Iscc

International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
2010 (under
Country/ Year and
ISCC Association development; and in
Organization status
operation)
Initiative International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
Stakeholders from: agriculture & conversion; trade, logistics & users; and
Membership
NGOs, social research and others
Governing bodies General Assembly; Board; Technical Committees; and Executive Board
Type and
Geographical
implementation Certification scheme Global
coverage
approach
Biofuel feedstock
Feedstock(s) Supply chain production, processing
All
covered coverage and biofuel
transportation/distribution
Type(s) of biofuels
All
covered
http://www.iscc-
Link
system.org/e865/e890/e954/e956/ISCC202SustainabilityRequirements_en_eng.pdf

Overview1.
The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) system was developed
through a project that started in 2008 with the objective to develop “an internationally
oriented, practical and transparent system for the certification of biomass and bioenergy2”.
ISCC is concerned, in particular, with the following sustainability aspects/issues
across the entire biofuel supply chain:
 reduction of GHG emissions;
 sustainable use of land;
 protection of natural biospheres; and
 social sustainability.

The ISCC certification criteria fall into three categories:
1. sustainability requirements for biomass production3;
2. requirements concerning the GHG emission savings and the associated calculation
methodology4; and

1
The information included in this section was excerpted and adapted directly from the ISCC web-site:
http://www.iscc-system.org/
2
The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection via the
Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR).
3
ISCC 202 Sustainability Requirements – Requirements for the Production of Biomass.

1

LAST UPDATE: 01.02.2010

3. requirements for traceability5 and mass balance calculation methodology6.

The ISCC sustainability requirements for biomass production comprise six principles:
1. Biomass shall not be produced on land with high biodiversity value or high carbon
stock and not from peat land. HCV areas shall be protected;
2. Biomass shall be produced in an environmentally responsible way. This includes the
protection of soil, water and air and the application of Good Agricultural Practices;
3. Safe working conditions through training and education, use of protective clothing and
proper and timely assistance in the event of accidents;
4. Biomass production shall not violate human rights labour rights or land rights. It shall
promote responsible labour conditions and workers' health, safety and welfare and
shall be based on responsible community relations;
5. Biomass production shall take place in compliance with all applicable regional and
national laws and shall follow relevant international treaties; and
6. Good management practices shall be implemented.

A set of “major musts” and “minor musts” criteria was developed around these
principles. For a successful audit, all of the former and at least 80% of the latter must be
complied with by the operators along the bioenergy supply chain.
ISCC was the first certification system for sustainable biomass and bioenergy to be
approved by the German Authority BLE7. The ISCC system constitutes an instrument for the
implementation of the requirements of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) and
of a number of relevant German ordinances on the production of biofuels and bioliquids for
electricity generation.

For citation:
Ismail, M., Rossi, A., Geiger, N. 2011. A Compilation of Bioenergy Sustainability Initiatives: Update.
Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).
The authors would like to thank Onyekachi Nwankwo (Volunteer) for his valuable contribution.

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ISCC 205 GHG Emission Calculation Methodology.
5
ISCC 203 Requirements for Traceability. The origin of the biomass must be traceable through the different
stages of the biofuel supply chain. This is done according to traceability systems and documented
evidence/surveillance statements.
6
ISCC 204 Mass Balance Calculation Methodology.
7
ISCC does not issue certifications directly. The list of approved Certification Bodies is available on the ISCC
web-site.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. ENVIRONMENTAL ............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Land-use change (direct and/or indirect) .................................................................. 4
1.2 Biodiversity and ecosystem services .......................................................................... 7
1.3 Productive capacity of land ...................................................................................... 10
1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use ................................................................ 11
1.5 Water availability and quality ................................................................................... 23
1.6 GHG emissions .......................................................................................................... 25
1.7 Air quality ................................................................................................................. 25
1.8 Waste management .................................................................................................. 25
1.9 Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) ........................................................... 26

2. SOCIO-ECONOMIC .......................................................................................................... 26
2.1 Land tenure/access and displacement ..................................................................... 26
2.2 Rural and social development .................................................................................. 26
2.3 Access to water and other natural resources ........................................................... 27
2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions ................................................................ 27
2.5 Human health and safety ......................................................................................... 32
2.6 Energy security and access [not covered]
2.7 Good management practices and continuous improvement .................................... 38
2.8 Social sustainability (cross-cutting) ......................................................................... 41

3. GOVERNANCE ................................................................................................................. 41
3.1 Compliance ............................................................................................................... 41
3.2 Participation and transparency ................................................................................ 42

4. FOOD SECURITY ............................................................................................................. 44
4.1 Food availability ....................................................................................................... 44
4.2 Food access ............................................................................................................... 44
4.3 Food utilization ......................................................................................................... 44
4.4 Food stability [not covered]
4.5 Food security (cross-cutting) ................................................................................... 45

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INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY & CARBON CERTIFICATION (ISCC)
ASPECTS/ISSUES PRINCIPLES CRITERIA
1. ENVIRONMENTAL
1. Biomass shall not be produced on MAJOR MUST
land with high biodiversity value or 1.3 Biomass is not produced on land with high carbon stock.
high carbon stock and not from peat
land (according to Article 17, 3. of This means land that used to have one of the following statuses in January 2008 or thereafter
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to and no longer had this status at the time of growing and harvesting biomass:
6 of the German BioSt-NachV).
(1) Wetlands
HCV areas shall be protected.
Wetlands are areas that are covered with or saturated by water permanently or for a
significant part of the year. Especially meant are all wetlands that have been included in the
list of internationally important wetlands according to article 2, section 1 of the Convention of
February 2nd 1971 on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as habitat for
waterfowl and waders of international importance (BGBl. 1976 II S. 1266).
Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent
or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of
1.1 Land-use change
marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
(direct and/or indirect)
 Covered with water means that water is visible on the surface as water surface.
Back to table of content  Saturated by water is a soil that shows also water at the surface, but not as a closed water
surface.
 Areas that are permanently covered by or saturated with water show this state throughout
the year.
 Areas that are covered by or saturated with water during a considerable part of the year do
not show this state throughout the year. A considerable part of the year means that
coverage or saturation with water lasts long enough so organisms adapted to wet or
reduced conditions dominate. This holds especially for shallow water, shores, peatland,
low-moor bog, fen and moor.
The conservation of the status of a wetland also implies that this condition is not to be
changed or compromised.
(2) continuously forested areas
Continuously forested areas are areas that:
 stretch over more than 1 hectare with trees higher than 5 metres and a canopy cover of
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1. Biomass shall not be produced on more than 30%, or trees able to reach these thresholds on the respective site;
land with high biodiversity value or  stretch over more than 1 hectare with trees higher than 5 metres and a canopy cover of
high carbon stock and not from peat between 10% and 30%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ, unless reliable
land (according to Article 17, 3. of evidence is provided that the carbon stock of the area before and after conversion is such
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to that the requirements regarding the greenhouse gas saving, required by ISCC, would be
6 of the German BioSt-NachV). fulfilled.
HCV areas shall be protected.  are forest according to the respective national legal definition.
(continued) The canopy cover is the degree of the coverage of an area by tree crowns of a storey.
The coverage of a tree equals the size of its crown. The crown size can be estimated or
measured. For the determination of the canopy cover of a forest in percent the vertical
projection of all tree crowns must be incorporated.
The status of forest areas includes all stages of development and age. Thus, it is quite possible
1.1 Land-use change that the canopy cover temporarily falls below 10 or 30 %, e.g. after tree harvest or a natural
(direct and/or indirect) hazard (e.g. windfall). Such incidents do, however, not change the status of the area as
(continued) forested area as long reforestation or natural succession is ensured within a justifiable time.
The canopy cover percentage marks the mean canopy cover of a forest area; it refers to an
Back to table of content area of homogeneous coverage. If an area shows measurably varying coverage, it must be
divided into subareas of homogeneous canopy cover to determine the mean canopy cover.
The mean canopy cover is calculated from the canopy covers of the subareas.
Continuously forested areas are to be judged as entity, no matter how much of this
continuously forested area lies within the farm land or the production area. Accordingly, the
whole area is the basis for the calculation of the threshold values of 10 or 30%. If the total
area of the forested area exceeds 1 ha and is stocked with trees higher than 5 metres, the area
and each part of it that lies within the farm land or the production area is termed continuously
forested area. Even if only 0,5 ha of the continuously forested area lie within the farm land,
these 0,5 ha must be classified as continuously forested area just like the total forested area.
Only exceptionally can biomass be used, that has been produced on areas which had or just
grew into a canopy cover of 10 to 30 % and which have been converted after January 2008.
The determination and objective evidence of the carbon stock of the area before the
conversion on the basis of exact measurements is necessary to prove that the greenhouse gas
emission saving is fulfilled before and after the conversion.
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1. Biomass shall not be produced on These regulations do not apply to short rotation plantations, because they count among
land with high biodiversity value or permanent crops and belong to farm land.
high carbon stock and not from peat In Germany, the status of an area as forest is determined by the Federal Forest Act and the
land (according to Article 17, 3. of forest acts of the states. A conversion (clearance) of forest to other land-use is only allowed
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to after authority approval. Wood is generally suitable as biomass grown according to the
6 of the German BioSt-NachV). Sustainability Ordinance if harvested from a soundly and sustainably managed forest in
HCV areas shall be protected. Germany.
(continued)
The provisions in this control point shall not apply if at the time the raw material was
obtained, the land had the same status as it had in January 2008.
MAJOR MUST
1.4 Biomass is not produced on land that was peat bog in January 2008 or thereafter.
Possible only if it is proven that the cultivation and harvesting of this raw material does not
involve drainage of previously undrained soil. Peat bog soils are soils with horizons of
1.1 Land-use change
organic material (peat substrate) of a cumulative thickness of at least 30 cm at a depth of
(direct and/or indirect)
down to 60 cm. The organic matter contains at least 20 mass percent of organic carbon in the
(continued)
fine soil. Drainage means a drawdown of the mean annual water level due to an increased
water loss or a reduced water supply resulting from human activities or constructions within
Back to table of content
or outside of the area. Peat bog soils that have been used for cropping before January 2008 are
allowed for biomass production.
[Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
1.6 GHG emissions.]
MAJOR MUST
1.5 All other production areas of the enterprise comply with the ISCC Principle 1.
The agricultural enterprise does not have other production areas, farms, companies etc. where
for example land use change is undertaken in a way which is not allowed under this standard.
1.6 Time of reference
If areas have been converting after January 2008, the conversion and use must be in

