Certification Process

We offer several certification schemes covering different markets, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. While requirements may differ by scheme, the certification process itself always follows the same core steps.

• If you already know which certification scheme applies to your activities, you can proceed directly with the certification process.
• If you are not yet sure which scheme is relevant, you can use our market and scheme information to identify the appropriate ISCC certification for your operations before proceeding.

ISCC certification is always carried out by independent, recognised Certification Bodies (CBs). You select a CB and sign a contract with them directly.

• ISCC does not conduct audits. This is done by an auditor from the CB you select.
• CBs usually operate internationally. Please contact them for questions about locations.
• Your CB is your main point of contact throughout the audit and certification process, including the issuance of the certificate after a successful audit.
• A signed contract with your CB must be in place before proceeding to the next step.

Before the audit can take place, you must submit a registration application via the ISCC HUB:

• First, sign up for the ISCC Client Section. From there, you can access the ISCC HUB and create your registration application.
• By submitting the registration application, you accept the ISCC Terms of Use.
• After submission, your registration application is first reviewed by your chosen Certification Body and subsequently by ISCC.
• The audit may only take place once the registration has been reviewed and approved by both parties.
• Your registration is finalised when you receive a confirmation email from ISCC.

The certification audit is conducted on-site by your selected CB. To ensure an efficient audit process, System Users are expected to be familiar with the applicable ISCC requirements and to have relevant data, records, and documentation readily available. Conducting an internal audit prior to the certification audit is strongly advised. We provide audit procedure templates and checklists to support your preparation.

During the certification audit:

• Documents, data, and processes are reviewed.
• Relevant sites and operations are assessed.

If non-conformities are identified, you will receive a list of corrective measures. These must be implemented within 40 days. A certificate can only be issued after the corrective measures have been successfully implemented.

Once the audit is successfully completed and all corrective measures (if any) have been implemented, your Certification Body issues your ISCC certificate:

• Your CB submits the certificate and the summary audit report via the ISCC HUB.
• These documents are automatically reflected in our publicly accessible certificate database.

Once certified, you may purchase and sell ISCC-certified material. You must continue to comply with ISCC requirements, including:

• Verifying the validity of supplier certificates via our certificate database.
• Issuing Sustainability Declarations for outgoing material.
• Ensuring traceability and chain of custody, as specified in our scheme-specific system documents.
• Following ISCC system updates.

Once you are certified, you can actively communicate your commitment to more sustainable practices by using ISCC logos and claims in your marketing and communication materials.

To ensure consistency and credibility, we require prior approval before you can use our logos or make ISCC-related claims.