The UoC shall be in possession of all required legal licenses and permits.

The UoC shall have a management system in place covering the entire UoC, signed off by responsible management, to ensure continuous implementation77This includes policies deemed needed by the UoC, such as a written policy on human rights. of all ASC Requirements.

The UoC shall have a system to prevent acts of corruption, extortion, embezzlement, or bribery.

The UoC shall have a system to ensure records are not falsified and information is not misrepresented.

The UoC shall have at least one named member of management who is responsible for the implementation of the ASC Requirements.

The UoC shall ensure that relevant employees have the required competencies to implement the ASC Requirements.

The UoC shall monitor compliance against the ASC Requirements through, as a minimum, annually scheduled internal audits by a person who has the necessary competencies, experience and training as per table 10, Appendix 10 and implement corrective measures where relevant.

The UoC shall be able to demonstrate compliance against the ASC Requirements to ASC auditors, ASC as scheme owner, and the ASC Accreditation Body.

The UoC shall review the management system when needed and at least annually, and address any issues identified within an appropriate timescale.

The UoC shall comply with all applicable labour-related laws and regulations and maintain a system for its compliance.

The UoC shall ensure all employees are familiar with their labour-related rights; including ASC Requirements on labour-related rights, even if not covered by applicable laws and regulations.

The UoC shall not (be) engage(d) in, or support, forced, bonded, compulsory labour or human trafficking. This includes:

• work that is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty1313While a penalty in itself can be more visible, the menace of a penalty can be more hidden but is equally seen as leading to a form of forced labour. Menace of a penalty includes for example the fear of suppression of rights or privileges, and threats of retaliation which can be realised in different forms, such as in physical, mental and social harm.;
• work for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily;
• the use of deception or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation of people.

If forced, bonded, compulsory labour or human trafficking is found, the UoC shall implement effective remediation procedures to comply with 1.4.1, that put the best interest of the person first, such as resolving debts or other forms of bondage, as well as enabling revised employee conditions or repatriation. Remediation actions are documented and are verified to ensure effectiveness.

If forced, bonded, compulsory labour or human trafficking is found, the UoC shall implement effective corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Corrective actions are documented and are verified to ensure effectiveness.

The UoC shall ensure that any employment/recruitment agency(ies) used is screened and monitored to ensure that it is:

• licensed or certified by the competent national authority,
• conforms with Criteria 1.1.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall not take into its possession1414If storage is provided by the UoC, the UoC shall ensure that storage is voluntary and items can be freely accessed by employees any original identity documentation such as IDs, visas, passports, without which the employee would not be able to freely terminate the employment, travel or leave the country.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall not withhold any part of the employee’s salary, property, or benefits, even if local regulation allows for this. The only situations where withholding is permitted is when required by law.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall not charge employees any fees for recruitment1515For migrant workers, evidence shall include recruitment/employment cost incurred by the UoC; costs shall be summarised by year as well as by country from which employed migrant workers originate. or during employment. This includes any costs, or deposits, associated with the processing of official documents including work visas. For migrant workers, this includes any costs, or deposits, associated with travel and repatriation.

The UoC shall allow employees to freely move around the workplace in order to use sanitary facilities and have access to drinking water during their work shift.

The UoC shall not keep employees involuntarily on site outside of a work shift.

The UoC shall offer employees reasonable and safe transportation to leave the premises when the workplace is not readily accessible and public transportation is not available; allowing employees to leave the site once their shift is over.

The UoC shall not require employees to reside in employer-operated accommodation as a condition of employment for non-remote, readily accessible, operations.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall not engage in prison labour.

The UoC shall not (be) engage(d) in child labour. This includes work that:

• is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children1919Mentally or socially dangerous may include: working in isolation, working in an environment containing abusive language. Physically dangerous may include: heavy lifting and exposed to moving parts of machinery, working in noisy or dusty conditions or extreme temperatures. Morally dangerous includes working in an environment such as exposed to substance abuse or gambling, see also definition for worst forms of child labour.; or
• interferes with their schooling.

If child labour is found, the UoC shall implement effective remediation procedures to comply with 1.5.1 that put the best interest of the child first, such as enabling the child to attend school and remain in school until no longer mandatory. Remediation actions are documented and are verified to ensure effectiveness.

If child labour is found, the UoC shall implement effective corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Corrective actions are documented and are verified to ensure effectiveness.

The UoCmay employ children as of the age of 15, or above the age of completion of mandatory schooling2020National laws or regulations may permit the employment or work of persons who are at least 15 years of age but have not yet completed their compulsory schooling, to conduct work which meets the following requirements – not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and – not such as to prejudice their attendance at school, their participation in vocational orientation or training programmes approved by the competent authority or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received. (whichever is higher), to conduct non-hazardous work2121See Tables 5 and 6 in Appendix 7.. An exception applies for countries where ILO Convention 138 allows employment from 14 years.

The UoC may employ children as of the age of 132222An exemption applies to children helping out at home and participating in work; for example, helping parents around the home, earning pocket money outside school hours and during school holidays, assisting in a family business or participating in other activities which are not an essential contribution to the productivity and profitability of a business. to conduct light work if:

• The child received appropriate training prior to work;
• The child receives appropriate supervision.