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accordance with the requirements of principle 1.
1. Biomass shall not be produced on MAJOR MUST
land with high biodiversity value or 1.1 Biomass is not produced on land with high biodiversity value.
land (according to Article 17, 3. of This means land that had one of the following statuses in or after January 2008, no matter
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to whether or not the land still has this status:
(1) Forest land
Forest land comprises primary forests and other natural areas that are stocked with native tree
species and do not show clearly visible indications of human activity and the ecological
processes are not significantly disturbed.
Tree species are defined as native, if they grow within their natural geographical range on
sites and under climatic conditions to which they have adapted naturally and without human
interference.
1.2 Biodiversity and
The following tree species do not count as native:
ecosystem services
 Tree species that have been introduced by humans and that would not occur in that area
Back to table of content otherwise; and
 tree species and breeds that would not occur on these sites or under these climatic
conditions, even if these sites or climatic conditions generally fall within the geographical
range of the species.
Clearly visible indications of human activity are:
 Land management (e.g. wood harvest, forest clearance, land use change),
 heavy fragmentation through infrastructural constructions such as roads, power lines etc.,
 disturbances of the natural biodiversity (e.g. significant occurrence of non-native plant or
animal species).
Activities of indigenous people or other humans managing the land in a traditional way do not
count as clearly visible indications of human activity, if they manage the forest on a
subsistence level and their influence on the forested area is minimal (e.g. the collection of
wood and non-timber products, the felling of a few trees as well as small-scale forest
clearance according to traditional management systems).
(2) Areas designated by law or by the relevant competent authority to serve the purpose of
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1. Biomass shall not be produced on nature protection
land with high biodiversity value or Areas for nature protection purposes comprise areas that are designated by law or by the
high carbon stock and not from peat relevant competent authority to serve the purpose of nature protection as well as ISCC 202
land (according to Article 17, 3. of Sustainability Requirements 7 of 38 areas that have been acknowledged by the European
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to Commission as areas for the protection of rare, threatened or vulnerable ecosystems or
6 of the German BioSt-NachV). species.
HCV areas shall be protected. In Germany, all areas designated to serve the purpose of nature protection are protected parts
(continued) of nature and landscape on the basis of the nature conservation acts of the states. They include
the biotopes protected by federal or state law as well as Natura 2000 areas, nature
conservation areas, national parks, national natural monuments, biosphere reserves, landscape
protection areas, natural parks, natural monuments and protected landscape elements
according to the Federal Act for the Protection of Nature of July 29th 2009 (BGBl. I, S. 2542)
1.2 Biodiversity and entering into force on March 1st 2010.
ecosystem services Comparable legal regulations must be regarded in other countries.
(continued) It is allowed to grow biomass on areas that serve the purpose of nature protection as long as
the cultivation and the harvest of the biomass do not compromise the defined protection
Back to table of content purpose. The protection purpose and the respective imperatives and interdictions must be
followed according to the relevant protected area declaration. As long as a Natura 2000 area
has not been placed under protection order, the relevant preservation objectives are
authoritative.
(3) areas for the protection of rare, threatened or endangered ecosystems or species
recognised by international agreements or included in lists drawn up by
intergovernmental organisations or the International Union for the Conservation of
Nature.
MAJOR MUST
1.2 Biomass is not produced on grassland with high biodiversity.
Grassland of high biodiversity is defined as grassland which in the absence of human
intervention would:

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1. Biomass shall not be produced on (1) remain grassland of intact natural species composition, ecological characteristics and
land with high biodiversity value or processes (natural grassland); or
high carbon stock and not from peat (2) not remain grassland and which is rich in species and not degraded (artificial grassland),
land (according to Article 17, 3. of unless there is evidence that the harvesting of the biomass is necessary to preserve its
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to grassland status.
HCV areas shall be protected. Natural grassland develops under certain climatic and other factors (e.g. natural grazing,
(continued) natural fires) preventing succession to dense forest. Its special characteristic is to remain
grassland without any effort of humans.
Natural grassland with high biological diversity is characterized by intact ecological traits and
processes as well as a natural species composition. A significant occurrence of invasive
species, for instance, could indicate that a natural grassland does not feature a natural species
1.2 Biodiversity and composition. A disturbance of ecological traits and processes can be caused by a significant
ecosystem services change through man, for instance. As long as this influence does not cause a change in the
(continued) natural species composition or a significant disturbance of the ecological traits and processes,
an area is still to be regarded as natural grassland. In savannahs, for instance, extensive
Back to table of content pasturing and anthropogenic fire do not pose a significant disturbance.
Artificially created grassland is mainly agricultural land permanently cultivated for green
fodder; it can be permanent grassland such as meadows, mowing pastures and grazing
pastures.
Biomass can not be harvested from areas that have been declared natural grassland of high
biodiversity in January 2008 or thereafter. Whereas biomass is allowed to be harvested from
artificially created grassland with high biodiversity, in case the preservation of the grassland
status requires the harvest of the biomass.
Local conditions of species richness must be regarded when evaluating whether a grassland
features high biodiversity. Here, species richness must be assessed along the lines of the
biogeographical conditions and site conditions (e.g. a species inventory for that region, if
available). In case, of a land-use change from a grassland without high biodiversity, the
greenhouse gas emissions caused by that change must be incorporated into the green house

