The Global Aquaculture Alliance, which operates the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification, has announced an extension period for Chinese seafood companies in the process of applying for BAP certification.
A statement from GAA Communications Manager Steven Hedlund said the extension was granted as a result of the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus, which has disrupted business in China.
“GAA is encouraged by the news that the outbreak of novel coronavirus appears to be stabilizing in China and the recovery effort is underway,” Hedlund said. “However, the organization is sympathetic to the situation and understands that it will take time for people to get back to work and for business to get up and running again. As a result, extensions are being granted to BAP-certified processing plants, farms, hatcheries, and feed mills in China that are due to be audited for annual re-certification in the near-term or are due to submit corrective actions for non-conformances cited during a recent audit.”
Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the certification bodies accredited to audit against the BAP standards, Hedlund said. He recommended those interested in receiving an extension contact the specialist they work for more information on how to apply.
“GAA understands that the outbreak is a unique situation and is working with its associates in China to ensure that they’re getting the support that they require,” Hedlund said.