An exception applies for countries where ILO Convention 138 allows employment from 12 years.

The UoC shall ensure that any children, including young employees, carrying out work, only perform non-hazardous work (1.5.4) or light work (1.5.5), according to a risk assessment. The risk assessment shall be part of a general Risk Management Framework (see Figure 4, Appendix 7).

The UoC shall encourage, and shall not prevent, children of employees living on-site to attend mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure equal treatment of all applicants for employment, and employees in all cases, including: disciplinary practices, job assignment, pay & benefits, promotion and other career opportunities, recruitment process and conditions, retirement, termination, training, working conditions; irrespective of, age, caste, colour, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, legal status, marital status, nationality, parental status, participation in trade unions, political opinion, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall not test for pregnancy or virginity, nor practice or encourage forced contraception.

The UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, shall only perform medical tests if required for health and safety reasons, according to a risk assessment. The risk assessment shall be part of a general Risk Management Framework (see Figure 4, Appendix 7).

Where the UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, perform medical tests, employees’ data must be protected, and employees have the right to their test results.

Where the UoC, or if applicable the agency(ies) involved in recruitment, determine that medical tests are required according to their risk assessment, employees have the right to use an independent doctor, if preferred.

The UoC shall have effective communication2424This includes providing employees with contact information for worker voice organisations engaged in labour-related rights, if active in the region., procedures, and monitoring in place to ensure harassment, abusive or exploitative behaviour does not occur in the workplace.

The UoC shall maintain a health & safety risk assessment, by a person who has the necessary competencies, experience and training as per table 11, Appendix 10.

The UoC shall include at least the following risk factors (step 2 Figure 4, Appendix 7) in the health and safety risk assessment (see 1.7.1):

• Risk of physical injuries, acute or chronic, in the workplace2626This includes the following activities, hazards and areas: chemical and biological substances, diving, electricity and electrical equipment, equipment, fire, mechanical and manual handling, natural/physical disaster/event, employee welfare, workplace practices, workplace environment.
• Risk of mental injuries, acute or chronic, in the working environment2626This includes the following activities, hazards and areas: chemical and biological substances, diving, electricity and electrical equipment, equipment, fire, mechanical and manual handling, natural/physical disaster/event, employee welfare, workplace practices, workplace environment.

The UoC shall implement appropriate measures (step 4 Figure 4, Appendix 7), monitor indicators of risk (step 5a), monitor the effectiveness of measures implemented (step 5b), and repeat risk assessment depending on monitoring outcome.

The UoC shall provide well maintained and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge and according to the need defined in the health & safety risk assessment in indicator 1.7.1.

The UoC shall ensure that appropriate health & safety measures (see 1.7.3) are effectively implemented; this includes appropriate health & safety notices/instructions in the workplace, appropriate equipment maintenance, appropriate training2727Trainings are free of charge for employees and are carried out during remunerated working hours. for employees including on emergency responses, as well as PPE used appropriately by employees.

The UoC shall provide adequate First Aid (including supplies) administered by qualified personnel in the event of a work-related injury; this includes access to professional support such as an ambulance.

Where not provided by a State/National social security/health system, the UoC shall provide and pay for insurance for all employees for work-related accidents or injuries; this includes as a minimum the cost for transport and medical treatment/medication needed to treat the accident or injury, the cost for transport and medical treatment/medication needed for recovery, compensation for lost working hours, as well as the cost for any required repatriation in case of migrant workers.

An exception applies where no suitable insurance is available, the UoC may have a system to cover these costs directly.

The UoC shall allow employees the freedom to remove themselves from an unsafe situation without fear of retribution.

The UoC shall provide access to adequate and clean sanitary facilities, with adequate privacy, which includes separation by gender if required.

The UoC shall provide access to free, clearly labelled, potable water for all employees.

The UoC shall provide access to a designated area to prepare food and eat during breaks.

The UoC shall not require employees to purchase from employer-operated stores or services, such as the use of canteens, as a condition of employment; where alternative stores or services are not available due to the remote location, cost is reasonable and does not include the UoC making a profit from stores and services provided to employees.

The UoC shall provide suitable areas for breast feeding women, and shall allow for additional workday breaks for pregnant and breast-feeding women; nursing breaks shall be counted as working time and remunerated accordingly.

The UoC shall not engage in, or tolerate, mental, physical or verbal abuse, or any other form of harassment.

The UoC shall ensure structural integrity of all buildings and structures within the UoC.

The UoC shall adhere to maritime legislation, specifically regarding the health and safety dimension, for situations where the UoC interacts with maritime traffic.

The UoC shall inform all employees that they are free to join or form workers’ organisations (i.e. trade unions or other organisations that represent their labour concerns and interests), of their own choosing.

The UoC shall inform all employees that they are free to bargain collectively.

The UoC shall not interfere in any way with the establishment, functioning2828This includes the UoC allowing worker organisation representatives access to employees and employee workplaces, during working hours. 2929This includes the UoC engaging in meaningful negotiations when approached by worker organisations. or administration of workers’ organisation(s) or collective bargaining.

