ISCC responds to potential EU suspension of its certification
Scrutiny over the use of biofuels in Europe has increased, with reports emerging that the EU plans to suspend recognition of the ISCC certification for waste-based biofuels.
The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) operates an EU certification scheme that ensures biofuels entering the EU market meet the sustainability standards outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. The EU Committee on Sustainability of Biofuels, Bioliquids, and Biomass Fuels recently met to address rising cases of biofuel fraud in the European market.
However, while the committee’s discussions are confidential, it is reported that one outcome is a proposal to the European Commission to suspend recognition of ISCC certifications for waste-based biofuels for 2.5 years. This action is said to be subject to further legal scrutiny and will need approval by Member States.
We are more than surprised by this step. ISCC has been a frontrunner in implementing the most strict and effective measures to ensure integrity and fraud prevention in the market for years. It has an undisputed reputation for setting the strictest standards.
…ISCC responded.
Additionally, ISCC supports that this comes after they have actively supported the European Commission’s and Member States’ investigation of the alleged frauds and promoted and implemented additional anti-fraud measures in dialogue with the European Commission during the past two years.
Therefore, we are unable to see the rationale of the planned measure, which seems ad hoc and baseless. We do not see alternatives to ISCC EU with better or even comparable market fraud prevention mechanisms.
Moreover, ISCC highlights that other voluntary schemes would be unable to fill the gap. The proposed measure would deal a severe blow to the entire market for waste-based biofuels and could significantly jeopardize the ability of obligated parties to meet blending mandates.
ISCC also argues that there is no legal basis for the planned measure. It claims that fundamental procedural and legal rules, such as the right to a prior hearing, have not been followed. Furthermore, it asserts that singling out the ISCC EU recognition for waste-based biofuels constitutes discrimination.
We are in ongoing and constructive dialogue with the European Commission and will, together with our market partners, do everything in our power to avoid further market disruption. We remain committed to keeping our members, partners, and stakeholders informed as soon as further details become available.
…said ISCC.
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