Content:

1. ISCC EU

2. ISCC CORSIA

The System Update is mandatory for all ISCC System Users, ISCC Auditors and cooperating Certification Bodies.

1. ISCC EU

1.1 Updates to ISCC Proof of Compliance (PoC) Templates and Framework

1.1.1 Introduction of ISCC PoC Template for Biogas/Biomethane/BioLNG Fuels

A new Proof of Compliance (PoC) template (v1.0) tailored for biogas and its upgraded or liquefied forms (Biomethane and BioLNG) is now available in the client section of the ISCC website (login required). The new template for Biogas, Biomethane, and BioLNG integrates key elements from the existing PoC frameworks.

1.1.2 Updates of ISCC PoC Template for Biofuels

Version 1.2 of the ISCC Proof of Compliance (PoC) template for biofuels is now available in the client section of the ISCC website (login required). The updated template includes the RED III requirements, as well as improvements to data formatting for enhanced usability.

1.1.3 Revisions to ISCC PoC Guidance Document

We have updated the ISCC Proof of Compliance (PoC) Guidance Document. In Chapter 5.1, we have revised the criteria for issuing PoCs to reflect the use of national databases for the tracking of biofuels. Further updates have been implemented within Chapter 5.4; here, we have amended the data requirements on unique PoC documentation.

1.2 Clarification on Transport Emissions for Collecting Points

In the past, Collecting Points (CPs) were allowed to forward upstream transport information from their operations to the next unit in the supply chain, without calculating transport emissions themselves. This practice is no longer permitted.

From now on (22 September 2025), all newly issued certificates must reflect the following requirements. CPs must either:

• apply the default values for transport emissions, if available, or
• calculate actual transport emissions in accordance with ISCC requirements.

This rule applies even in cases where CPs do not physically receive the material at their site. For details on GHG methodologies and default values, please refer to ISCC EU System Document 205 “Greenhouse Gas Emissions”.

1.3 Explanation of Biomethane Liquefaction Parameters

To facilitate consistent implementation of ISCC requirements, please note the following clarifications for the certification of Bio-LNG. 

The liquefaction of biomethane into Bio-LNG is only allowed under a Processing Unit scope (Liquefaction Plant or LNG Terminal). The certified Processing Unit receives biomethane as an intermediate product and processes it into Bio-LNG. The Bio-LNG producer must then cancel the biomethane Proof of Sustainability (PoS) and issue a new Bio-LNG PoS instead. The Bio-LNG PoS must account for conversion factors, process losses, and GHG emissions from the upstream value chain as well as from the liquefaction process, including downstream transport emissions. Emissions of biomethane compression at filling stations can be excluded.

The above rules also apply for mass-balance liquefaction set-ups, where biomethane liquefaction is based on the single mass balance system principle (in line with EU Implementing Regulation 2022/996). This ensures that the total certified volume of Bio-LNG produced corresponds to an equivalent amount of certified biomethane injected into the interconnected gas infrastructure and accounted for in the system. 

Further guidance is available in ISCC EU System Document 203 “Traceability and Chain of Custody” and ISCC EU System Document 205 “Greenhouse Gas Emissions”.

1.4 Inclusion of Emissions for Biomethane  Compression at Filling Stations

To harmonise reporting practices, we will require the standardised inclusion of compression emissions at filling stations in the total GHG calculation of biomethane Proofs of Sustainability (PoS). This new requirement will take effect on 1 January 2026.

By default, biomethane producers must include compression emissions in the GHG calculation. They are not allowed to omit emissions for compression when the final use is unknown (including the cases where biomethane is injected into the grid).

If biomethane is further processed, the producer of the respective commodity must cancel the original PoS (which includes compression emissions), i.e. retract it from the national database it was issued to, and then issue a new PoS. This new PoS must include the recalculated GHG emissions according to the relevant market’s methodology and minimum savings requirements. This procedure allows compression emissions to be excluded when no compression has taken place.

If an incoming PoS does not clearly indicate whether compression emissions have been included (e.g. a PoS from another RED III-recognised voluntary scheme or a national database), a subtraction is only permitted if adequate proof can be provided that these emissions were initially included. If default values from Annex XI of RED III (which include compression emissions) were used, a subtraction of the compression factor is allowed.

The use of an actual emission factor for compression instead of the default compression value is only allowed if the actual value can be accurately determined and verified by the Certification Body. This may apply, for instance, if agreements with an offtaker are in place so that the location and conditions of compression are known to the final biofuel producer. If electricity from the grid is used for compression, the national emission factors from the Implementing Regulation 2022/996 must be used.

1.5 Classification of Hydrogen Inputs in Biofuel Production

We have identified cases where hydrogen inputs used in biofuel production processes were incorrectly classified as waste materials with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission values of zero (0), without proper verification and approval procedures in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC (WFD).

Effective 22 September 2025, the following requirement applies to all ISCC EU-certified System Users: Hydrogen inputs used in biofuel production processes must not be classified as waste materials with GHG emission values of zero. 

