Seafood import certifications explained: MSC, BRC and CFIA
When you import seafood, certifications are not decoration — they are the documentary proof your customers, auditors and customs authorities rely on. Three come up again and again when sourcing from Canada. Here is what each means and why it matters, and how Victoria Co-operative Fisheries holds them.
MSC — Marine Stewardship Council
MSC is the leading wild-capture sustainability standard. It certifies that a fishery is well managed and that product can be traced through every step of the supply chain (the "chain of custody"). Retailers and foodservice groups increasingly require MSC for shelf or menu placement, so an MSC chain-of-custody reference protects your access to those buyers. Our snow crab is MSC certified.
BRC — Global Standard for Food Safety
BRC (BRCGS) is one of the most widely recognised food-safety standards, setting requirements for manufacturing, packing, storage and distribution. A current BRC certificate of conformity tells your quality team and auditors that the processing plant operates to an internationally benchmarked food-safety system. Our facility runs to the BRC Global Standard.
CFIA — Canadian Food Inspection Agency
CFIA is the Canadian federal regulator. A CFIA-registered establishment is inspected and regulated for food safety, which underpins the export certificates many destination countries require at the border. Our plant is federally registered with the CFIA.
What to request from your supplier
- The MSC chain-of-custody reference for certified species.
- A current BRC certificate of conformity.
- CFIA registration details and any required export/health certificates.
- Species, country-of-origin and lot traceability documentation.
A supplier who can produce these quickly is one you can clear customs and satisfy auditors with. Ask us for the documentation you need and we'll send it with your quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which seafood certifications do importers ask for most?
For wild Canadian seafood, the most common are MSC (sustainability and chain of custody), BRC (food safety) and CFIA registration (Canadian federal regulation), plus species and origin documentation.
Can Victoria Co-op provide certification documents?
Yes. We can provide our MSC chain-of-custody reference, a current BRC certificate of conformity and CFIA registration details to support your import and audit requirements.
Why does my buyer require MSC certification?
Many retailers and foodservice groups have sustainability policies that require MSC for shelf or menu placement, and MSC's chain of custody lets them prove the claim to their own customers.
Further reading
Need certificates for your import file?
Request current MSC, BRC and CFIA documentation and we'll send what you need with a quote.