Voluntary Guidelines for Catch Documentation Schemes
“Catch Documentation Scheme” (CDS), means a system with the primary purpose of helping determine throughout the supply chain whether fish originate from catches taken consistent with applicable national, regional and international conservation and management measures, established in accordance with relevant international obligations.
This document, the Voluntary Guidelines for Catch Documentation Schemes, is the direct output of a series of meetings including the Expert Consultation (Rome, July 2015), COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade (Agadir, February 2016), Technical Consultation (Rome, April 2016, July 2016 and April 2017) and COFI 32 (Rome, July 2016).
The Guidelines were officially adopted by the FAO Conference at its Fortieth Session in July 2017. The content of the Guidelines is divided into seven sections and one annex. In order, these sections are: Scope and Objective, Definition, Basic Principles, Application of Basic Principles, Cooperation and Notification, Recommended Functions and Standards, Cooperation with and Recognition of the Special Requirements of Developing States. The annex includes Information Elements for Catch Certificate and Additional Information along the Supply Chain.