On 3 March 2016 the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) published a press release on Polish low-priced biodiesel exports that threatens the level playing field on the EU market. According to the EBB some Polish exporters sell biodiesel at very low prices to EU Member States. These low prices may be possible because some Polish operators would sell quantities of biodiesel that were already counted towards the Polish national biofuels quota to other EU Member States as sustainable according to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The EBB has also informed the European Commission, Polish authorities and certification schemes that are recognized by the European Commission, including ISCC, about the allegations.
ISCC is taking the allegations seriously, and is ready to take appropriate actions to verify the allegations and to implement relevant measures if necessary. However, ISCC has up to now not received any concrete evidence from EBB which will be vital to focus investigations. ISCC will closely work together towards a joint solution with Member State authorities as well as other certification systems being active in the Polish market.
ISCC is the only certification scheme recognized by the European Commission that runs an Integrity Program. This program monitors certification activities and aims to ensure compliant, consistent and objective work of the certification bodies cooperating with ISCC as well as compliance of certified companies with ISCC requirements. The ISCC Integrity Program runs on top of the audits conducted by accreditation bodies, certification bodies and national authorities.
About ISCC
ISCC is a globally applicable certification system that covers entire supply chains and all kinds of biobased feedstocks and renewables. Third party certification ensures compliance with ecological and social requirements, greenhouse gas emissions savings and traceability. ISCC can be applied in various markets, including the bioenergy sector and the food, feed and chemical markets. Since its start of operations in 2010, more than 10,000 certificates in 100 countries have been issued. ISCC is a multistakeholder initiative governed by an Association with more than 80 members from producers and processors, trade and logistics as well as NGOs and Science and Research.