About the CQA programme

Our CQA programme was developed by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) with representatives from all parts of the supply chain, from feed to fork. It is a business-to-customer assurance, which is managed according to ISO 17065, and uses aquaculture facilities as its unit of certification.

• CQA Standard
• CQA Certification
• CQA Certified companies
• CQA Programme integrity

The CQA Standard is a product certification for finfish and mussels. It comprises two integral elements:

• CQA Farm Standard (pdf 1,006Kb) 
• CQA Processing Standard (pdf 839Kb) 

How it works

Each CQA Standard is separated into modules that cover different areas of activity on a farmed fish production site or processing plant.

General requirements

This section deals with these general management practices that you must have in place to achieve certification:  

• The production process from inputs through to outputs
• Assessment of the applicant, premises, operational systems and procedures.

It covers the specific product criteria in place for fishfish and mussels. This scope is available for salmon, freshwater fish and mussels.

Organic production requirements

This section deals with these additional organic production requirements that you must have in place (together with the general requirements) to achieve organic certification:

• The production process from inputs through to outputs
• Assessment of your additional organic procedures and systems.

This scope is available for salmon and mussels.

Eco production requirements

This section aims to help you show your commitment to environmentally sustainable development during the production process. It deals with the additional eco requirements that you must have in place (together with the general requirements) achieve eco certification. This scope is available for salmon, freshwater fish and mussels.

Who can apply?

The CQA  Standard is open to anyone within the region of Ireland, regardless of size, scale, management or minimum number of operators.

CQA feedback

Send your CQA Standards comments and questions to: CQAstandard@bim.ie

Our CQA team will guide you through the process of achieving certification and can advise on support available towards third-party fees for organic certification through the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme.

Step 1: Get in touch to identify your needs

Contact us at CQAstandard@bim.ie for more information.

Step 2: Know your Standard

Download a copy of the relevant CQA Standard and familiarise yourself with the requirements:

• CQA Farm Standard (pdf 1,006Kb) 
• CQA Processing Standard (pdf 839Kb) 

Step 3: Get ready

Prepare your document management and record-keeping system.

Step 4: Pre-Audit

Work with your CQA team to prepare for your full audit.

Step 5: Audit

Apply to the assigned certification body and arrange a date for your audit.

Further information

Read the full requirements in your CQA Standard document. ‌

Browse this list for details of all CQA-certified farms, hatcheries, broodstock facilities and processing plants.

The BIM Certified Quality Aquaculture programme is owned and managed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

BIM and its members have made a commitment that all activities of the CQA programme:

• Are carried out in a systematic manner in accordance with defined and documented policies and procedures
• Meet applicable legislative requirements
• Are visible and auditable
• Meet the needs of applicants, staff, certification bodies, accreditation bodies and all other related stakeholders
• Describe the structure of the operating, certification and control procedures in the Programme Integrity resources.

Programme Integrity Resources to follow shortly