An ISCC audit doesn’t end when the auditor leaves your site—it continues in the actions your company takes afterward. Whether your audit findings are minor observations or significant nonconformities, the real value of certification lies in how you respond.
Corrective actions are more than compliance tasks; they’re opportunities to strengthen your management system, improve traceability, and demonstrate to customers and regulators that your organization takes sustainability seriously.
Understanding Audit Findings
At the end of each ISCC audit, the auditor presents a summary of findings, usually grouped into three categories:
- Nonconformities (NCs) – Instances where your system or documentation does not meet ISCC requirements. These must be corrected and verified before certification can be issued or maintained.
- Observations or improvement opportunities – Areas that are compliant but could be improved to prevent future issues.
- Positive findings – Examples of best practices or above-average performance that demonstrate strong system control.
Understanding the severity and implications of each finding helps you prioritize corrective actions effectively.
The Corrective Action Process
1. Root Cause Analysis
Every corrective action should begin with identifying why the issue occurred—not just what went wrong. Ask questions such as:
- Was it a documentation error or a process gap?
- Did staff understand the procedure?
- Was a control missing, unclear, or not implemented?
A short “5 Whys” analysis or cause diagram can help pinpoint underlying issues rather than symptoms.
2. Corrective and Preventive Measures
Once the root cause is identified, define two actions:
- Corrective action: What immediate step will fix the issue?
- Preventive action: What change will ensure it doesn’t happen again?
For example, if a sustainability declaration was missing a GHG value, the corrective action is to update that declaration; the preventive action is to revise your documentation checklist and train staff on data entry requirements.
3. Documentation and Evidence
ISCC auditors must verify evidence that corrective actions were completed. Typical forms of proof include:
- Revised procedures or templates
- Updated training records
- Corrected data entries in the UBD or mass balance
- Screenshots, invoices, or photographs confirming implementation
Keep all records organized and labeled by finding number for easy submission to your certification body.
4. Timeline and Verification
Most certification bodies require corrective actions to be completed within 30 days of the audit. Depending on the nature of the finding, your auditor may request documentary evidence or a follow-up verification visit before final approval.
Turning Corrective Actions into Continuous Improvement
The strongest sustainability programs treat corrective actions not as one-time fixes but as inputs to a continuous improvement cycle.
- Track and trend findings over time.
- Use an internal log to monitor recurring issues and identify systemic weaknesses.
- Integrate audit results into management reviews.
- Discuss audit outcomes, root causes, and progress on corrective actions in regular management meetings.
- Update training and communication.
- Use findings as learning material during team refreshers or onboarding sessions.
- Benchmark performance year to year.
- Compare audit results over multiple cycles to measure how your management system matures.
- Share lessons with suppliers and partners.
- Extending best practices across your supply chain strengthens overall traceability and credibility.
Common Areas for Continuous Improvement
From AmSpec’s experience working with certified companies worldwide, the most effective improvement efforts often focus on:
- Data quality: Strengthening internal checks on UBD submissions and mass balance entries.
- Supplier engagement: Verifying that supplier certificates remain valid and feedstocks are classified correctly.
- Training frequency: Refreshing staff knowledge before each certification cycle.
- GHG verification: Regularly updating emission factors and process data to reflect actual performance.
- Internal audit depth: Expanding the scope of internal reviews to include new feedstocks or regulatory changes.
How AmSpec Supports Continuous Compliance
AmSpec works with clients beyond certification day—helping them interpret findings, implement corrective actions, and design continuous improvement programs that align with ISCC requirements. Our experts provide:
- Post-audit support and corrective action guidance
- Root cause analysis templates and improvement plans
- Training for staff on documentation and compliance management
- Periodic compliance reviews ahead of surveillance or renewal audits
By treating corrective actions as part of an ongoing improvement cycle, companies not only maintain certification—they elevate it into a management tool that drives operational excellence and stakeholder trust.
With AmSpec’s support, your ISCC system evolves year after year—stronger, more transparent, and more aligned with the future of sustainable trade.