Most aquaculture value chains can be segregated into four steps - hatchery, growout, process and distribution. Sometimes all steps are covered by one vertically integrated company, other times each step is handled by separate companies. Regardless of the organizational structure the certification process will be divided according to the most practical solution.

Each part of the value chain usually has its' own traceability system tailor made for that particular process. This is usually referred to as internal traceability. For fast and effective verification of origin the internal traceability systems needs to be connected through a global traceability system. The preferred global traceability system of Genopass™ is TraceRegister™.

- The actual certification process has many similarities with certification schemes for organic and sustainable products like Marine Stewardship Councils'. It’s important that the manufacturing process and transport logistics ensures that certified products are not accidentally mixed with non-certified products. In the case of Genopass™ this is referred to as gene flow control. Certified producers are encouraged to use the Genopass™ stamp of approval.