Non-compliance with this requirement will be considered a major non-conformity and may lead to the suspension or withdrawal of the certificate.

Requirements for Certification Bodies:

Effective 22 September 2025, Certification Bodies must verify during audits that: 

• no hydrogen inputs are classified as waste with zero GHG values,
• System Users have chosen an appropriate emission factor (EF) for the hydrogen used, and
• appropriate documentation is maintained and available for inspection.

The auditing Certification Body must submit exceptions to this rule to ISCC for approval with adequate justifications in line with the provisions of the WFD.

2. ISCC CORSIA

2.1 Revision of the ICAO CORSIA Document “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels”

ICAO has recently updated the ICAO CORSIA Document “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels”.

Main changes include:

– Inclusion of Period of Applicability (PoA) provisions
– Inclusion of correction factors related to hydrogen and heat production pathways and transport and transport of feedstocks at international levels.
– Updated Default ILUC Values for numerous pathways/ feedstocks based upon:

• Updated IPCC2019 factors on LUC (Land Use Change)

• Adjustments to ILUC values to remove SOC (Soil Carbon Accumulation Effects)
• Updates to the AtJ (Alcohol-to-Jet)/Ethanol energy conversion yields

– Updated Default Core LCA Values for AtJ (Alcohol-to-Jet)/Ethanol standalone pathway

2.1.1 Inclusion of Period of Applicability (PoA) Provisions

As part of the document update, several Default Core LCA and ILUC Values have been revised. Previous values remain published and applicable following outlined frameworks. PoAs marked with “[1]” refer to the most recent value and have no temporal restrictions. PoAs marked with “[2]” may be applied to CEF (CORSIA Eligible Fuels) batches produced until 31 December 2029 (i.e. the end of the next full CORSIA cycle).

In addition, cross-references between Default Core LCA Values and Default ILUC values have been added. These aim to make sure that a given Default Core LCA Value is applied with its corresponding Default ILUC Value(s).

2.1.2 Inclusion of Correction Factors

Correction values have been added in the column “Pathway Specification” for the following parameters:

• Use of coal for hydrogen production
• Use of coal for process heat
• Use of coal for ethanol production
• International ethanol transportation

If applicable, such correction values must be aggregated into the reported Default Core LCA Value.

The methodologies applied by ICAO to calculate the updated Default Core LCA Values and Default ILUC Values are described in ICAO Document “CORSIA Supporting Document/ CORSIA Eligible Fuels – Life Cycle Assessment Methodology”.

Economic Operators sourcing Default Core LCA Values and, where necessary, Default ILUC Values, must select the appropriate value based on the applicable fuel conversion process (e.g. HEFA), fuel feedstock (e.g. corn grain), pathway specifications (including correction factors), applicability provisions, and region (for the ILUC value). To source up-to-date values, the latest version of the ICAO CORSIA Document “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels” applies.

2.2 Specific Provisions for Cellulosic Feedstocks

Cellulosic feedstocks eligible under ICAO CORSIA (e.g. miscanthus, switchgrass) must be produced exclusively on marginal lands. ICAO provides guidance on how to verify compliance with the cellulosic pathway specification in Chapter 5.4 of the ICAO CORSIA Document “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels”. We are preparing to integrate these provisions into the ISCC CORSIA System Documents and related audit procedures.

2.3 Default ILUC Value for Corn Grain in Brazil

ICAO has calculated a Default ILUC Value for corn grain in Brazil, reflecting conditions in regions with significant multi-cropping practices. This value is based on a weighted average approach (WAA). New Default ILUC Values have been calculated for corn grain in Brazil for AtJ pathways (both Ethanol-to-Jet and Isobutanol-to-Jet).

These values can be used under the following conditions:

• The feedstock (i.e. corn grain) is produced under sequential cropping as the secondary or additional crop.
• Sequential cropping is implemented on cropland where the primary crop was established prior to 2016.
• The values can be used until 31 December 2029. ICAO will decide whether their use will continue to be allowed.

2.4 Low Land Use Change (Low LUC) Risk Certification

The temporal limitation for the use of Low LUC Risk practices has been extended from 2030 to 2035.

2.5 ICAO CORSIA Updates on SOC (Soil Carbon Accumulation), CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage), and Electricity Sourcing Options for CEF

ICAO has introduced new provisions for SOC (Soil Carbon Accumulation), CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage), and Electricity Sourcing Options for CEF. We are currently implementing the provisions as requirements under the ISCC CORSIA certification scheme. We will soon inform stakeholders about the recognition process.

2.6 Waste, Residues, and By-products (ICAO CORSIA Positive List)

The ICAO CORSIA Positive List for waste, residues and by-products has been updated (Chapter 4.2, Table 1, ICAO CORSIA Document “CORSIA Methodology for Calculating Actual Life Cycle Emissions Values”.

Additionally, specifications for some raw materials have been added (see Chapters 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5 of the same document). We have updated corresponding provisions in the ISCC CORSIA audit procedures.