The UoC shall, in areas where the right to freedom of association is restricted by law, accept comparable means for freedom of association and collective bargaining.

The UoC shall ensure that all employees have received, understood and agreed upon, written and understandable information about their employment terms and conditions prior to migration, and starting employment. This information shall include, at a minimum:

• a description of the role and any responsibilities,
• the type of contract (e.g. permanent, fixed-term, contractor),
• working hours, including allowance for breaks,
• paid annual leave and allowance for days off on public holidays,
• sick leave,
• wages,
• any agreed wage deductions (e.g. accommodation, meals),
• compensation for overtime,
• benefits (e.g. insurances),
• provision for free personal protective equipment,
• termination terms and conditions; notice period,
• access to relevant policies (e.g. anti-discrimination 1.6, and access to trade unions and collective bargaining 1.8).

The UoC shall provide all employees transparency on any process involved in, and documentation on advances, loans, hours worked, pay and the calculation of any deductions, and store copies hereof within the facility.

The UoC shall not use systematic employment arrangements – such as but not limited to labour-only contracting, sub-contracting, family contracting, homeworking, false-apprenticeships, exclusive use of fixed-term contracts – to avoid any social or labour rights towards their employees.

The UoC shall set wages (before overtime and bonuses) at or above the legal minimum wage; if a minimum wage has not been established by law, the UOC calculates basic needs wages, in consultation with workers or their representative worker organisations.

The UoC shall pay wages in legal tender at regular intervals but at a minimum monthly, and directly to employees, in accordance with national law, and shall not be delayed, deferred or in any way withheld.

The UoC shall document information of wage payment and receipt of all employees, including receipt of information on advances, loans, hours worked, pay and the calculation of any deductions.

The UoC shall ensure that employees are entitled to maternity or paternity protection in accordance with the requirements of national laws and regulations or ILO Convention 1833131A list of points from ILO Convention 183 can be found in the Feed Interpretation Manual., whichever is greater.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on regular working hours, but shall not exceed 8 hours per day and 48 hours in a normal week (excluding breaks).

An exception applies where the hours of work on one or more days of the week are less than 8, the limit of 8 hours may be exceeded on the remaining days of the week by the sanction of the competent public authority, or by collective bargaining agreement; provided, however, that in no case shall the daily limit of 8 hours be exceeded by more than 1 hour.

An exception applies where persons are employed in shifts it shall be permissible to employ persons in excess of 8 hours in any 1 day and 48 hours in any 1 week, if the average number of hours over a period of 3 weeks or less does not exceed 8 per day and 48 per week.

The UoC shall keep records of the hours worked by employees.

The UoC shall ensure that overtime hours are voluntary, occur only under exceptional circumstances and are not requested regularly.

The UoC shall ensure that overtime is not more than 12 hours per week.

The UoC shall ensure that overtime hours are paid at a premium rate as defined by collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) or industry standards. In cases where this is not defined, a premium rate of a minimum of 125% of the agreed salary is applied to overtime hours.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on workday breaks, but shall not be less than 1 hour per 8 hours of work.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on daily rest, but shall not be less than 11 consecutive hours per 24 hours.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on weekly rest, but shall not be less than 24 consecutive hours (1 day) of rest within a 7-day period.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on annual leave3333Best practice according to ILO Convention 132 is to provide no less than three paid working weeks for one calendar year of full-time service (Indicator 1.11.1). https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_INSTRUMENT_ID:312277.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on premium rates, working hours, breaks, daily rest, weekly rest and health assessments for night work.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on working hours, but shall not exceed 8 hours per day3434Combined school, work and transportation time (to/from school and work) shall not exceed a total of 10 hours per day. and 40 hours in a week (excluding breaks)3535These hours shall not be averaged over a period longer than a week..

The UoC shall keep records of the hours worked by every employee.

The UoC shall not allow overtime hours.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on workday breaks, but shall not be less than 0.5 hour per 4.5 hours of work.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on daily rest, but shall not be less than 12 consecutive hours per 24 hours.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on weekly rest, but shall not be less than 48 consecutive hours (2 days) of rest within a 7-day period.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on annual leave3636Best practice according to ILO Convention 132 is to provide no less than three paid working weeks for one calendar year of full-time service (Indicator 1.11.11). https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_INSTRUMENT_ID:312277.

The UoC shall not allow young employees, to work between 10pm and 6am.

The UoC shall comply with collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and industry standards on working hours, but shall not exceed 8 hours per day3737Combined school, work and transportation time (to/from school and work) shall not exceed a total of 10 hours per day. and 40 hours in a week (excluding breaks)3838These hours shall not be averaged over a period longer than a week..

The UoC shall keep records of the hours worked by every employee.

The UoC shall have transparent disciplinary procedures and applies them in a progressive and objective manner, ensuring dignity and respect towards the employee.

The UoC shall not deduct from wages or benefits for the purpose of disciplinary action.

