Friend of the Sea Launched Updated Certification Labels
The sustainability scheme updated its labeling requirements to boost transparency for certified products.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Organic Food
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Friend of the Sea has introduced new certification labels featuring a specific claim and a unique FOS ID to enhance product traceability. This update aligns the sustainability scheme with recent European Union directives regarding environmental labeling.
Why it matters
The change aims to strengthen the credibility of sustainability claims for consumers by linking every label to a verified certification. This ensures that environmental assertions are transparent and traceable across all product communications.
The updated labels are available in 24 languages to support international markets. These standards apply across 22 distinct categories currently monitored by the Official Product Claims Register.
The players
Friend of the Sea
This is a sustainability certification scheme established by the World Sustainability Organization.
World Sustainability Organization
This international organization manages the Friend of the Sea scheme and sets standards for environmental certification.
The details
Companies must now display a specific certification claim alongside a unique FOS ID, which links the label to its authorized certificate. Any modifications to the standard label layout now require formal written approval from the World Sustainability Organization prior to printing.
Timeline
2008: Original round logo mark introduced
27 September 2026: Directive (EU) 2024/825 applied in EU member states
Culture Shift
The introduction of these labels reflects a broader societal move toward mandatory transparency in environmental marketing. By adopting stricter verification standards, the industry is shifting away from vague sustainability claims toward rigorous, ID-linked product tracing.
Shoppers will now see a unique FOS ID on product packaging that allows them to verify the legitimacy of environmental claims. This change simplifies the process of identifying genuinely certified sustainable goods during daily purchasing.
The takeaway
Consumers should look for the combination of the official logo and the FOS ID to ensure a product meets sustainability standards. This shift makes it easier for buyers to distinguish between verified certifications and unsubstantiated marketing claims.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Organic Food industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hellenic Shipping News.
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