Transition to ASC Farm standard

The ASC Farm Standard V1.0.1

The ASC Farm Standard sets responsible practices for global seafood farming. Its impact-based sustainability requirements cover animal welfare, farm management, human rights and environmental stewardship for fish, farm, people and the planet.

Aligning the twelve ASC species standards into one global standard, the ASC Farm Standard brings greater consistency to requirements across all species covered by ASC.

The ASC Farm Standard v1.0  was released in May 2025, superseded by v1.0.1 on 1st August  2025 for non substantive corrections and clarifications only.

In addition to the ASC Farm standard, the set of requirements to follow is covered by ASC Farm and Feed Certification and Accreditation Requirements (CAR) V1.0.

ASC Farm standard has become effective on August 1st 2025. From this date, ASC accepts audit announcements against the ASC Farm Standard. Recognising the need for farms to transition to the new ASC Farm Standard, it will only become mandatory on May 1st 2027. From this date, all audit announcements must be against the ASC Farm Standard.

Transition timeline

The ASC species standards will remain operational until 30th April 2027.

ASC is implementing a two-year transition period for the ASC Farm Standard.

The ASC Farm Standard will become mandatory on 1st May 2027.  The last date to start audit announcement against the ASC species standards is 30th April 2027. From 1st May all audits’ announcements must be against the ASC Farm Standard.

Preparing for implementation

We recommend that you start preparing for the transition as soon as possible and properly plan how to implement required changes into your management system.
Recommended steps:

• Get to know the new ASC Farm standard
• Attend the ASC learning path going through online documentation and training.
• Train relevant personnel in your organization to ensure they understand the requirements and key changes.
• Identify gaps to be addressed and establish an implementation plan.
• Update your management system and implement actions.

How can DNV help?

Whether looking to transition or starting your certification journey, DNV can be your partner. We offer transition and standard training, gap analysis and certification.