The UoC shall have a system in place, which all employees are familiar with, which facilitates dialogue between parties (e.g. between employees and different management levels) before, rather than in reaction to, disputes.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure accessible and applicable to all employees.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure that includes requirements for non-retaliation.

The UoC shall address all grievances within a 90-day timeframe of submission.

The UoC shall track grievances, resulting responses and remedy.

The UoC shall have a decision-making grievance committee that is made up of members representing the diversity of employees, in order to ensure special consideration for vulnerable groups such as new and expectant mothers, and migrant workers.

The UoC’s grievance committee shall ensure that grievances are processed fairly, resulting in an effective outcome, and facilitates dialogue where needed.

The UoC shall ensure a confidential process is provided for, if preferred by the employee/entity submitting a grievance, and shall only share information as necessary to investigate the grievance.

The UoC shall ensure that any dormitory facilities provided for personnel or their family are safe, whether it owns, leases or contracts the dormitories from a service provider; this includes provision of safety systems, emergency/escape routes, ventilation, reasonable protection from heat, cold, noise, smell and dust, as well as adequate privacy, including separation by gender if required.

The UoC shall ensure that any dormitory facilities provided for personnel or their family are clean, hygienic and meets their basic needs, whether it owns, leases or contracts the dormitories from a service provider.

The UoC shall arrange for annual meetings between employee representatives and management, to discuss improvements to housing.

The UoC shall ensure that dormitory facilities are located separately from production facilities.

The UoC shall ensure that any rent is reasonable and does not include the UoC making a profit from accommodation provided to employees.

The UoC shall provide access to appropriate sanitary facilities (within the dormitory facilities) that are clean and that provide adequate privacy, including separation by gender if required.

The UoC shall proactively engage4040The intention of this indicator is for the UoC to reach out, and in a joint effort with the local community, develop monitoring and action plans as needed; however, where involvement is not desired by local communities, a joint project is not required. ASC acknowledges that local communities may not in all instances wish to engage. with the local community to periodically identify, avoid or mitigate significant negative social impacts4141ASC is in the process of developing an Environmental and Social Risk Framework. See ASC Vocabulary Portal for definition of ‘Risk Assessment’. resulting from activities of the UoC.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure accessible and applicable to the local community.

The UoC shall make known to the community how grievances can be submitted and how the mechanism for dealing with grievances works.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure that includes requirements for non-retaliation.

The UoC shall address all grievances resulting from activities created by the UoC within a 90-day timeframe from the date of submission by local communities.

The UoC shall track grievances, resulting responses and remedy.

The UoC shall have a decision-making grievance committee, including members representing local communities, in order to ensure special consideration for vulnerable groups.

The UoC’s grievance committee shall ensure that grievances are processed fairly, resulting in an effective outcome, and facilitates dialogue where needed.

The UoC shall ensure a confidential process is provided for, if preferred by the person/entity submitting a grievance, and shall only share information as necessary to investigate the grievance.

The UoC shall not restrict or negatively affect community and community members’ rights to food security, and access to resources including land and water, resulting from activities by the UoC.

The UoC shall, to the extent possible4242ASC acknowledges that sourcing locally is not always possible. Where the UoC makes efforts to source locally, but a review by the UoC indicates that for example staff with the desired technical knowledge, or goods of a desired quality, are not available, then sourcing locally is not required., source goods and services, including employment, from the local communities.

The UoC shall proactively engage4747The intention of this indicator is for the UoC to reach out, and in a joint effort with the local community, develop monitoring and action plans as needed; however, where involvement is not desired by local communities, a joint project is not required. ASC acknowledges that local communities may not in all instances wish to engage. with the Indigenous and tribal peoples to identify, avoid and mitigate significant social impacts4848ASC is in the process of developing an Environmental and Social Risk Framework. See ASC Vocabulary Portal for definition of ‘Risk Assessment’. resulting from activities of the UoC.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure accessible and applicable to Indigenous peoples.

The UoC shall make known to the Indigenous and tribal peoples how grievances can be submitted and how the mechanism for dealing with grievances works.

The UoC shall have a grievance procedure that includes requirements for non-retaliation.

The UoC shall address all grievances resulting from activities created by the UoC within a 90-day timeframe from the date of submission by Indigenous and tribal peoples.

The UoC shall track grievances, resulting responses and remedy.

The UoC shall have a decision-making grievance committee, including members representing Indigenous and tribal peoples, in order to ensure special consideration for vulnerable groups.

The UoC’s grievance committee shall ensure that grievances are processed fairly, resulting in an effective outcome, and facilitates dialogue where needed.

The UoC shall ensure a confidential process is provided for, if preferred by the person/entity submitting a grievance, and shall only share information as necessary to investigate the grievance

The UoC shall not restrict or negatively affect Indigenous and tribal people’s rights and access to sites which are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual significance, and for which the Indigenous and tribal peoples hold legal or customary rights.

The UoC shall not restrict or negatively affect Indigenous and tribal people’s rights to food security, and access to resources including land and water, resulting from activities by the UoC.

