The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) has recently expressed strong opposition to the European Commission’s discussion of a possible moratorium on the accreditation of waste-based biofuel certification. It is understood that the European Commission is considering suspending the agreement for two and a half years, but this decision is subject to legal review and member state approval.
In its statement, ISCC said it was surprised by the proposal and emphasized the key role it has been playing in enforcing strict sustainability standards and anti-fraud measures in the market. Over the past two years, ISCC has worked closely with the European Commission and member states to actively support the investigation of suspected fraud and strengthen compliance regulation.
ISCC said, “We are unable to understand the rationale for this measure, which appears to be ad hoc and unfounded.” The organization added that no certification system in the current marketplace is more effective at preventing fraud than ISCC EU.
ISCC warned that the suspension of its certification accreditation would have a serious impact on the waste-based biofuels supply chain, potentially undermining the ability of the companies involved to fulfill blending requirements, and in turn destabilizing the market. In addition, ISCC questioned the legal basis for suspending its accreditation, arguing that the move did not follow proper procedural norms and was clearly discriminatory as it only targeted ISCC EU.
Despite the uncertainty, ISCC assures all stakeholders that the organization remains in active dialogue with the European Commission and will take all necessary measures to prevent further market turmoil. If the measure is ultimately implemented, it could also have a knock-on effect on the bunkering of biofuels, with a number of fuel suppliers and trading companies having recently been certified by ISCC to supply biofuel blends to the market.
