PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY IN VIETNAM’S TUNA SUPPLY CHAIN THROUGH THE ANNUAL FIP CODE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

As part of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishery Improvement Project (YFT FIP) in Vietnam, the Vietnam Tuna Association (VINATUNA) continues to collaborate with Bureau Veritas Vietnam to implement the annual FIP Code compliance assessment program for tuna processing and exporting companies participating in the project.

Production activities in a tuna processing plant

The FIP Code is a traceability system applied to tuna products sourced from handline and longline fisheries operating within the YFT FIP project area in Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa provinces (formerly Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa provinces). The system ensures that products can be accurately identified, segregated, and traced throughout the entire supply chain, from harvesting and landing to purchasing, transportation, processing, and export.

Since 2017, FIP Code assessments have been conducted annually to verify participating companies’ compliance with requirements related to traceability, chain of custody management, and the integrity of FIP raw materials. These assessments are carried out independently by Bureau Veritas Vietnam, an internationally recognized organization specializing in testing, inspection, and certification services.

To date, more than 28 Vietnamese tuna processing and exporting companies have registered to participate in the YFT FIP program and have implemented the FIP Code system. Products carrying a FIP Code are supplied exclusively to international buyers who have joined and committed to supporting the fishery improvement program.

As Vietnam’s tuna industry continues its efforts toward achieving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the yellowfin tuna fishery, maintaining the FIP Code system and conducting regular compliance assessments play a critical role in strengthening supply chain transparency. These efforts also demonstrate the commitment of Vietnamese enterprises to responsible fishing practices, sustainable fisheries development, and meeting the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets.