UCSL Statement to the clients/companies operating in geographical scope of "Russian Federation"

We hope that this statement will find you well, despite the global "turbulences".

UCSL United Certification Systems Limited is registered in Cyprus and continues to provide certification services in accordance with international standards MSC Fishery and Chain of Custody to companies registered and located in the Russian Federation with some limitations (see below).

According to the decision of ASI (Assurance Service International), certain restrictions came into force, namely, a ban on issuing new certificates, expanding the scope of certification and signing new agreements with clients located in the Russian Federation after the 15th of March 2022. Please kindly note, that the decision is initially valid for 6 months.

MSC nature of their third-party certification program ensures that MSC cannot influence the outcome of the independent scientific assessment of fisheries nor intervene to withdraw or suspend fishery certificates. Therefore, assessments that are in progress can be completed and certificates issued. This also applies to the expansion of the scope of the assessment. Surveillance audits will be conducted as scheduled. Preliminary assessments are also running as scheduled.

Please note that this suspension does not affect the certificate validity and trade of existing Certificate Holders, as long as there is no further decision by either ASI, the MSC or the UCSL.

UCSL alongside with MSC and ASI offer ongoing support to any fishers and supply chain partners with queries about the latest situation.

In case of any questions, please contact UCSL CEO, Olga Shuvalova: o.shuvalova@ucsl.eu

Sincerely,

UCSL Marine Program Team