ASC consults on new supply chain requirements

ASC has launched a public consultation on proposed revisions to its Chain of Custody (CoC) Module, which aim to introduce human rights and humane slaughter requirements, and improve food safety provisions, while aiming to maintain alignment with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) CoC Standard requirements.

The ASC is particularly calling for feedback from supply chain companies, auditors, retailers, environmental, welfare and social non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and union or worker representatives.

Applying a range of tools

Under the proposal, ASC would introduce a simplified supply chain code of conduct on human rights aligned with ASC’s Farm and Feed Standards. Instead of relying on single, routine third-party social audits, the approach would use a mix of assurance tools, including document-based human rights checks by CoC auditors, risk-based unannounced assessments, transparency of human rights practices and clear remediation processes.

The food safety requirement would remain in place but would be modified to ease implementation. Proposed updates include moving food safety from an eligibility requirement to a clause in the standard, recognising acceptably equivalent food safety schemes (such as Japan Food Safety Management B), and raising the exemption threshold from €2 million to €10 million (around £1.74m to £8.7m) in annual turnover.

At the same time, guidance on fraud vulnerability assessments would be simplified, with the introduction of an optional template to support companies with less experience in this area.

Traceability and conformance requirements would continue to build on MSC Chain of Custody rules where possible. New integrity measures are also proposed, including the collection of geographic coordinates for certified sites and the ability to apply conditions when ineligibility criteria are activated.

ASC Head of Supply Chain Assurance, Wendy Banta, said, “We are proposing requirements that respect and promote human rights using a risk-based verification approach. We also want to ensure slaughter is conducted humanely when it occurs beyond the farm and maintain food safety while also keeping the programme workable for businesses and aligned with existing standards.

“We’re keen to hear from stakeholders on whether these proposals are feasible in practice and how they can best support credible, transparent and responsible supply chains.”

The deadline for responses is 2 May 2026.