Content:
1. ISCC EU
2. ISCC PLUS
3. Clarification on the Certification of End-of-life Tyres under ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS
4. Updated Restrictions on the Usage of the ISCC Banner “Certificate Holder”
5. Publication of the ISCC Canada CFR Documents
The System Update is mandatory for all ISCC System Users, ISCC Auditors and cooperating Certification Bodies.
1. ISCC EU
1.1 Introduction of Biomarine Fuel Operator Scope
In the January ISCC HUB update, we are introducing a new scope under ISCC EU: Biomarine Fuel Operator (BFO). This scope applies to the following raw materials sold as final fuel (biomarine fuel) into the maritime sector:
- Used cooking oil (UCO),
- Residue of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) end distillation,
- Crude glycerin.
The BFO scope enables the issuance of a Proof of Sustainability (PoS) for raw materials used without further conversion. A greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation, particularly for downstream transport and distribution, is necessary. The BFO scope will be included in the APS version 6.0. For System Users who wish to use this scope, auditors shall conduct the required audit before the System User can sell biomarine fuel. The BFO scope can be added to existing scopes or used standalone. Traders following the biomarine fuel operator in the supply chain do not need to add the BFO scope when buying biomarine fuel.
Currently, the eligible feedstock for biomarine fuel is limited to the three raw materials mentioned above. However, ISCC is open to expanding, upon request, to include additional raw materials used directly as final fuel in the maritime sector. Please contact ISCC to submit a request.
1.2 ISCC EU Recognition for Netherlands SDE++
As of 1 January 2026, Economic Operators can demonstrate compliance with the Dutch SDE++ biomass scheme (subsidie duurzame energie) via ISCC EU certification.
The scope of the prior certification scheme “ISCC Solid Biomass NL” is therefore fully embedded within ISCC EU. System Users can demonstrate compliance with the criteria for solid biomass for energy applications in the Netherlands via ISCC EU. Please click here to access the parliamentary decision.
1.3. Publication of the ISCC EU Guidance Document 203-02 “Mass Balance”
After a successful public consultation in 2025, we are pleased to publish a final version of the ISCC EU Guidance Document 203-02 “Mass Balance” (v1.2). It provides detailed clarifications and explanations for existing mass balance rules under the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (amended by Directive (EU) 2023/2413).
The document includes mass balance rules for the whole supply chain, from feedstocks and intermediates up to the production of fuels to the final user. To enhance understanding, it includes a range of practical scenarios that illustrate how the mass balance principles can be implemented in real-world settings. The document supplements the ISCC EU System Document 203 “Traceability and Chain of Custody”. For any questions related to mass balance under ISCC EU, please contact ISCC.
2. ISCC PLUS
2.1 Clarification on the Use of Prefixes under ISCC PLUS
We would like to clarify that the prefixes used for certain ISCC EU material categories are not applicable to ISCC PLUS materials. These prefixes originate from specific legal requirements (primarily the Renewable Energy Directive) and include co-processed, RFNBO, and RCF products.
They cannot be applied to ISCC PLUS materials, as ISCC PLUS audits do not verify the legislative requirements linked to these categories. Instead, product names must be adjusted accordingly (as shown in the table below) in the Sustainability Declarations (SDs) and in the certificate annex.
| ISCC EU | ISCC PLUS | Change | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-processed product | (Raw material category) product | Remove Co-processed from the prefix of the product, and add the appropriate ISCC PLUS raw material category | Use (Raw material category) Naphtha instead of Co-processed oil to be used for replacement of naphtha |
| RFNBO product | Renewable-energy-derived product | Remove RFNBO from the prefix of the product, and add the renewable-energy-derived raw material category | Use Renewable-energy-derived Ammonia instead of RFNBO Ammonia |
| RCF product | Circular product | Remove RCF from the prefix of the product, and add the circular raw material category | Use Circular Methane instead of RCF Methane |
Please note that ISCC PLUS-certified supply chain elements can still accept materials from ISCC EU-certified supply chain elements if the entire upstream supply chain up to the Farm/Plantation or Point of Origin (PoO) is fully ISCC-certified (“ISCC Compliant”). This rule also applies under the standalone ISCC PLUS system documents, as described in ISCC PLUS System Document 201 “System Basics”.