The UoC shall, to the extent possible4949ASC acknowledges that sourcing locally is not always possible. Where the UoC makes efforts to source locally, but a review by the UOC indicates that for example staff with the desired technical knowledge, or goods of a desired quality, are not available, then sourcing locally is not required., source goods and services, including employment, from local Indigenous and tribal peoples.

The UoC shall comply with all applicable environmental-related laws and regulations and maintain a system for compliance with them.

The UoC shall calculate its water consumption from production following the method outlined in Appendix 2, section A1.

The UoC shall report annually to ASC its water consumption per site according to ASC data submission procedures.

Where wells are used, groundwater levels shall be measured and recorded on a regular basis (taking into account seasonal fluctuation) and at least once a year.

The UoC shall develop and implement a Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan (WCEP)5050The WCEP shall be embedded within a Management Framework as outlined in Appendix 7, fig. 4;whereby the “intent” in step 1 is pre-defined as “the UoC reduces water consumption as a result of inefficient practices”,the “risk factors” in step 2 are pre-defined as “not achieving the intent of the WCEP within a 6-year period”,the “risk assessment” is carried out according to step 3,“measures” include both the “improvement of practices” as well as “removal of most points of water wastage” and are carried out according to step 4, and“monitoring” and a “repeat” of the process according to steps 5a and 5b.View More with the intent to reduce water consumption as a result of inefficient practices, where possible. The WCEP shall include the identification of responsible practices, and measures to move away from poor practices and increase responsible practices within a meaningful timeline.

The UoC shall report annually to ASC, according to ASC data submission procedures, whether the UoC is operating in a region of “high” or “extremely high” water stress, according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas5151https://www.wri.org/aqueduct.

In areas of “high” and “extremely high” water stress according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas5151https://www.wri.org/aqueduct, the UoC shall annually perform a risk assessment5252The risk assessment shall be embedded within a Management Framework as outlined in Appendix 7, fig. 4;whereby the risk factor in step 2 is pre-defined as “the UoC is contributing to water supply problems for ecosystems and communities”,the risk assessment is carried out according to step 3, andmeasures in step 4 shall be implemented as far as these can be managed by the UoC. to assess if the WCEP (1.18.4) includes adequate measures to minimise the risk that the UoC is contributing to water supply problems for ecosystems and communities using the same water source.

The UoC shall calculate its waste generation from production following the method outlined in Appendix 2, section A4.

The UoC shall report annually to ASC its waste generation per site according to ASC data submission procedures.

The UoC shall develop and implement a documented Waste Management Plan (WMP)5353The WMP shall be embedded within a Management Framework as outlined in Appendix 7, fig. 4;whereby the “intent” in step 1 is pre-defined as “the UoC avoids waste and recovers resources where possible”,the “risk factors” in step 2 are pre-defined as “not achieving the intent of the WMP within a 6-year period”,the “risk assessment” is carried out according to step 3,“measures” include the 1) improvement of practices, 2) reduction in waste generation, 3) increase in waste recovery, 4) adaptation of activities to replace hazardous with non-hazardous waste, 5) increase in the use of responsible disposal of waste, 6) removal of most points of waste leakage and loss of waste, and waste not disposed of responsibly; a) for chemical and hazardous waste, and for b) non-hazardous waste for which materials are known to cause physical harm when discarded; e.g. the threat of marine pollution resulting from plastics, and are carried out according to step 4, and“monitoring” and a “repeat” of the process according to steps 5a and 5b.View More with the intent to improve waste avoidance and resource recovery where possible. The WMP shall include the identification of responsible practices, and measures to move away from poor practices and increase responsible practices within a meaningful timeline.

The UoC shall handle and store chemicals and hazardous materials and waste in a safe manner.

The UoC shall account for all chemicals and other hazardous waste on site.

The UoC shall dispose of waste materials which are not re-used or recycled, in a responsible manner. Dumping waste outside the UoC site in unofficial sites and littering is prohibited.

The UoC shall calculate its effluent discharge from production following the method outlined in Appendix 2, section A2.

The UoC shall report annually to ASC its effluent discharge per site according to ASC data submission procedures.

The UoC shall develop and implement an Effluent Management Plan (EMP)5454The EMP shall be embedded within a Management Framework as outlined in Appendix 7, fig. 4;whereby the “intent” in step 1 is pre-defined as “the UoC reduces negative impacts on receiving waters in terms of ecosystems and human health”,the “risk factors” in step 2 are pre-defined as “not achieving the intent of the EMP within a 6-year period”,the “risk assessment” is carried out according to step 3,“measures” include the “improvement of practices”, “discharge limits or minimum treatment requirements for substances of concern”, “spill prevention and spill response measures”, and are carried out according to step 4, and“monitoring” and a “repeat” of the process according to steps 5a and 5b.View More with the intent to reduce negative impacts on receiving waters in terms of ecosystems and human health. The EMP shall include the identification of responsible practices, and measures to move away from poor practices and increase responsible practices within a meaningful timeline. The plan shall also include spill prevention and response measures.

The UoC shall calculate its energy consumption from production following the method outlined in Appendix 2, section A3.

The UoC shall report annually to ASC its energy consumption per site according to ASC data submission procedures.