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1. Biomass shall not be produced on gas balances.
land with high biodiversity value or As long as no geographic areas featuring grassland with high biodiversity are determined,
high carbon stock and not from peat natural grassland is generally not allowed to be used for biomass production. Neither can
land (according to Article 17, 3. of artificially created grassland with high biodiversity be used.
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to In case artificially created grassland areas are not permanently managed as grassland, but
6 of the German BioSt-NachV). form part of a crop rotation system (fallow, rotations of pasture and cropping), they are to be
HCV areas shall be protected. treated as farmland on which biomass can be grown and used according to the sustainability
(continued) ordinances. Set-aside farmland still counts as agriculturally managed land. The right to use
this land after termination of the set-aside period in the same way and to the same extent
endures. This holds also for areas that have changed in the course of the set-aside period.
Thus, grassland areas that have evolved on former set-aside areas are generally suitable for
the production of biomass.
2. Biomass shall be produced in an MAJOR MUST
environmentally responsible way. 2.3 Hunting
1.2 Biodiversity and This includes the protection of soil, 2.3.1 Hunting done according to local legislation.
ecosystem services water and air and the application of
(continued) Good Agricultural Practices. Local legislation must be complied with. Controlling any illegal or inappropriate hunting,
fishing or collecting activities and developing responsible measures to resolve human-
wildlife conflicts is necessary.
3.1 Compliance.]
environmentally responsible way. 2.4 Soil erosion
1.3 Productive capacity This includes the protection of soil, 2.4.1 Field cultivation techniques used to reduce the possibility of soil erosion.
of land water and air and the application of
Good Agricultural Practices. Evidence of measures of reduced soil erosion available. Maps of fragile soils must be
Back to table of content available. A management strategy should exist for plantings on slopes above a certain limit
(needs to be soil and climate specific). A management strategy should be in place for other
fragile and problem soils (e.g. sandy, low organic matter soils)

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1.3 Productive capacity 2. Biomass shall be produced in an MAJOR MUST
of land environmentally responsible way. 2.5 Soil organic matter
(continued) This includes the protection of soil, 2.5.1 Soil organic matter is maintained/preserved.
water and air and the application of
Back to table of content Good Agricultural Practices. Soil organic balance (can be generic) or every 6 years a soil organic matter analysis. Results
(continued) are kept for 7 years.
MAJOR MUST
2.5 Soil organic matter
2.5.2 Organic matter, if used, is evenly spread throughout the production area.
If organic matter, like Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) or other remaining plant material is used
in the production areas (mulched), the material is evenly distributed.
1.8 Waste management.]
MAJOR MUST
2.5 Soil organic matter
2.5.3 There is a restriction on burning as part of the cultivation process.
The burning of stubble/other by-products is allowed only with the permission of competent
authority.
MAJOR MUST
2.6 Soil Structure
2.6.1 Techniques have been used that improve or maintain soil structure, and to avoid soil
compaction.
Techniques applied are suitable for use on the land.
See criterion 2.10.3 on application of nitrogen-rich fertiliser on absorptive soil only at
aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
2. Biomass shall be produced in an See criterion 2.7.1 on proper storage of chemical to avoid ground water contamination at
1.4 Crop management environmentally responsible way. aspect/issue 1.5 Water availability and quality.
and agrochemical use This includes the protection of soil, MAJOR MUST
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water and air and the application of 2.10 Advice on Quantity and Type of Fertiliser
Good Agricultural Practices. 2.10.1 Recommendations for application of fertilisers (organic or inorganic) are given by
competent, qualified persons.
Where the fertiliser records show that the technically responsible person making the choice of
the fertiliser (organic or inorganic) is an external adviser, training and technical competence
must be demonstrated via official qualifications, specific training courses, etc., unless
employed for that purpose by a competent organisation (i.e. fertiliser company).
Where the fertiliser records show that the technically responsible person determining quantity
and type of fertiliser (organic or inorganic) is the producer, experience must be complemented
1.4 Crop management by technical knowledge (e.g. product technical literature, specific training course attendance,
and agrochemical use etc.) or the use of tools (software, on farm detection methods, etc.).
(continued) MAJOR MUST
2.10 Advice on Quantity and Type of Fertiliser
Back to table of content 2.10.2 During the application of fertilisers with a considerable nitrogen content care is
taken not to contaminate the surface and ground water.
The producer must demonstrate that he observes at least a distance of 3 m to river banks etc.
He takes care that there is no run-off of applied fertiliser into surface water bodies and the
ground water.
1.5 Water availability and quality.]
MAJOR MUST
2.10 Advice on Quantity and Type of Fertiliser
2.10.3 Fertilisers with a considerable nitrogen contends are only applied onto absorptive
soils.

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2. Biomass shall be produced in an Fertiliser with a content of more than 1.5% of nitrogen in the dry matter are not applied onto
environmentally responsible way. flooded, water logged or frozen soils.
This includes the protection of soil,
water and air and the application of [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
Good Agricultural Practices. 1.3 Productive capacity of land.]
(continued) MINOR MUST
2.11 Records of Fertiliser Application
2.11.1 Complete records of all fertiliser applications are available.
Records are kept of all fertiliser applications including:
(1) the name or reference of the field
1.4 Crop management (2) exact dates (day/month/year) of the application
and agrochemical use (3) the trade name, type of fertiliser (e.g. N, P, K)
(continued) (4) amount of product which was applied in weight or volume.
(5) application machinery type used and the method
Back to table of content (6) name of the operator.
MINOR MUST
2.12 Fertiliser Application Machinery
2.12.1 The fertiliser application machinery is kept in good condition and verified annually
to ensure accurate fertiliser application.
There are maintenance records (date and type of maintenance and calibration) or invoices of
spare parts of both the organic and inorganic fertiliser application machinery available on
request.
There must, as a minimum, be documented records stating that the verification of calibration
has been carried out by a specialised company, supplier of fertilization equipment or by the
technically responsible person of the farm within the last 12 months.
MINOR MUST
2.13 Fertiliser Storage

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2. Biomass shall be produced in an 2.13.1 Inorganic fertilisers are stored in a covered area.
environmentally responsible way.
This includes the protection of soil, The covered area is suitable to protect all inorganic fertilisers, i.e. powders, granules or
water and air and the application of liquids, from atmospheric influences like sunlight, frost and rain. Based on risk assessment
Good Agricultural Practices. (fertiliser type, weather conditions, temporary storage), plastic coverage could be acceptable.
(continued) Storage cannot be directly on the soil. It is allowed to store lime and gypsum in the field for a
day or two before spreading.
MINOR MUST
2.13.2 Inorganic fertilisers are stored in a clean area.
1.4 Crop management Inorganic fertilisers, i.e. powders, granules or liquids, are stored in an area that is free from
and agrochemical use waste, does not constitute a breeding place for rodents, and where spillage and leakage is
(continued) cleared away.
MINOR MUST
Back to table of content 2.13 Fertiliser Storage
2.13.3 Inorganic fertilisers are in a dry area.
The storage area for all inorganic fertilisers, i.e. powders, granules or liquids, is well
ventilated and free from rainwater or heavy condensation. No storage directly on the soil.
MINOR MUST
2.13.4 Inorganic fertilisers are stored in an appropriate manner, which reduces the risk of
contamination of water courses.
All inorganic fertilisers, i.e. powders, granules or liquids are stored in a manner which poses
minimum risk of contamination to water sources, i.e. liquid fertiliser stores must be

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2. Biomass shall be produced in an surrounded by an impermeable barrier (according to national and local legislation, or to
environmentally responsible way. contain a capacity to 110% of the volume of the largest container if there is no applicable
This includes the protection of soil, legislation), and consideration has been given to the proximity to water courses and flood
water and air and the application of risks.
Good Agricultural Practices.
(continued) [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
MINOR MUST
2.14 Integrated Pest Management
2.14.1 Assistance with implementation of IPM systems has been obtained through training
or advice.

1.4 Crop management The technically responsible person on the farm has received formal documented training
and agrochemical use and/or the external technical IPM consultant can demonstrate their technical qualifications.
Back to table of content 2.14.2 The producer can show evidence of implementation of at least one activity that falls in
the category of "Prevention".
The producer can show evidence of implementing at least one activity that includes the
adoption of cultivation methods that could reduce the incidence and intensity of pest attacks,
thereby reducing the need for intervention.
MINOR MUST
2.14.3 The producer can show evidence of implementation of at least one activity that falls in
the category of "Observation and Monitoring".
The producer can show evidence of implementing at least one activity that will determine
when, and to what extent, pests and their natural enemies are present and using this
information to plan what pest management techniques are required.