Please be advised that these changes will be mandatory as of 1 January 2027. However, we strongly recommend that System Users adopt this naming methodology as soon as possible.
2.2 Public Consultation of the ISCC PLUS Guidance Document “Mass Balance”
The ISCC PLUS Guidance Document “Mass Balance” (v.1.0) is now under public consultation until 17 March 2026. The document complements the new ISCC PLUS System Document 203-2 “Chain of Custody”, and therefore aligns with the updated mass balance requirements and rules.
The guidance document provides detailed clarification of bookkeeping requirements for incoming materials under different ISCC schemes (ISCC EU or ISCC CORSIA), explanations and examples on material downgrading, and an overview of the methods for calculating certified shares under various mass balance approaches. In addition, it includes practical examples and further clarification on the reflection of input characteristics.
We invite System Users, Certification Bodies and other interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the new guidance document. Interested parties can download the document and submit their feedback on the ISCC website.
3. Clarification on the Certification of End-of-life Tyres under ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS
The materials “(Biogenic fraction of) end-of-life tyre chips“ and “(Biogenic fraction of) end-of-life tyre granules“ refer to intermediates obtained from treating “(Biogenic fraction of) end-of-life tyres”. The handled material includes both fossil and biogenic content. Under ISCC EU certification, only the biogenic fraction is covered, whereas under ISCC PLUS, both the biogenic and fossil fractions of end-of-life tyres are eligible for certification.
The applicable scope for this operation, to be selected in the ISCC HUB under ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS, is “Other conversion unit” with the specification “Shredding Unit”. Under ISCC PLUS, “Mechanical recycling plant” under Processing Unit can also be selected as the applicable scope.
Before being processed into other materials, the biogenic content may be estimated using literature/reference values for end-of-life tyre chips/granules. At a later stage of the supply chain, the biogenic content must be determined in accordance with the ISCC Guidance Document 203-01 “Certification of Co-Processing”. For instance, this applies when end-of-life tyres or intermediates (chips and granules) from end-of-life tyres are processed at a co-processing plant performing pyrolysis.
4. Updated Restrictions on the Usage of the ISCC Banner “Certificate Holder”
The use of the ISCC banner “Certificate Holder” is restricted to individually certified entities only. Entities that are not individually certified, such as group members, are not permitted to use this banner. Group heads shall not forward this banner to their group members. This change will become effective on 16 July 2027, in line with the mandatory application timeline of ISCC Document 208 “Logos and Claims” (v2.2).
Group members who want to display the ISCC logo on their sustainability declarations and self-declarations can do so by using the official ISCC templates, which incorporate the logo and ensure full compliance with ISCC requirements. For questions or further clarification, please contact ISCC.
5. Publication of the ISCC Canada CFR Documents
We are pleased to announce that the documents required to conduct ISCC Canada CFR audits are now available. This includes the ISCC Canada CFR System Document (v.1.1), valid from 1 December 2025, along with the audit procedures,material list, self-declaration, sustainability declaration, and certificate template. Please note that the last three documents are accessible exclusively through the ISCC client section of the website (login required).
For ISCC Auditors and Certification Bodies:
Regarding the auditing process, please note the following:
- Standalone ISCC Canada CFR audits: The newly published audit procedures must be applied until the release of the next APS version (6.0). Thereafter, auditors shall use APS (6.0) for standalone ISCC Canada CFR audits.
- Combined audits with ISCC EU and/or ISCC PLUS: The current APS (5.1) shall be used for verifying the ISCC EU and/or ISCC PLUS requirements. Additionally, the ISCC Canada CFR gap audit procedure shall be used to verify compliance with the ISCC Canada CFR requirements.
To ensure consistency and support smooth implementation, we kindly request that Certification Bodies and auditors contact ISCC for guidance before conducting any ISCC Canada CFR audits.