ISCC certification: what it is and why it matters for biofuels

ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) is one of the most recognised sustainability certification systems in the world. In the biofuels market it works like a passport: without it, many feedstocks simply cannot be sold into regulated markets.

ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS

• ISCC EU: demonstrates compliance with the sustainability and greenhouse gas saving criteria of the EU Renewable Energy Directive. It is the certification required for biofuels in the European market.
• ISCC PLUS: applies to other markets such as chemicals, circular plastics, food and feed.

How the chain of custody works

Every operator in the chain, from the collection point to the final producer, must be certified. Sustainability information travels with the product in every transaction through the proof of sustainability (PoS).

The most common method is mass balance: the volume of sustainable product sold can never exceed the sustainable volume bought in a given period.

Roles in the chain

• Trading: buying and selling certified raw materials and products.
• Emissions calculation: quantifying greenhouse gases along the chain.
• Processing: converting raw materials in certified units.
• Documentation: sustainability records for every transaction.

Audits

Certification is verified by independent bodies through periodic audits. Valid and suspended certificates can be checked publicly on the ISCC website, so any supplier’s status can be confirmed.

Why it matters to buyers

• It guarantees access to regulated EU markets.
• It reduces the risk of fraud and of feedstocks of doubtful origin.
• It allows the final product’s emission savings to be counted.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether a supplier is certified?

Search the public certificate database on the ISCC website and confirm the certificate’s validity and scope.

Does ISCC only apply to biofuels?

No. ISCC PLUS also covers chemicals, plastics, food and feed.

Talk to Zuria

All the biofuel products we trade are ISCC certified and fully documented. Explore our biofuels area or talk to our team.