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2. Biomass shall be produced in an MINOR MUST
environmentally responsible way. 2.14 Integrated Pest Management
This includes the protection of soil, 2.14.4 The producer can show evidence of implementation of at least one activity that falls in
water and air and the application of the category of "Intervention".
(continued) The producer shows evidence that in situations where pest attack adversely affects the
economic value of a crop, intervention with specific pest control methods will take place.
Where possible, non-chemical approaches must be considered.
MAJOR MUST
2.15 Use of Plant Protection Products (PPP)
2.15.1 Is the choice of plant protection products made by competent persons?
Where the plant protection product records show that the technically responsible person
1.4 Crop management making the choice of the plant protection products is a qualified adviser, technical
and agrochemical use competence can be demonstrated via official qualifications or specific training course
(continued) attendance certificates. Fax and e-mails from advisors, governments, etc. are allowable.
Where the plant protection product records show that the technically responsible person
Back to table of content making the choice of plant protection products is the producer, experience must be
complemented by technical knowledge that can be demonstrated via technical documentation,
i.e. product technical literature, specific training course attendance, etc.
MAJOR MUST
2.15.2 All workers handling and/or administering plant protection products have certificates
of competence, and/or details of other such qualifications.
Records must identify workers who carry out such tasks, and show certificates of training or
proof of competence.
MAJOR MUST
2.15.3 Producers only use plant protection products that are registered in the country of use
for the target crop where such official registration scheme exists.

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2. Biomass shall be produced in an
environmentally responsible way. All the plant protection products applied are officially registered or permitted by the
This includes the protection of soil, appropriate governmental organisation in the country of application. Where no official
water and air and the application of registration scheme exists, refer to the FAO International Code of Conduct on the Distribution
Good Agricultural Practices. and Use of Pesticides.
(continued) MAJOR MUST
2.15.4 There is a process that prevents chemicals that are banned in the European Union
from being used on crops for biomass.
The documented plant protection product application records confirm that no plant protection
products that have been used within the last 12 months on the crops grown under ISCC are
1.4 Crop management prohibited by the E.U. (under EC Prohibition Directive List - 79/117/EC.)
and agrochemical use MAJOR MUST
(continued) 2.15 Use of Plant Protection Products (PPP)
2.15.5 The producer follows the label instructions.
All requirements (protective clothing, storage, handling etc.) have to be followed for the
products used.
2.5 Human health and safety.]
MAJOR MUST
2.15.6 All application equipment is calibrated.
Documented evidence of up to date maintenance sheets for all repairs, oil changes, etc.
undertaken. Application machinery (automatic and non-automatic) has been verified for
correct operation within the last 12 months and this is certified or documented either by
participation in an official scheme (where it exists) or by having been carried out by a person
who can demonstrate their competence.

17


environmentally responsible way. 2.15 Use of Plant Protection Products (PPP)
This includes the protection of soil, 2.15.7 Invoices of registered plant protection products kept.
Good Agricultural Practices. Invoices of the registered plant protection products used must be kept for record keeping and
(continued) available at the time of the external inspection.
MAJOR MUST
2.15.8 If there are local restrictions on the use of plant protection products they are
observed.
The Producers are aware of restrictions.
1.4 Crop management 3.1 Compliance.]
(continued) 2.15 Use of Plant Protection Products (PPP)
2.15.9 All the plant protection product applications have been recorded.
Records are available and complete:
(1) the crop name and/or variety,
(2) date, location and trade name of product
(3) justification for application, product quantity applied
(4) application machinery used and the operator
(5) the common name of the pest(s), disease(s) or weed(s) treated.
MINOR MUST
2.16 Disposal of Surplus Application Mix
2.16.1 Surplus application mix or tank washings is disposed of according to national or
local law.
National or local legislation is observed.

18


2. Biomass shall be produced in an 3.1 Compliance.]
environmentally responsible way. MINOR MUST
This includes the protection of soil, 2.16 Disposal of Surplus Application Mix
water and air and the application of 2.16.2 Surplus application mixes or tank washings are applied onto designated fallow land,
Good Agricultural Practices. where legally allowed, and records kept.
(continued)
When surplus application mix or tank washings are applied onto designated fallow land, it
can be demonstrated that this is legal practice and all the treatments have been recorded in the
same manner and detail as a normal plant protection product application, and avoiding risk of
surface water contamination.
1.4 Crop management
(continued) 2.17 Plant Protection Product Storage
2.17.1 Plant protection products are stored in accordance with local regulations.
Back to table of content The plant protection product storage facilities comply with all the appropriate current
national, regional and local legislation and regulations.
3.1 Compliance.]
MAJOR MUST
2.17 Plant Protection Product Storage
2.17.2 Plant protection products are stored in a location that is secure.
The plant protection product storage facilities are kept secure under lock and key.
MINOR MUST
2.17.3 Plant protection products are stored in a appropriate location.

19


environmentally responsible way. Storage facilities are:
This includes the protection of soil, (1) structurally sound and robust
water and air and the application of (2) have a sealed floor
Good Agricultural Practices. (3) built of materials or located so as to protect against temperature extremes
(continued) (4) built of materials that are fire resistant (Minimum requirement RF 30, i.e. 30 minutes
resistance to fire)
(5) have sufficient and constant ventilation of fresh air to avoid a build up of harmful vapours
(6) are located in areas with sufficient illumination both by natural or by artificial lighting, to
ensure that all product labels can be read easily on the shelve
(7) located in a separate space independent from any other materials.
1.4 Crop management MINOR MUST
and agrochemical use 2.17 Plant Protection Product Storage
(continued) 2.17.4 The plant protection product store is able to retain spillage.
The plant protection product storage facilities have retaining tanks or are bunded according to
110% of the volume of the largest container of stored liquid, to ensure that there cannot be
any leakage, seepage or contamination to the exterior of the store.
MINOR MUST
2.17.5 All plant protection product storage shelving is made of non-absorbent material.
The plant protection product storage facilities are equipped with shelving which is not
absorbent in case of spillage, e.g. metal, rigid plastic.
MAJOR MUST
2.17.6 There are facilities for measuring and mixing plant protection products.
The plant protection product storage facilities or the plant protection product filling/mixing

20


2. Biomass shall be produced in an area if this is different, have measuring equipment whose graduation for containers and
environmentally responsible way. calibration verification for scales has been verified annually by the producer to assure
This includes the protection of soil, accuracy of mixtures and are equipped with utensils, e.g. buckets, water supply point etc. for
water and air and the application of the safe and efficient handling of all plant protection products which can be applied.
Good Agricultural Practices. MAJOR MUST
(continued) 2.17 Plant Protection Product Storage
2.17.7 There are facilities to deal with spillage.
The plant protection product storage facilities and all designated fixed filling/mixing areas are
equipped with a container of absorbent inert material such as sand, floor brush and dustpan
and plastic bags, that must be signposted and in a fixed location, to be used in case of spillage
of plant protection product.
1.4 Crop management MINOR MUST
and agrochemical use 2.17 Plant Protection Product Storage
(continued) 2.17.8 The product inventory is documented and readily available.
A stock inventory which indicates the contents (type and quantity) of the store is available
and it is updated at least every 3 months. Quantity refers to how many bags, bottles, etc., not
on milligram or centilitre basis.
MAJOR MUST
2.17.9 All plant protection products are stored in their original package.
All the plant protection products that are currently in the store are kept in the original
containers and packs, in the case of breakage only, the new package must contain all the
information of the original label.
MINOR MUST
2.17.10 Liquids are not stored on shelves above powders.
All the plant protection products that are liquid formulations are stored on shelving which is
never above those products that are powder or granular formulations.

21


environmentally responsible way. 2.18 Obsolete plant protection products
This includes the protection of soil, 2.18.1 Obsolete plant protection products are securely maintained and identified and
water and air and the application of disposed of by authorised or approved channels.
There are documented records that indicate that obsolete plant protection products have been
(continued)
disposed of by officially authorised channels. When this is not possible, obsolete plant
protection products are securely maintained and identifiable.
MINOR MUST
2.19 Empty Plant Protection Product Containers
2.19.1 The re-use of empty plant protection product containers for purposes other than
containing and transporting of the identical product is avoided.
1.4 Crop management There is evidence that empty plant protection product containers have not been or currently
and agrochemical use are not being re-used for anything other than containing and transporting of the identical
(continued) product as stated on the original label.
MINOR MUST
Back to table of content 2.19 Empty Plant Protection Product Containers
2.19.2 The disposal of empty plant protection product containers does occur in a manner
that avoids exposure to humans and the environment.
The system used to dispose of empty plant protection product containers ensures that persons
cannot come into physical contact with the empty containers. The risk of contamination of the
environment, watercourses and flora and fauna is minimised.
1.8 Waste management.]
MINOR MUST
2.19.3 Official collection and disposal systems are used when available.
Where official collection and disposal systems exist, there are documented records of
participation by the producer.

