How to Verify
1. Find the FOS ID
Look for the Friend of the Sea logo and the FOS ID shown beside or beneath it on the product.
2. Enter the ID
Enter the FOS ID exactly as shown in the verification field above.
3. Check the certified scope
Understanding Your Search Result
What the Certification Confirms
Check the Exact Certification Scope
Your search result will show:
- FOS ID
- Certified product or species
- Certification standard
- Certificate holder
- Certificate status
- Issue and expiry dates
Certificate Status Guide
Active
Certification is currently valid.
Expired
The certification period has ended.
Recertification in Progress
A renewal assessment is underway.
Suspended
Certification is temporarily inactive.
Withdrawn
Certification has been formally withdrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the FOS ID?
The FOS ID is displayed beside or beneath the Friend of the Sea logo on the product packaging or certification label. Enter the ID exactly as shown, including any leading zeros.
Where can I learn more about the Friend of the Sea standards?
What should I do if I cannot find a result?
Check that the FOS ID has been entered correctly. You can also search using the product name or certificate-holder name.
If you still cannot find a matching record, contact Friend of the Sea and provide photographs of the product, its certification label and any FOS ID displayed on the packaging.
Does certification cover every product sold by the certificate holder?
No. Certification applies only to the products or species specifically listed in the certification record. Other products sold by the same certificate holder should not automatically be considered certified.
What does an Active certificate mean?
Active means that the certification is currently valid according to the status, validity dates and certification scope shown in the record.
What does an Expired certificate mean?
Expired means that the certification period shown in the record has ended. The record should not be used as confirmation that the product is currently certified.
If the Friend of the Sea logo is still displayed on a product being sold, contact us so that we can verify whether its use is authorised.
View More Questions
A product may be marketed under a brand name that differs from the legal or commercial name of the certificate holder. Always confirm that the specific product or species is included in the certification record.
Recertification in Progress means that a renewal assessment is underway. This status alone does not confirm that the certification is currently active. Check the existing certificate’s status and validity dates.
Suspended means that the certification has been temporarily made inactive.
Withdrawn means that the certification has been formally withdrawn and is no longer active.
Products connected to a suspended or withdrawn record should not be treated as currently certified unless Friend of the Sea confirms otherwise.
Yes. You can search using the product name or certificate-holder name and refine the results using the certification standard, product category, country and certificate-status filters.
Search the directory using the product or certificate-holder name. If you cannot confirm the certification, contact Friend of the Sea and provide clear photographs of the product, packaging and logo.
No. The FOS ID is the certification identifier displayed beside or beneath the Friend of the Sea logo. It is different from a retail barcode, batch number, lot number or product expiry date.
Select Report Logo Misuse and provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Product or brand name
- Certificate-holder or company name, if available
- Where the product or logo was found
- Photographs of the product, packaging and logo
- FOS ID, if displayed
- Website link if the logo was found online
Information submitted through the report will be treated confidentially.
Need Help Verifying a Product?
Friend of the Sea · Verification directory