System– Current MEL Plan– Terms of Reference for the Review |
1 May 2026 –31 May 2026 |
Revision by the SEG Standard Revision Team according to comments received |
15 June 2026 – 15 July 2026 |
1 month stakeholder consultation on new Version 8.0 |
1 August 2026 –31 August 2026 |
SEG Standard Revision Team drafts new version based on stakeholder feedback and presents to the SEG Board |
1 September 2026 –30 Sept 2026 |
Review and approval by SEG Board |
October 2026 |
New Standard V8.0 published |
To comment, please complete this feedback form and send it (in Word format) to Standard@SustainableEelGroup.org.
This revision procedure is governed by our 102 SEG Standard Development & Revision Procedure.
Transition arrangements
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Existing certificate holders
Existing certificate holders shall be re-audited to the new standard according to their current audit schedule.
If a client’s current certificate expires during the period of review (April – September 2026), they may choose to have re-certification delayed until the new standard comes into operation. In this circumstance they shall apply to the CAB for an extension of their current certificate and the re-audit to take place within 3 months of the new version coming into effect.
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New applicants
When new clients apply for certification, they can choose to be assessed to Version 7.6 now, or wait for Version 8.0 in October.
Complaints and concerns
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Any stakeholder has the right to raise their concerns or submit a complaint about the implementation of the SEG Standard Development and Revision Procedure or about the content of the SEG Standard and associated Assurance System.
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Concerns or complaints should be submitted in writing to the chair of the SEG Standard Revision Team: Standard@SustainableEelGroup.org who will oversee providing a response.