22


environmentally responsible way. 2.19 Empty Plant Protection Product Containers
This includes the protection of soil, 2.19.4 Empty containers are rinsed either via the use of an integrated pressure rinsing device
water and air and the application of on the application equipment, or at least three times with water.
(continued) Installed on the plant protection product application machinery there is pressure-rinsing
equipment for plant protection product containers or there are clear written instructions to
rinse each container 3 times prior to its disposal.
MINOR MUST
1.4 Crop management 2.19.5 The rinsate from empty containers is returned to the application equipment tank.
and agrochemical use
Either via the use of a container-handling device or via written procedure for the application
(continued)
equipment operators, the rinsate from the empty plant protection product containers is always
put back into the application equipment tank when mixing.
MAJOR MUST
2.19.6 All local regulations regarding disposal or destruction of containers are observed.
All the relevant national, regional and local regulations and legislation if it exists, has been
complied with regarding the disposal of empty plant protection product containers.
3.1 Compliance.]
environmentally responsible way. 2.2 Natural water courses
1.5 Water availability This includes the protection of soil, 2.2.1 Natural vegetation areas around springs and natural watercourses are maintained or re-
and quality water and air and the application of established.
The status of riparian vegetation is known by the producer. Where natural vegetation in
Back to table of content riparian areas has been removed there is a plan with a timetable for restoration.
MAJOR MUST

23


2.7 Ground Water
2. Biomass shall be produced in an 2.7.1 Chemicals are stored in an appropriate manner, which reduces the risk of contamination
environmentally responsible way. the environment.
The storages of the material are consistent with best available technology.
Good Agricultural Practices. [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
(continued) 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.]
See criterion 2.9.1 on justification of irrigation in light of water for human consumption at
aspect/issue 4.3 Food utilization.
MINOR MUST
2.9 Irrigation
2.9.3 The producer can justify the method of irrigation used in light of water conservation.

1.5 Water availability The idea is to avoid wasting water. The irrigation system used is the most efficient available
and quality for the crop and accepted as such within good agricultural practice.
2.9 Irrigation
Back to table of content 2.9.4 To protect the environment, water is abstracted from a sustainable source.
Sustainable sources are sources that supply enough water under normal (average) conditions
and have sources for re-fillment.
MINOR MUST
2.9 Irrigation
2.9.5 If ground water is used for irrigation, the level of the groundwater table is monitored.
The level of the ground water table is measured at least annually.
See criterion 2.9.6 on getting advice from local water authorities on abstraction for irrigation
at aspect/issue 3.1 Compliance.
See criterion 2.10.2 on contamination of surface and ground water from nitrogen-rich
fertiliser at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
See criterion 2.13.4 on proper storage of inorganic fertiliser to avoid contamination of water
at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.

24


See criterion 2.16.2 on proper disposal of surplus application mix to avoid surface water
contamination at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
1. Biomass shall not be produced on See criterion 1.4 on biomass not produced on land from drainage of peat bog to avoid release
land with high biodiversity value or of sequestered carbon at aspect/issue 1.1 Land-use change (direct and/or indirect).
1.6 GHG emissions8 land (according to Article 17, 3. of
the Directive 2009/28/EC and § 4 to
2. Biomass shall be produced in an See criterion 2.20.2 on farm waste management plan to avoid or reduce wastage and pollution
environmentally responsible way. and avoid the use of burning of waste at aspect/issue 1.8 Waste management.
1.7 Air quality
2. Biomass shall be produced in an See criterion 2.5.2 on use of organic matter such as Empty Fruit Bunches to be distributed
environmentally responsible way. evenly at aspect/issue 1.3 Productive capacity of land.
This includes the protection of soil, See criterion 2.19.2 on disposal of empty plant protection product container that avoids
1.8 Waste management water and air and the application of exposure to humans and environment at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical
Good Agricultural Practices. use.
MINOR MUST
2.20 Waste Disposal
2.20.1 The premises have adequate provisions for waste disposal.

8
As stated in the document ISCC 201: System Basics for the certification of sustainable biomass and bioenergy (4.2.3 Requirements concerning the greenhouse gas emission
savings), “to qualify for this certification system, the produced liquid biomass respectively biofuel must grant greenhouse gas emission savings of 35 percent. To prove this,
each element of the supply chain must calculate its greenhouse gas emissions and pass the figures on to the next interface in the chain. The last interface in the chain must
finally calculate and substantiate the overall savings of the liquid biomass respectively biofuel. Requirements for the assessment of the greenhouse gas emission savings are
specified in document ISCC 205 GHG Emission Calculation Methodology”.

25


The farm has designated areas to store litter and waste. Different types of waste are identified
2. Biomass shall be produced in an and stored separately.
environmentally responsible way. MINOR MUST
This includes the protection of soil, 2.20 Waste Disposal
water and air and the application of 2.20.2 There a documented farm waste management plan to avoid or reduce wastage and
1.8 Waste management Good Agricultural Practices. pollution and avoid the use of landfill or burning, by waste recycling.
(continued) (continued)
A comprehensive, current, documented plan that covers wastage reduction, pollution and
waste recycling is available. Air, soil, water, noise and light contamination must be
considered.
1.7 Air quality.]
environmentally responsible way. 2.1 Environmental impact assessment and stakeholder consultation
1.9 Environmental This includes the protection of soil, 2.1.1 Environmental aspects are considered if planning buildings, drainage etc.
sustainability (cross- water and air and the application of
cutting) Good Agricultural Practices. Environmental impact of new buildings, drainage systems etc. is assessed and kept as little as
possible. If any of these activities are done at the farm documents must be available to show
that environmental aspects have been considered.
2. SOCIO-ECONOMIC
5. Biomass production shall take MAJOR MUST
2.1 Land tenure/access place in compliance with all 5.1 The producer can proof that the land is used legitimately and that traditional land rights
and displacement applicable regional and national have been secured.
laws and shall follow relevant
international treaties. Documents show legal ownership or lease, history of land tenure and the actual legal use of
Back to table of content the land. The producer must identify existing land rights and does respect them (see Principle
1).
4. Biomass production shall not MAJOR MUST
2.2 Rural and social violate human rights labour rights 4.12 All children living on the farm have access to quality primary school education.
development or land rights. It shall promote
responsible labour conditions and All children at primary schooling age (according to national legislation) living on the farm

26


workers' health, safety and welfare must have access to primary school education, either through provided transport to a public
and shall be based on responsible primary school or through adequate on-site schooling. This is in accordance with the
community relations. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Art. 13.
environmentally responsible way. 2.9 Irrigation
2.3 Access to water and
This includes the protection of soil, 2.9.2 The producer respects existing water rights, both formal and customary.
other natural resources
Good Agricultural Practices. The producer can identify existing water rights and does respect them.
3. Safe working conditions through See criterion 3.1.1 on working condition risk assessment, 3.1.2 on health, safety and hygiene
training and education, use of policy and procedures, 3.1.3 on First Aid kits at all sites and fieldwork, 3.1.4 on protective
protective clothing and proper and clothing, 3.1.5 on cleaning of protective clothing or equipment, 3.1.6 on identification of
timely assistance in the event of potential hazards and warning, 3.1.7 on safety advice for handling of hazardous substances,
accidents. 3.1.8, 3.1.9 and 3.1.10 on training activities on health, safety and welfare, 3.1.11 on workers’
access to clean food storage areas, dining areas, hand washing facilities and drinking water,
3.2.1 and 3.2.2 on accident procedure and facilities for plant protection products
contamination and 3.2.3 on re-entry procedures at aspect/issue 2.5 Human health and safety.
2.4 Employment, wages MINOR MUST
and labor conditions 3.1 Workers Health, Safety and Welfare
3.1.12 On site living quarters are habitable and have the basic services and facilities.
The living quarters for the workers on farm are habitable, have a sound roof, windows and
doors, and have the basic services of running water, toilets, drains. In case of no drains, septic
pits can be accepted when proven to be hermetic.
4.3 Food utilization.]
4. Biomass production shall not MINOR MUST
violate human rights labour rights 4.1 A self-declaration on good social practice regarding human rights has been communicated
or land rights. It shall promote to the employees and signed by the farm management and the employees’ representative.

