Understanding the Impact of the recent ISCC EU Update on Material Flows and Business Activities

Revised Certification Requirements: Ensuring Accurate and Efficient Compliance

Following valuable feedback and extensive discussions with various stakeholders, ISCC have revised the certification requirements to better reflect the needs and realities of our diverse participants. These adjustments, which take effect immediately, aim to ensure that our certification process remains transparent, fair, and practical for all involved parties.

Key Changes to Certification Scopes:

1. Applicable to: The existing requirement remains unchanged. If no activities were carried out under a certified scope during the previous certification period, the scope cannot be included in the new certificate. This rule also extends to processing units certified under the Point of Origin scope. Specifically, recertification as a Point of Origin is not possible if no activities occurred under this scope in the preceding certification period. This measure ensures that certifications accurately reflect current operations and activity levels.
   

   1. Individually Certified Points of Origin (other than Farms/Plantations),

   2. Collecting Points,

   3. Central Offices (Point of Origin)

2. Applicable to: We have introduced more flexibility in this area. Recertification is now possible even if no activities were conducted under the scope in the previous certification period. In such cases, the material annex will be kept empty except for a statement indicating, “No materials were handled as sustainable since the previous certification.” If the system user can provide evidence of upcoming activities, the certification body will adjust the material annex accordingly. This change recognizes the cyclical nature of agricultural and processing operations and ensures that entities are not unduly penalized for periods of inactivity.
   

   1. Individually Certified Farms/Plantations,

   2. First Gathering Points,

   3. Central Offices (Farm/Plantation),

   4. Processing Units
      

3. Applicable to: Recertification for these scopes is also possible even if there were no activities in the previous certification period. Unlike other scopes, there is no requirement to issue an annex with materials for certificates under these categories. This adjustment simplifies the certification process for entities involved in trading and logistics, where activities might fluctuate more significantly.

   1. Traders/Traders with Storage,

   2. Warehouses, Logistic Centres,

   3. ETBE/MTBE Plants
      

Implementation

These changes are effective immediately. Certification bodies are instructed to apply these adjustments in all ongoing and future certification processes. We encourage all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with these updates and to reach out to their respective certification bodies if they have any questions or need further clarification.

We believe that these revisions will enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of our certification process, ultimately supporting our commitment to sustainable and transparent operations.

Ensure Seamless Compliance with Our ISCC Document Template

Navigating the complexities of certification can be challenging, but our comprehensive ISCC document template is designed to simplify the process and ensure your compliance with ease. Our expertly crafted template provides a structured, step-by-step guide to meet all updated certification requirements, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors. With clear instructions and pre-filled examples, this tool is invaluable for maintaining accurate records and demonstrating compliance during audits. Invest in our ISCC document template today to streamline your certification process and focus on what you do best—running a sustainable and successful operation.

We're Here to Help During the Transition

Navigating changes in certification requirements can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide personalized assistance and support throughout the transition. Whether you have questions about the new requirements or need help implementing the changes, we're just a call or email away. Contact us today to ensure a smooth and stress-free certification process.