Carbon footprint for seafood – NS 9418
The standard NS 9418 sets requirements for the calculation and communication of the carbon footprint of seafood, whether it originates from wild catch or aquaculture. The calculation is based on a life cycle assessment (LCA), meaning that the product is followed from cradle to grave. NS 9418 defines the product category rules (PCR) needed to quantify and communicate the carbon footprint of seafood.
Focused on relevance and transparency
The standard emphasizes accuracy in carbon footprinting by including all significant life cycle contributions, while deliberately excluding contributions deemed insignificant. This approach ensures the method remains simple and cost-efficient. Additionally, the methodology is based on a set of principles designed to ensure both scientific validity and that the communication of carbon footprint to consumers is transparent, understandable, and verifiable.
Developed by a broad-based expert committee
NS 9418 was developed by a national standardization committee with representatives from research institutions, government bodies, consulting firms, fish farmers, fishing organizations, exporters, certification bodies, and funding agencies. This broad participation ensured scientific accuracy, industry relevance, and consideration of different stakeholder interests with respect to content, functionality, and usability.
The content of the standard was quality assured through a research project led by SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture, with the main objective of ensuring scientific soundness.
The standardization project was funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF) and Innovation Norway. The initiative came from the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, which also led the project.
Translated for international use
The standard has been translated into English to facilitate broader use outside Scandinavia.