27


responsible labour conditions and
workers' health, safety and welfare The farm management and the employee’s representative have signed and displayed a self-
and shall be based on responsible declaration assuring good social practice and human rights of all employees. The self
community relations. declaration must be in language appropriate to workers and surrounding communities. This
declaration contains commitment to the ILO core labour standards, respect for living wage,
respect for the social environment, respect for legal land titles, sufficient compensation for
communities, commitment to solve social conflicts, fair contract farming arrangements.
MAJOR MUST
4.2 Employment conditions comply with equality principles.

2.4 Employment, wages Evidence is available that the farm provides equality of opportunity and treatment regardless
and labor conditions of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin or other
(continued) distinguishing characteristic (ILO conventions 100 and 111).
MAJOR MUST
Back to table of content 4.3 There is no discrimination (distinction, exclusion or preference) practiced that denies or
impairs equality of opportunity, conditions or treatment based on individual characteristics
and group membership or association. For example, on the basis of: race, caste, nationality,
religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, age,
marital status, working status (i.e. temporary, migrant, seasonal), HIV/AIDS.
A publicly available equal opportunities policy including identification of relevant/affected
groups in the local environment exists.
MAJOR MUST
4.4 There is no forced labour at the farm.
There must be no use of forced, bonded or involuntary labour as meant in ILO Convention 29
and 105 (all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any
penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily).

28


4. Biomass production shall not MAJOR MUST
violate human rights labour rights 4.5 Workers have the freedom to join labour organizations or organize themselves to perform
or land rights. It shall promote collective bargaining. Workers must have the right to organize and negotiate their working
responsible labour conditions and conditions. Workers exercising this right should not be discriminated against or suffer
workers' health, safety and welfare repercussions.
and shall be based on responsible
All employees are free to establish and to join organizations of their own choice. There is
community relations.
evidence (workers' interviews with self-selected/anonymous workers) that the employer
(continued)
Imports the establishment and/or there is no evidence that the employer blocks effective
functioning of worker-committees where representatives are elected by the workers. There is
evidence of acceptance of Collective Bargaining Agreements. Trade union members are
guaranteed entry to the operation at least out of the regular working hours. The employment
conditions regarding freedom of association and collective bargaining are in accordance with
2.4 Employment, wages all national and local legislation and ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
and labor conditions MAJOR MUST
(continued) 4.6 The farm does pay a living wage which meets at least legal or industry minimum
standards.
The company's pay slips demonstrate that living wages meet at least legal or industry
minimum standards and are sufficient to meet basic needs of personnel and to provide some
discretionary income.
4.2 Food access.]
MINOR MUST
4.7 The person responsible for workers' health, safety and good social practice and the elected
person(s) of trust have knowledge about and/or access to recent national labour
regulations/collective bargaining agreements.
The responsible person and the elected person of trust demonstrate awareness and/or access to
national regulations concerning: Gross and minimum wages, working hours, union
membership, anti-discrimination, child labour, labour contracts, holiday and maternity leave,
medical care and pension/gratuity and regular two way communication.
29


4. Biomass production shall not See criterion 4.9 on two-way communication meetings between management and employees
violate human rights labour rights on business, worker health, safety and welfare, 4.11 on complaint form/procedure for affected
or land rights. It shall promote communities and 4.22 on fair and transparent contracts at aspect/issue 3.2 Participation and
responsible labour conditions and transparency.
workers' health, safety and welfare MINOR MUST
and shall be based on responsible 4.10 There are at least one worker or a workers' council elected freely and democratically
community relations. who represent the interests of the staff to the management.
(continued)
Documentation is available that demonstrates that a clearly identified, named person of trust
and/or a workers' council representing the interests of the staff to the management is elected
by all employees and recognized by the management. This person shall be able to
communicate complaints to the management.
2.4 Employment, wages MINOR MUST
and labor conditions 4.13 There are records that provide an accurate overview of all employees (including seasonal
(continued) workers and subcontracted workers on the farm). Do they indicate full names, a job
description, date of birth, date of entry, wage and the period of employment?
Records demonstrate clearly an accurate overview of all employees (including seasonal
workers and subcontracted workers) working on the farm. Records contain, wage and the
period of employment. Records must be accessible for the last 24 months.
MAJOR MUST
4.14 No minors are employed on the farm.
The minimum age complies with all local and national legislation as well as with ILO
Convention 138 and 182. Documents include recording of workers’ date of birth and
documented evidence that the employer is aware of prevailing legislation. Children within the
age of compulsory schooling must not be employed during school hours. Young workers (15-
18) must not undertake hazardous work that jeopardizes their health, safety or morals. All
forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, forced or compulsory labour of children is
prohibited.

30


violate human rights labour rights 4.15 All employees are provided with fair legal contracts. Copies of working contracts can be
or land rights. It shall promote shown for every employee indicated in the records. These have been signed by both the
responsible labour conditions and employee and the employer.
workers' health, safety and welfare
and shall be based on responsible For every employee indicated in the records, a contract can be shown to the auditor on
community relations. request. Both the employee as well as the employer has signed them. Records must be kept
(continued) for at least 24 months. Where a registration system exists, copies of working contracts are
registered with the labour authority of the country of production. This is in accordance with
ILO Convention 110.
MINOR MUST
4.16 There is a time recording system that shows daily working time and overtime on a daily
2.4 Employment, wages base for all employees.
and labor conditions
(continued) There is a time recording system that makes working hours and overtime transparent for
employees and employer. Working times of all employees during the last 24 months are
Back to table of content documented.
MINOR MUST
4.17 The working hours and breaks of the individual worker are indicated in the time records
comply with legal regulations and/or collective bargaining agreements.
Documented working hours, breaks and rest days are in line with legal regulations and/or
collective bargaining agreements. Records indicate that regular weekly working hours do not
exceed 48 hours. N/A for supervisors or management. Rest breaks/days are also documented
during peak season. Overtime shall be voluntary and shall always be compensated at a
premium rate.
MINOR MUST
4.18 Pay slips document the conformity of payment with at least legal regulations and/or
collective bargaining agreements.
Wages and overtime payment documented on the pay slips are in line with legal regulations

31


4. Biomass production shall not (minimum wages) and/or collective bargaining agreements (if applicable). If payment is
violate human rights labour rights calculated per unit, employees (on average) shall be able to gain the legal minimum wage
or land rights. It shall promote within regular working hours.
responsible labour conditions and MINOR MUST
workers' health, safety and welfare 4.19 Other forms of social benefits are offered by the employer to employees, their families
and shall be based on responsible and/or community.
(continued) Incentives (please specify in quantities if possible): Incentives for good working performance,
bonus payment, support of professional development, family friendliness, medical care/health
provisions, improvement of social surroundings etc.
2.4 Employment, wages See criterion 4.20 on mediation in case of social conflict at aspect/issue 2.8 Social
and labor conditions sustainability (cross-cutting).
4.21 Provisions are in place to compensate impact on workers and land (ecosystem quality)
Back to table of content on exit or bankruptcy of farm operations.
A fund is set up with independent (safeguarded) and automatic pay out provisions to
compensate workers and dependent contract farmers for sudden loss of income and the need
to relocate (if appropriate), and restoration of land to conditions and quality prevalent prior to
farm establishment. Funds are in proportion to life-time (age) of farm and expected financial
needs for compensations (cross-referenced with documentation provided in SA 2.2.).
Financial and legal papers pertaining to the fund and its arrangements are inspected. When
national/local legislation is in place, farmers must comply.
2.8 Social sustainability (cross-cutting).]
2. Biomass shall be produced in an See criterion 2.15.5 on the requirement to use protective clothing when handling plant
2.5 Human health and
environmentally responsible way. protection products at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
safety

