Responsible business starts with how we act
First Seafood is committed to responsible, ethical and sustainable business practices. Our Code of Conduct defines the principles and expectations that guide how we conduct our business, make decisions and represent the company.
The guidelines apply to employees, managers, board members and hired personnel working on behalf of First Seafood AS and its subsidiaries. Where agreed, they may also apply to consultants, intermediaries and others representing the company.
Every person representing First Seafood has a responsibility to understand and follow these principles. Managers have a particular responsibility to lead by example and promote an open culture where ethical questions can be raised and discussed.
Please note: This page provides a summary of First Seafood’s Code of Conduct. The complete and formally approved guidelines are available in the full document.
Our fundamental principles
We comply with laws and regulations
We comply with applicable international, national and local laws and regulations wherever we operate. We also follow First Seafood’s internal policies and procedures.
If there is a conflict between applicable legislation and our internal guidelines, the stricter requirement shall apply.
We act with integrity
We conduct ourselves honestly, responsibly and professionally in our dealings with colleagues, customers, suppliers, business partners, authorities and other stakeholders.
Integrity means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. We aim to be truthful, reliable and transparent in everything we do.
We act in First Seafood’s best interests
Employees and representatives of First Seafood are expected to make decisions that protect the company’s interests, reputation and long-term value.
Personal interests must not influence professional decisions. Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be reported and handled openly.
People and human rights
We respect people
First Seafood promotes a culture built on dignity, fairness, trust and respect. We are committed to responsible working conditions throughout our operations and supply chain.
To support these principles, we do not accept:
- Forced labour, bonded labour, slavery or human trafficking
- Child labour that violates applicable legislation or international standards
- Discrimination, harassment, bullying or degrading treatment
- Unsafe or unacceptable working conditions
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith
Employment of young workers must comply with applicable national legislation and relevant International Labour Organization principles.
We expect human rights to be respected throughout our business activities. Actual or potential negative impacts on people must be reported, assessed and addressed.
An inclusive workplace
First Seafood is committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive working environment where everyone is treated fairly.
Discrimination based on ethnicity, identity, skin colour, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, trade union membership or political affiliation is not accepted.
We respect cultural differences and expect all employees to contribute to a professional and inclusive working environment.
Health and safety
Safe operations
Safe and responsible operations are essential to our business.
We work systematically to prevent accidents, occupational injuries and health risks. Everyone working for First Seafood has a responsibility to follow applicable safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
Relevant health and safety training shall be provided regularly, and appropriate first-aid equipment shall be available at our workplaces.
Employees must not be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances while working or within operational work areas. First Seafood has zero tolerance for illegal drugs in connection with work.
Environmental responsibility
Protecting the resources we depend on
As a seafood company, First Seafood depends on healthy oceans and sustainable marine resources. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing throughout our value chain.
To support this commitment, we aim to:
- Source seafood and marine ingredients from responsibly managed and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture operations wherever possible
- Reduce the environmental footprint of our operations
- Follow relevant environmental standards and legal requirements
- Work continuously to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Protect biodiversity and marine resources
- Promote good animal welfare, including fish welfare, where relevant
Environmental considerations must form part of our decisions, operations and supplier relationships.
Responsible business conduct
Anti-corruption
First Seafood has zero tolerance for corruption and bribery.
No employee or representative may offer, provide, request or accept money, gifts, services or other benefits intended to improperly influence a business decision.
Employees who are uncertain about whether a gift, benefit or arrangement is appropriate must consult their immediate manager.
Gifts and hospitality
First Seafood employees must avoid situations where gifts, hospitality or personal benefits could influence, or appear to influence, business decisions.
We do not accept or offer:
- Cash or cash equivalents
- Expensive or extravagant gifts
- Benefits that may influence, or appear to influence, a decision
- Gifts that the recipient would be expected to conceal
Business events and hospitality must be reasonable in both value and frequency. Employees must notify their manager if they are offered or receive a gift or benefit that may conflict with these principles.
Fair competition
We compete fairly and in accordance with applicable competition, antitrust and marketing legislation.
Our competitiveness shall be based on professional expertise, reliable service and high-quality products. We treat competitors professionally and do not make misleading or disparaging statements about them.
Customers, suppliers and business partners
Our customers
We meet our customers with professional expertise, respect and an understanding of their needs.
Our ambition is to be a knowledgeable and reliable seafood partner that helps customers find suitable products, specifications and solutions.
Our suppliers
Our suppliers and business partners are essential to our operations. We treat them fairly, professionally and with respect.
Supplier agreements should, wherever possible, be documented in writing and include relevant requirements regarding price, delivery, quality, ethical conduct and payment terms.
We expect our suppliers to respect human rights, provide responsible working conditions and operate in accordance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
Written and accurate documentation
Business agreements shall, as a general rule, be documented in writing and stored appropriately.
Financial transactions and accounting records must be complete, accurate and recorded in accordance with applicable legislation, accepted accounting principles and First Seafood’s internal requirements.
False, incomplete or misleading records are not accepted.
Protecting information and company assets
Our shared responsibility
Protecting company assets and confidential information is everyone's responsibility. Employees must safeguard First Seafood's physical assets, intellectual property and sensitive business information against misuse, theft, loss or unauthorised access.
This includes:
- Buildings, machinery and equipment
- Trademarks, designs and intellectual property
- Recipes, production methods and business processes
- Business plans, budgets and pricing information
- Customer, supplier and employee information
Confidential information must not be shared with unauthorised parties. This obligation continues after employment or an assignment with First Seafood has ended.
Personal data must be handled responsibly and only used for legitimate business purposes. First Seafood processes personal data in accordance with applicable legislation, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR.
Speaking up
Report concerns safely
First Seafood wants an open culture where employees and other stakeholders feel safe raising ethical questions and reporting suspected misconduct.
Employees who become aware of a possible violation are expected to report it to their immediate manager. If this is inappropriate or difficult, the concern may be raised with the next management level or through First Seafood’s whistleblowing system.
Reports may be submitted anonymously through the established reporting channel.
All reports shall be treated confidentially and investigated appropriately. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is not accepted.
REPORT A CONCERN
[connected whit email respons)
Compliance
Personal responsibility
Everyone working for or representing First Seafood is personally responsible for complying with our Code of Conduct.
Violations may have serious consequences for individuals and for the company. Serious breaches may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment or assignment, and reporting to relevant authorities.
Questions about the interpretation of the guidelines should normally be raised with the immediate manager. Matters that cannot be resolved locally shall be referred to First Seafood’s management.
Complete Code of Conduct
This webpage is a simplified summary intended to make First Seafood’s main ethical principles easily accessible.
The complete Code of Conduct was approved by the Board of First Seafood AS on 31 July 2026 and contains the full requirements applicable to employees and other representatives of the company.