The UoC shall develop and implement an Energy Efficiency Management Plan (EEMP)5555The EEMP shall be embedded within a Management Framework as outlined in Appendix 7, fig. 4;whereby the intent in step 1 is pre-defined as “the UoC improves energy efficiency and/or increases the proportion of energy coming from renewable sources”,the risk factors in step 2 are pre-defined as “not achieving the intent of the EEMP within a 6-year period”,the “risk assessment” is carried out according to step 3,“measures” include the improvement of practices, removal of most points of energy wastage, replacement of non-renewable energy sources with renewable energy sources, where deemed feasible by the UoC, and are carried out according to step 4, and“monitoring” and a “repeat” of the process according to steps 5a and 5b.View More with the intent to improve energy efficiency and to increase the proportion of energy coming from renewable energy sources. The EEMP shall include the identification of responsible practices, and measures to move away from poor practices and increase responsible practices within a meaningful timeline.

The UoC shall calculate its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in kg CO₂ equivalents per tonne of (species specific5656For the purpose of GHG calculations, species-specific results are only required for species within the scope of the ASC Farm Standard and may refer to the general species groups as listed in the ASC Farm Standard (Flatfish, Salmonids, etc.)) product produced/year, following the method outlined in Appendix 2, section B.

The UoC shall report annually (publicly and to ASC) its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in kg CO₂ equivalents per tonne of (species specific) product produced/year, according to ASC data submission procedures.

The UoC shall effectively implement a Supplier Code of Conduct that includes, at a minimum, the points listed in Indicators 2.1.3–2.1.8.

The UoC shall have the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) publicly available.

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC requires ingredient manufacturers to meet, as a minimum, the licence and permit-related Indicators as defined in:

• Criterion 1.1 (legal licenses and permits)

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC requires ingredient manufacturers to meet, as a minimum, the environmental and social-related Indicators as defined in:

• Criterion 1.3 (legal compliance with relevant Labour Laws)
• Criterion 1.4 (forced, bonded or compulsory labour)
• Criterion 1.5 (protection of children and young employees)
• Criterion 1.6 (discrimination)
• Criterion 1.7 (safe & healthy working environment)
• Criterion 1.8 (freedom to associate & collective bargaining)
• Criterion 1.9 (contracts workers in a transparent manner)
• Criterion 1.10 (legal wages)
• Criterion 1.11 (working hours)
• Criterion 1.12 (disciplinary practices)
• Criterion 1.13 (worker grievance mechanisms)
• Criterion 1.14 (decent accommodation)
• Criterion 1.15 (community engagement)
• Criterion 1.16 (Indigenous people)
• Criterion 1.17 (legal compliance with relevant Environmental Laws)
• Criterion 1.18 (water use)
• Criterion 1.19 (waste management)
• Criterion 1.20 (effluent management)
• Criterion 1.21 (energy consumption)
• Indicator 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 (product characteristics)

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC communicates that it will discontinue purchases from ingredient manufacturers that do not meet the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC shall require ingredient manufacturers to declare to the UoC whether they meet the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1)5757The UoC, ingredient manufacturers, and the ingredient manufacturers’ supplying manufacturers shall use the following understanding when declaring whether or not they meet the Supplier Code of Conduct: All criteria and indicators listed in 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 are fully met or measures have been implemented to ensure they will be met (see Appendix 7, figure 4, step 4). In other words, the ingredient manufacturer’s supplying manufacturers, declares to the UoC’s ingredient manufacturer..

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC shall require its ingredient manufacturers to inform the UoC in case of any material changes in relation to Indicator 2.1.6.

Within the Supplier Code of Conduct (Indicator 2.1.1) the UoC shall require ingredient manufacturers to communicate an equivalent set of requirements (Indicator 2.1.1.) with the same intention, to their suppliers (such as manufacturers of purchased feed materials).

The UoC shall require ingredient manufacturers5858And where relevant, other upstream entities such as traders. to cooperate in providing relevant information that enables the UoC to conduct a Due Diligence on the ingredient manufacturer, as well as on primary raw material production.

The UoC shall maintain accurate and up-to-date listing(s) for all ingredients5959An exemption applies to the following feed additives per default, even if they represent >1% total annual ingredient-weight (volume) received by the UoC: premixes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, colourants. that represent >1%6060This percentage refers to a unique ingredient from each individual manufacturer. of the total annual ingredient-weight (volume) received by the UoC. The list shall include the following information:

• name and contact details of manufacturers of the ingredients;
• primary raw material of the ingredients;
• for terrestrial primary raw materials, the country(ies)of origin;
• for marine primary raw material, the fishery(ies) of origin.

The UoC shall annually publish6161An exemption applies to commercial sensitive information relating to the name or identification of the supplier and/or manufacturer as well as diet formulation which is not required to be publicly disclosed. the listed ingredients, their primary raw material and the country(ies)/fishery(ies) of primary raw material production (Indicator 2.2.2).

The UoC shall publish (from the start of the second certification cycle onwards) the production region(s) within the country(ies) of primary raw material production on an annual basis. This only applies to terrestrial plant-derived ingredients.

The UoC shall conduct the Due Diligence6262If an ingredient is composed of primary raw material originating from multiple countries/fisheries (i.e. mixed batches), the country/fishery with the highest risk (as per Pathway 1/Country Risk Scorecards) determines the overall risk. For example, wheat gluten from wheat produced in three countries shall be classified according to the country (or countries) with the highest risk profile. on its ingredient manufacturers of marine-based ingredients, plant-based ingredients and other feed stuffs for the risk factors listed in table 1, and using one of the four pathways defined in Appendix 36363In other words, no Due Diligence is required for ingredient manufactures of feed additives..

The UoC shall conduct the Due Diligence on its primary marine and plant raw material production for the risk factors listed in table 1, and using one of the four pathways defined in Appendix 3.6464In other words, no Due Diligence is required for non-marine and non-plant raw materials, for example, feed stuffs.6565The due diligence for marine raw material shall include all products derived from fisheries, whole fish as well as by-products, with the exemption of by-catch retained under the EU landing obligation. An exemption also applies to by-products derived from aquaculture.

The UoC shall, in all cases where one of the two pathways “sectoral/fishery assessment” or “ingredient manufacturer assessment” is selected, follow all five risk management framework steps outlined in Figure 4, Appendix 7.

The UoC shall have a system to ensure it only sources from supply chains where the outcome of the Due Diligence on the ingredient manufacturer indicates Low Risk for the risk factors referred to in 2.2.5.6666In other words, the Due Diligence is passed when permitted risk level has been determined for all applicable risk factors.6767A visualisation of these requirements can be found in Appendix 5, Figures 1 and 2.

The UoC shall have a system to ensure it only sources marine- and plant-based ingredients where the outcome of the Due Diligence on the respective primary raw material production indicates Low Risk for the risk factors referred to in 2.2.6.6868In other words, the Due Diligence is passed when permitted risk level has been determined for all applicable risk factors.6969A visualisation of these requirements can be found in Appendix 5, Figures 1 and 2.

An exception applies for marine- and plant-based ingredients where the outcome of Due Diligence Pathway 1 (ASC Country Scorecards), Pathway 2 (Industry/ Sector/ Fishery Assessment) and Pathway 3 (Ingredient Manufacturer Assessment) indicates Medium Risk for primary raw material production, In which case, the UoC may source such ingredients according to the following conditions:

1. The outcome of the Due Diligence on the ingredient manufacturer shall indicate Low Risk using one of the four Due Diligence pathways (as per indicators 2.2.5 and 2.2.8);7070A visualisation of permitted risk levels can be found in Appendix 3, Table 2
2. The ingredients shall be sourced as non-eligible ingredients7171See Appendix 5 for further detail on eligible and non-eligible ingredients for use in ASC Mass Balance Production Model feed and non-ASC feed.
3. Sourcing shall be permitted for a period of three years from the effective date of the ASC Feed Standard v1.2, from 2 February 2026. Upon the completion of this three-year period (2 February 2029), all ingredients that are sourced and in use at the time of the subsequent ASC audit shall be classified as Low Risk for primary raw material production.
4. The Due Diligence reports shall indicate an increasing percentage of Low Risk primary raw material production at each subsequent audit. This shall be published and reported to ASC as per indicator 2.2.10
5. Plant ingredients where permitted Medium Risk is demonstrated under Principle 2 Due Diligence shall be subject to Indicators 5.1.1-5.1.3 & 5.1.77272See Appendix 5 for further detail on Medium Risk Category 1 plant Ingredients.

The UoC shall annually publish and report to ASC an overview of the outcome of the Due Diligences carried out and the respective pathways chosen7373An exemption applies where the outcome of due diligence indicates high-risk per UoC, according to ASC data submission procedures.

In all cases where the pathways “sectoral/fishery assessment” or “ingredient manufacturer assessment” (see Appendix 3) are chosen, the UoC shall publish and share with ASC an up-to-date summary report per UoC including the evidence as required under b. of each pathway in Appendix 3, according to ASC data submission procedures.

In all cases where the pathways “sectoral/fishery assessment” or “ingredient manufacturer assessment” (see Appendix 3) are chosen, the UoC shall ensure that only competent person(s), team(s) or organisation(s) conduct Due Diligence as per Appendix 10.

The UoC shall implement documented procedures with clearly defined responsibilities for processes specific to its ingredient supply chains and their risks as per Appendix 11.