32


3. Safe working conditions through MINOR MUST
training and education, use of 3.1 Workers Health, Safety and Welfare
protective clothing and proper and 3.1.1 The farm has a written risk assessment for safe and healthy working conditions.
timely assistance in the event of
accidents. The written risk assessment can be a generic one but it must be appropriate for conditions on
the farm. The risk assessment must be reviewed and updated when changes in the
organisation (e.g. other activities) occur.
2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.]
MINOR MUST
3.1 Workers Health, Safety and Welfare
2.5 Human health and 3.1.2 The farm has a written health, safety and hygiene policy and procedures including
safety issues of the risk assessment.
(continued)
The health, safety and hygiene policy must at least include the points identified in the risk
Back to table of content assessment. This could include accident and emergency procedures, hygiene procedures,
dealing with any identified risks in the working situation, etc. The policy must be reviewed
and updated when the risk assessment changes.
MINOR MUST
3.1.3 First Aid kits are present at all permanent sites and in the vicinity of fieldwork.
Complete and maintained first aid kits according to national regulations and
recommendations must be available and accessible at all permanent sites and available for
transport to the vicinity of the work.

33


3. Safe working conditions through MAJOR MUST
protective clothing and proper and 3.1.4 Workers (including subcontractors) are equipped with suitable protective clothing in
timely assistance in the event of accordance with legal requirements and/or label instructions or as authorised by a competent
accidents. authority.
(continued)
Complete sets of protective clothing, (e.g. rubber boots, waterproof clothing, protective
overalls, rubber gloves, face masks, etc.) which enable label instructions and/or legal
requirements and/or requirements as authorised by a competent authority to be complied with
are available, used and in a good state of repair. This includes appropriate respiratory, ear and
eye protection devices, where necessary.
2.5 Human health and
safety [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
(continued) 2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.]
MINOR MUST
Back to table of content 3.1 Workers Health, Safety and Welfare
3.1.5 Protective clothing is cleaned after use and stored so as to prevent contamination of the
clothing or equipment.
Protective clothing is regularly cleaned, according to a schedule adapted to the type of use
and degree of soiling. Cleaning the protective clothing and equipment includes the separate
washing from private clothing and glove washing before removal. Dirty, torn and damaged
protective clothing and equipment and expired filter cartridges should be disposed of. Single-
use items (e.g. gloves, overalls, etc.) have to be disposed of after one use. All the protective
clothing and equipment including replacements filters etc. are stored apart and physically
separate from the plant protection products/ any other chemicals which might cause
contamination of the clothing or equipment in a well-ventilated area.

34


protective clothing and proper and 3.1.6 Potential hazards are clearly identified by warning signs and placed where appropriate.
accidents. Permanent and legible signs must indicate potential hazards, e.g. waste pits, fuel tanks,
(continued) workshops, access doors of the plant protection product / fertiliser / any other chemical
storage facilities as well as the treated crop etc. Warning signs must be present.
MINOR MUST
2.5 Human health and 3.1.7 Safety advice is available for substances hazardous to worker health, when required.
safety
(continued) Information (e.g. website, tel no, data sheets, etc.) is accessible, when required, to ensure
appropriate action.
MINOR MUST
3.1.8 There are records kept for training activities and attendees.
A record is kept for training activities including the topic covered, the trainer, the date and
attendees. Evidence of the attendance is required.
MAJOR MUST
3.1.9 All workers handling and/or administering chemicals, disinfectants, plant protection

35


3. Safe working conditions through products, biocides or other hazardous substances and all workers operating dangerous or
training and education, use of complex equipment as defined in the risk assessment have certificates of competence, and/or
protective clothing and proper and details of other such qualifications.
accidents. Records must identify workers who carry out such tasks, and show certificates of training or
(continued) proof of competence.
MINOR MUST
2.5 Human health and 3.1.10 All workers received adequate health and safety training and are they instructed
safety according to the risk assessment.
(continued)
Workers can demonstrate competency in responsibilities and tasks through visual
observation. If at time of inspection there are no activities, there must be evidence of
instructions.
MINOR MUST
3.1.11 Workers have access to clean food storage areas, designated dining areas, hand
washing facilities and drinking water.
A place to store food and to eat must be available. In addition, hand washing facilities and
potable drinking water must be available to workers
4.3 Food utilisation; and

36


training and education, use of 3.2 Plant Protection Product Handling
protective clothing and proper and 3.2.1 The accident procedure is evident within ten meters of the plant protection product/
timely assistance in the event of chemical storage facilities.
accidents.
An accident procedure must display the basic steps of primary accident care and be accessible
(continued)
by all persons within 10 meters of the plant protection product/chemical storage facilities and
designated mixing areas.
MINOR MUST
3.2 Plant Protection Product Handling
2.5 Human health and 3.2.2 There are facilities to deal with accidental operator contamination.
safety All plant protection product / chemical storage facilities and all filling/mixing areas present
(continued) on the farm have eye wash capability, a source of clean water no more than 10 meters distant,
a complete first aid kit and a clear accident procedure with emergency contact telephone
Back to table of content numbers or basic steps of primary accident care, all permanently and clearly signed.
MINOR MUST
3.2 Plant Protection Product Handling
3.2.3 There are procedures dealing with re-entry times on the farm.
There are clear documented procedures which regulate all the re-entry intervals for plant
protection products applied to the crops according to the label instructions. Where no re-entry
information is available on the label, there are no specific requirements.

37


environmentally responsible way. 2.8 Seed/Rootstock Quality and Origin
This includes the protection of soil, 2.8.1 Purchased seeds are accompanied by records of variety name, batch number, supplier,
water and air and the application of seed certification details and are seed treatment records retained.
Producer must provide records of variety name, batch number, supplier, seed certification
details and seed treatments applied.
MINOR MUST
2.8 Seed/Rootstock Quality and Origin
2.8.2 Home-saved seed have available records of the identity, source, treatments applied (e.g.
cleaning and seed treatments).
2.7 Good management Producer must keep records and have them available on the farm.
practices and continuous MINOR MUST
improvement 2.21 Energy Efficiency
2.21.1 The producer can show monitoring of energy use on the farm.
Energy use records exist. For example, farming equipment shall be selected and maintained
for optimum consumption of energy. The use of non-renewable energy sources should be kept
to a minimum.
6. Good management practices shall MAJOR MUST
be implemented. 6.1 Record Keeping and Internal Self Assessment
6.1.1 All records requested during the external inspection are accessible and kept for a
[Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s): minimum period of time of two years, unless a longer requirement is stated in specific control
3.1 Compliance.] points.
Producers keep up to date records for a minimum of two years from the date of first
inspection, unless legally required to do so for a longer period.
MAJOR MUST
6.1 Record Keeping and Internal Self Assessment

38


6. Good management practices shall 6.1.2 The producer or producer group takes responsibility to undertake a minimum of one
be implemented. internal self-assessment or producer group internal inspection, respectively, per year against
(continued) the ISCC Checklist.
There is documentary evidence that the internal self-inspection has been carried out and is
recorded annually.
MAJOR MUST
6.1 Record Keeping and Internal Self Assessment
6.1.3 Effective corrective actions taken as a result of non-conformances detected during the
internal self-assessment or internal producer group inspections.
Effective corrective actions are documented and have been implemented.
2.7 Good management MAJOR MUST
practices and continuous 6.2 Site History and Site Management
improvement 6.2.1 A recording system is established for each unit of production undertaken at those
(continued) locations? Are these records kept in an ordered and up-to-date fashion.

