FAQs About ISCC Certification
What's the difference between ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA?
- ISCC EU is mandatory for companies selling biofuels and bioliquids in the European Union. It demonstrates compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) sustainability and GHG emission criteria. Required for EU market access.
- ISCC PLUS is a voluntary certification for materials and products outside EU biofuel regulations, including food, feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles, and biofuels for non-EU markets (Japan, Canada, US voluntary markets). Supports circular economy and bio-based product claims.
- ISCC CORSIA is designed for the aviation sector, verifying compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. Essential for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producers and airlines meeting emissions reduction mandates.
Who needs ISCC certification?
ISCC certification applies to all supply chain actors handling certified materials:
- Farmers & Agricultural Producers – Growing biomass feedstocks
- Collection Points & Traders – Buying and selling certified materials
- Processors & Manufacturers – Converting feedstocks into biofuels, biochemicals, or bio-based products
- Warehouses & Logistics Providers – Storing and transporting certified materials
- Fuel Suppliers & Distributors – Delivering to end markets
- Aviation Companies – Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Brand Owners – Making sustainability claims on consumer products
If you handle, process, trade, or sell biomass, biofuels, circular materials, or bio-based products, you likely need ISCC certification to prove sustainability and access key markets.
How long does ISCC certification take and how much does it cost?
Timeline: From initial application to certificate issuance, the typical timeline is 6-10 weeks, depending on your operational readiness, documentation completeness, supply chain complexity, and audit scheduling availability. With AmSpec’s streamlined process and experienced auditors, many clients achieve certification faster than industry averages.
Cost: Certification costs vary based on:
- Size and complexity of your operation
- Number of sites requiring certification
- Type of certification (EU, PLUS, CORSIA)
- Audit duration (typically 1-3 days)
- Travel requirements for auditors
Contact AmSpec for a customized quote based on your specific needs. We offer competitive pricing and transparent fee structures with no hidden costs.
What materials and products are eligible for ISCC certification?
ISCC EU covers:
- Agricultural and forestry biomass (rapeseed, soy, palm oil, wood pellets)
- Biogenic waste and residues (used cooking oil, animal fats, straw)
- Renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) – green hydrogen, e-fuels
- Recycled carbon fuels
ISCC PLUS additionally covers:
- Recycled plastics and packaging materials
- Bio-based chemicals and polymers
- Textiles and fibers
- Food and feed products
- Technical and industrial applications
- All circular economy and bio-based materials
ISCC CORSIA covers:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and eligible feedstocks
- Agricultural and forestry residues for aviation
- Waste-based fuels (UCO, animal fats, municipal waste)
- Power-to-liquid (PtL) synthetic aviation fuels
How long is an ISCC certificate valid and what are the ongoing requirements?
ISCC certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. To maintain your certification, you must undergo annual surveillance audits before your certificate expires.
Ongoing requirements include:
- Maintaining your mass balance or segregation system
- Keeping accurate records and sustainability declarations
- Continuing compliance with ISCC principles
- Annual audits to verify continued conformity
- Updating your ISCC registration information if operations change
AmSpec provides proactive renewal reminders and simplified scheduling to ensure uninterrupted certification status. Many clients choose to schedule their annual audits 2-3 months before expiration to allow time for any necessary corrective actions.
