ISO 18539:2015 specifies the information to be recorded in wild-caught molluscs supply chains in order to establish the traceability of products originating from wild-caught molluscs. It specifies how molluscan products traded are to be identified and the information to be generated and held on those products by each of the food businesses that physically trade them through the distribution chains. It is specific to the distribution for human consumption of molluscs and their products, from wild caught through to retailers or caterers.

The types of businesses identified in ISO 18539:2015 for wild-caught molluscan distribution chains are the following:

- capture;

- landing business and first sale;

- depuration and shucking, etc.;

- processors;

- transporters and store operators;

- traders and wholesalers;

- retailers and caterers;

- logistics including materials brought from other domains.

Any given molluscan distribution chain can be made up of some or all of the above components but not necessarily in the sequence listed.