Back to table of content Current records must provide a history of biomass production of all production areas. New
applicants must have full records for at least three months prior to the date of external
inspection that reference each area covered by a crop with all the agronomic activities related
to this Checklist.
MAJOR MUST
6.2 Site History and Site Management
6.2.2 Records are kept for the description of the areas in use.
The documentation system for the fields of the farms must comply with the following
minimal requirements:
(1) The description of the whole agricultural area is carried out along a list of parameters to
be assessed:

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6. Good management practices shall a) Lot number
be implemented. b) Lot size
(continued) c) Type of crop
(2) Each lot (as part of the whole agricultural area) is depicted as traverse in geographic
coordinates with a precision of 20 metres for each measuring point.
a) The depiction of simple lot shapes can easily be realised with the help of satellite
images
b) b. For very complex shapes, the real lot can be approximated by a polygon. The
measuring points on each end of the lines framing the polygon then have to meet the
required precision of 20 metres.
c) A small number of measuring points may suffice for the approximation through a
2.7 Good management polygon as long as the lot size on the map does not deviate from the specification in
practices and continuous (1) by more than 10%.
improvement d) If suitable maps or tables specifying the requested information do not exist, it is
(continued) permitted to identify lots with the help of tools like Google Earth. The measuring
points can be set in the image as place marks manually and the results (geo-
Back to table of content coordinates) for these place marks are delivered by the tool for documentation.
MAJOR MUST
6.3 Subcontractors
6.3.1 In case of the engagement of subcontractors they must comply fully with the ISCC
standard and provide the respective documentation and information.
Relevant subcontractors as meant in 4.6.3.1 are enterprises that work on behalf of the
producer (e.g. seeding, fertilizing, pest control, harvesting). Relevant subcontractors must be
regarded in the audit. The producer must provide evidence of respective contracts with the
subcontractor ensuring that the auditor gets access to relevant information. The producer must
also accept that ISCC approved certifiers are allowed to verify the assessments through a
physical inspection where there is doubt. The producer is responsible for observance of the
control points applicable to the tasks performed by the subcontractor by checking and signing
the assessment of the subcontractor for each task and season contracted. Review of
documents. N/A if no subcontractors used.

40


violate human rights labour rights 4.8 All impacts for surrounding communities, users and land owners taken into account and
or land rights. It shall promote sufficiently compensated for.
responsible labour conditions and
workers' health, safety and welfare A participatory social impact assessment has been conducted, and the report is publicly
and shall be based on responsible available in appropriate language to surrounding communities. On the basis of that SIA report
community relations. a continued dialogue with surrounding communities is in place. Documents of regular
meetings with communities (with two-way communication) and local government with listed
risks and/or impacts and evidence of minuted negotiations or resolution processes are
2.8 Social sustainability compiled.
(cross-cutting) [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
3.2 Participation and transparency.]
MINOR MUST
4.20 Mediation is available in case of a social conflict
An independent mediator should be assigned by name and address by the elected person of
trust.
See criterion 4.21 on provisions to compensate impact on workers and land on exit or
bankruptcy of farm operations at aspect/issue 2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.
3. GOVERNANCE
2. Biomass shall be produced in an See criterion 2.3.1 on hunting, fishing or collecting activities carried out according to
environmentally responsible way. local legislation at aspect/issue 1.2 Biodiversity and ecosystem services.
3.1 Compliance This includes the protection of soil, MAJOR MUST
water and air and the application of 2.9 Irrigation
Back to table of content Good Agricultural Practices. 2.9.6 Advice on abstraction has been sought from water authorities, where required by
law.
Where required by law, there must be written communication from the local water authority

41


on this subject (letter, license, etc.).
environmentally responsible way. [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
water and air and the application ofSee criterion 2.15.8 on observation of local restriction for plant protection products at
Good Agricultural Practices. aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
(continued) See criterion 2.16.1 on disposal of surplus agrochemical mix according to law at
aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
See criterion 2.17.2 on storage of plant protection products according to local regulations
at aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
3.1 Compliance See criterion 2.19.6 on observation of local regulations on disposal or destruction of
(continued) agrochemical containers in aspect/issue 1.4 Crop management and agrochemical use.
5. Biomass production shall take MAJOR MUST
place in compliance with all 5.2 There is awareness of, and compliance with, all applicable regional and national laws and
applicable regional and national ratified international treaties.
laws and shall follow relevant
international treaties. Producer can demonstrate awareness of his responsibilities according to the applicable laws.
Applicable laws are being complied with.
6. Good management practices shall See criteria 6.1.1 to 6.1.3 on record keeping and internal self assessment, 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 on
be implemented. site history and management and 6.3.1 on subcontractors engagement at aspect/issue 2.7
Good management practice and continuous improvement.
4. Biomass production shall not See criterion 4.8 on participatory social impact assessment and continuous dialogue with
violate human rights labour rights surrounding communities at aspect/issue 2.8 Social sustainability (cross-cutting).
or land rights. It shall promote MINOR MUST
3.2 Participation and responsible labour conditions and 4.9 The management does hold regular two-way communication meetings with their
transparency workers' health, safety and welfare employees where issues affecting the business or related to worker health, safety and welfare
and shall be based on responsible can be discussed openly.
Back to table of content community relations.
At least two meetings a year are held between management and employees. Matters related to
the business and worker health, safety or welfare can be discussed without fear, intimidation
or retribution. Records from such meetings are kept and the concerns of the employees are

42


recorded. The elected person of trust should assign an independent mediator by name and
4. Biomass production shall not address.
violate human rights labour rights
or land rights. It shall promote [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
responsible labour conditions and 2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.]
workers' health, safety and welfare MINOR MUST
and shall be based on responsible 4.11 There is a complaint form and/or procedure available on the farm, where employees
community relations. and affected communities can make a complaint.
(continued)
A complaint form and/or procedure are available for farm employees and surrounding
communities. They have been made aware of its existence and complaints or suggestions can
be made at any time. Complaints and their solutions from the last 24 months are documented
and accessible.
3.2 Participation and [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
transparency 2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.]
4.22 Fair and transparent contract farming arrangements are in place.
The contracts are on paper in the appropriate language and consigned copies are available
with both parties. Essential indicators are:
(1) The contracts are on paper in the appropriate language and co-signed copies are available
with both parties. In case of cooperative contract arrangements, all members have a copy.
(2) Credit or input provisions at no more then prevailing commercial market rates. Changes
are communicated on paper.
(3) Payments for harvest are, in calculated form, done on paper and signed and handed over
to contract farmer for his/her own record keeping.
(4) Provisions governing price-quality parameters are clearly defined in the contract.
(5) The contract contains clear provisions on exit arrangements, buy-out possibilities,
handing over of property deeds (when appropriate), and compensation measures in case
of bankruptcy of the mother company when legally required.
(6) There are minutes of meetings providing evidence of regular discussions or negotiations

43


between mother company and contract farmers' representatives.
4. FOOD SECURITY
4. Biomass production shall not See criterion 4.23 on biomass production not replacing stable crops at aspect/issue 4.5 Food
violate human rights labour rights security (cross-cutting).
or land rights. It shall promote
4.1 Food availability responsible labour conditions and
4. Biomass production shall not See criterion 4.6 on living wages that are sufficient to meet basic needs at aspect/issue 2.4
violate human rights labour rights Employment, wages and labor conditions.
or land rights. It shall promote See criterion 4.23 on rise in local food prices directly caused by biomass production at
4.2 Food access
responsible labour conditions and aspect/issue 4.1 Food availability.
environmentally responsible way. 2.9 Irrigation
This includes the protection of soil, 2.9.1 The producer can justify the irrigation in light of accessibility of water for human
water and air and the application of consumption.
4.3 Food utilization Good Agricultural Practices.
Beside the use of water for irrigation/fertigation, water is available for human consumption.
3. Safe working conditions through See criterion 3.1.11 on workers’ access to clean food storage areas, dining areas, hand
training and education, use of washing facilities and drinking water at aspect/issue 2.5 Human health and safety.

44


protective clothing and proper and See criterion 3.1.12 on workers’ habitable living quarters with running water, toilets, drains
timely assistance in the event of and/or septic pits at aspect/issue 2.4 Employment, wages and labor conditions.
accidents.
violate human rights labour rights 4.23 The biomass production does not impair food security.
4.5 Food security (cross- or land rights. It shall promote
responsible labour conditions and The biomass production shall not replace stable crops and does not impair the local food
cutting)
workers' health, safety and welfare security. Local food prices do not rise as a direct effect of biomass production.
Back to table of content and shall be based on responsible [Also relevant to aspect(s)/issue(s):
4.1 Food availability; and
4.2 Food access.]

45


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