About the Label
The Friend of the Sea Label
From seafood to omega-3, marine collagen, sunscreen and services connected with the sea, the Friend of the Sea label identifies certification against a specific standard.
Behind the label are published requirements, independent assessment and certification information you can check.
What is behind the label
Published standards
Friend of the Sea standards define the requirements assessed for different products and activities.
For fisheries, these include fish-stock status, fishing practices, interactions with other species, seabed impact and social accountability. Aquaculture standards address areas including farm location, water quality, feed and waste management.
Other standards apply to marine ingredients, finished products and services, with requirements relevant to each area.
Independent assessment
Friend of the Sea develops the standards and programme requirements. Independent certification bodies assess applicants against the applicable requirements and certification procedures.
This gives buyers a basis for understanding how certification decisions are reached and who carries out the assessment.
Traceability through the supply chain
Seafood and marine ingredients may pass through several businesses before reaching you.
For relevant product supply chains, traceability and chain-of-custody requirements address how certified materials are identified, recorded and followed through sourcing, processing and handling. These records help connect certified sourcing with the products covered by certification.
How to read the label
The logo
The Friend of the Sea® logo identifies the certification programme. Read it together with the accompanying standard wording. Approved labels may appear in horizontal or vertical formats, with authorised language or colour variations.
The standard wording
The wording names the applicable standard, such as fisheries, aquaculture, omega-3 or collagen. It helps you identify which requirements relate to the certification. Some packaging also includes a longer, approved explanation of those requirements.
The FOS ID
The FOS ID connects the label with the relevant record in our verification directory. Our label guidelines require it to appear as FOS ID: followed by the assigned number. Use it to find the certification information for the product or service you are considering.
Check the certification for your choice
The certification record identifies the products, ingredients, species or activities covered. Match these details to your choice and check the current status.
Where certification applies to a particular ingredient or component, the label and accompanying wording must make this clear. Certification of one product does not automatically extend to a brand’s entire range.
Verify in three steps
Look for the logo. Find the ID. Verify.
Read the label. Find the standard wording and FOS ID.
Search the directory. Enter the FOS ID or business name to locate the relevant record.
Review the details. Check the certification status and confirm that the information matches your product or activity.
Need help checking a label
If the ID is missing, you cannot find a matching record or the information appears inconsistent, contact us. You can also report suspected misuse of the logo.
Include the product or business name, a photograph or screenshot, the FOS ID if available and a link to where you found the claim.
For businesses
Want to use the Friend of the Sea label? Visit Use Our Label for guidance on authorisation, official artwork and approval.