The UoC shall record all ingredients received, including:

• Name and contact details of supplier;
• Date of shipping and physical receipt;
• Name and contact details of manufacturer;

• Name of ingredient/unique identifier;
• Unique Batch number / Lot code
• Country (and region as required in Indicator 2.2.3 and 2.2.4) or fisheries of primary raw material production;
• Quantity received (in kg or t);
• Whether or not the ingredient consists of or contains, Genetically Modified material;
• Whether or not the ingredient consists of or contains antibiotics, and if so, the inclusion level (mg or g/kg);
• Validity of applicable Chain of Custody certification;
• The risk level as indicated by Principle 2 Due Diligence, at both Ingredient Manufacturer and Raw Material level;
• The marine sustainability category as defined in Principle 4;
• Risk of legal deforestation/conversion for category 1) soy and oil palm-derived ingredients, as well as for category 2) highest-volume plant ingredients

The UoC shall record all dispatched product, including:

• Name and address of customer
• Date of shipping and physical dispatch;
• Name of product/unique identifier;
• Quantity dispatched (in kg or t);
• Whether or not the product consists of, or contains, Genetically Modified material;
• Whether or not the product consists of or contains antibiotics, and if so, the inclusion level (mg or g/kg);
• Whether or not the product was dispatched under the ASC segregation production model
• Whether or not the product was dispatched under the ASC mass balance production model

The UoC shall have a documented procedure for managing non-conforming ASC product that includes the requirements listed in Appendix 12.

In cases where the UoC sells ASC product to an entity other than directly to an ASC certified farm, such as a trader or distributor, the UoC shall:

• pack ASC product with tamper proof & traceable labels or seals (for example, a label or seal with a traceable identification which demonstrates when the container or bag is opened).
• obtain written commitment from the entity that they will not permit misuse or tampering of the ASC product while in their ownership.
• obtain written commitment from the entity that they will ensure documentation that complies with indicators 3.3.3 and 3.3.4 accompanies the product to the next entity or the ASC certified farm.

The UoC shall sign an ASC feed licensing agreement within 3 months of gaining certification7777For more information see ASC’s Label User Guide or contact licensing@asc-aqua.organisation.

The UoC shall disclose, with verifiable and supporting documentation upon request, the protein %, carbon (C) %, nitrogen (N) % and phosphorus (P) % content of each feed product to all7979All buyers also include non-ASC farms. buyers of the product.

The UoC shall disclose to all7979All buyers also include non-ASC farms. buyers of the product when a feed product contains >0.9%8080EU Regulation 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), or macro ingredients8181As defined by EU regulation 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms. produced from GMO.

The UoC shall disclose the following for each feed product to all7979All buyers also include non-ASC farms. buyers of the product:

• the active compound and inclusion levels (in mg or g/kilogram product) of added antibiotics or other added medicinal feed additives
• inclusion levels (in mg or g/kilogram product) of any antimicrobials listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

The UoC shall disclose the following information regarding the inclusion level of whole-fish marine ingredients of each feed product8282The information is needed for the calculation of the FFDR (Forage Fish Dependency Ratio for fishmeal/fish oil) and FFER (Fish Feed Equivalence Ratio) calculations in the ASC Farm Standard. to ASC certified farms and farm applicants for ASC certification:

• % Fish meal derived from forage fisheries
• % Fish oil derived from forage fisheries
• % Fish meal yield per kg fish
• % Fish oil yield per kg fish
• % EPA and DHA content of fish oil

The UoC shall disclose, upon request, the GHG emissions of each feed product (species specific8383For the purpose of GHG calculations, species-specific results are only required for species within the scope of the ASC Farm Standard and may refer to the general species groups as listed in the ASC Farm Standard (Flatfish, Salmonids, etc.)) to ASC certified farms and farm applicants for ASC certification using the ASC GHG data submission template.

The UoC shall disclose which animal species have been utilised8484ASC Farm Standard indicator 2.12.3 does not allow the use of feed containing protein derived from the same genus as the species being farmed. An exception applies where it can be demonstrated that same-species protein hydrolysates are verified to be <10,000 daltons, in which case use is allowed. within each feed product (species-specific) to all8585All buyers also include non-ASC farms. buyers of the product.

The UoC shall determine the volume of marine ingredients received from fish by-products and from whole-fish. Whole-fish ingredients shall be scored according to categories 1-4 in Table 3, and from that calculate the UoC’s Majority Sustainability Level (MSL) following the method outlined in Appendix 4.

For initial audits, the UoC shall calculate its Entry Level (EL). EL is the MSL of the 24 months prior to the initial audit.

The UoC shall have an EL of at least 1. An exception applies where the UoC can demonstrate that systems are in place to move from EL 0 (baseline) to MSL 1 during the first year of the initial certification cycle.

The UoC shall maintain its MSL during the initial certification cycle (at each surveillance audit), at a minimum, the same as the EL (Appendix 4).

The UoC shall increase its MSL for each subsequent certification cycle, at a minimum, one level higher than the level of the previous certification cycle (Appendix 4).

An exception applies in the situation that a UoC can demonstrate that for its marine ingredients it is dependent on a single fishery, and that shifting supplies is not possible, the UoC is allowed to extend its cycle on the current overall MSL for a maximum of 3 years to be in line with the FIP-progress trajectory. Supporting evidence (supplying fishery(ies), status of FIP-progress and expected time of completion) shall be added as an appendix to the ASC audit report.

The UoC shall maintain its MSL at each surveillance audit within subsequent certification cycles.

The UoC shall report annually (publicly and to ASC) its Majority Sustainability Level (MSL) per UoC according to ASC data submission procedures.

The UoC shall report annually (publicly and to ASC) the volume of the marine ingredients it has used per UoC according to ASC data submission procedures.