A spokeswoman for the European Commission explained on Friday 28 March that the institution had “not yet taken a decision” regarding the possibility of suspending recognition of the ISCC EU certification – aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability and traceability of the raw materials used in the production of waste-based biofuels – for two and a half years.
This potential decision has been reported by the ISCC organisation itself, having learned of the EU Committee on the Sustainability of Biofuels, Bioliquids and Biomass Fuels’ discussions on Wednesday 26 March on the future recognition of ISCC EU certification for waste-based biofuels.
This certification is part of the European Commission’s “ongoing investigation” into alleged biofuel fraud from China (see EUROPE 13421/11, 13452/9).
The ISCC deplores the fact that the possible suspension decision comes “after we have actively supported the European Commission’s and Member States’ investigation into alleged fraud and have promoted and implemented additional anti-fraud measures (...)”.
The organisation therefore considers the proposed measure to be “ad hoc and unfounded” and believes that there are no alternatives to the ISCC EU with “better or even comparable” fraud prevention mechanisms on the market.
It adds that it also sees no legal basis for the proposed measure, and that the fact that “only the EU’s recognition of the ISCC for waste-based biofuels is set aside discriminates against us”. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)