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?

Organisations such as fishers, fisheries, traders, eel farms, smokers, processors and those involved in restocking should first consider why they might be seeking SEG certification.  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?
• Certification is a substantial commitment in terms of work, leadership, funding and commitment. You should think very carefully before embarking on it and make sure the reasons are right for your business and that you have the resources to do it.
• 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 our independent Conformity Assessment Body, who provides our certification services, at: eschipper@controlunion.com

The application and certification process 

1.     You consider the questions above.

2.     You read and understand:

• The SEG Standard
• 105 SEG Standard Terms and Conditions
• 213 SEG – CAB Certification Procedure

3. If you wish to proceed with an application, you contact the CAB with a formal request to apply:

• For France, Spain and Portugal and United Kingdom: certificationfrance@controlunion.com
• For the Netherlands, Germany and other countries: eschipper@controlunion.com

4. The CAB will provide a contract for inspection and certification.
5. You complete the Self-Assessment (SA) in the ‘Online Reporting Tool’ (ORT). That will help you to understand the SEG standard better, and what you will need to do to comply and prepare for full assessment.
6. CAB assesses the SA and contacts you with feedback and the next steps.
7. After successfully completing the SA, the CAB auditor conducts the assessment to the SEG standard and provides a report within 60 days of being appointed.
8. Auditor provides feedback, draft audit report and any required corrective actions – usually within two weeks of the audit.
9. You respond to the audit report. You either agree with the report or respond to corrective actions required until you and the CAB agree the outcome.
10. The CAB communicates the outcome of the assessment, which could be: Non-Compliant, Conditionally Certified or Certified.  The decision process for this is in the diagram below.
11. If certified, the CAB issues certificate, assessment report, covering letter and SEG standard terms and conditions to Client, copied to SEG.
12. SEG updates its register of certificates.
13. You can use and share your certified status, according to the 205 Claims and Labelling procedure.
14. Certificates are usually valid for four years, but that is dependent on an monitoring audit (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.

Decision chart for certification