1. Obligations of the Applicant
Fulfil certification requirements The Applicant shall always meet all certification requirements, including implementing any changes communicated by the certification body.
Maintain conformity of certified products Where certification applies to ongoing production, the Applicant shall ensure that certified products continue to fulfil the applicable product requirements.
Provide access and cooperation The Applicant shall make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of evaluations and, where required, surveillance activities (including access to documentation, records, equipment, locations, areas, personnel, and subcontractors); the investigation of complaints; and the participation of observers, where applicable.
Use certification claims correctly – Certification claims shall only be made in relation to the scope for which certification has been granted.
Avoid misuse or misleading references – The Applicant shall not use certification in a manner that could bring the certification body into disrepute or make misleading or unauthorised statements.
Act appropriately after suspension, withdrawal or termination Upon suspension, withdrawal or termination of certification, the Applicant shall discontinue all advertising or references to certification, return certification documents as required, and take any other measures prescribed by the certification scheme.
Reproduce certificates properly – Copies of certification documents provided to others shall be reproduced in their entirety or as specified by the certification scheme.
Comply with communication and marking rules – When referring to certification in documents, brochures or advertising, the Applicant shall comply with the requirements of the certification body or certification scheme, including those related to the use of marks of conformity and information associated with the certified product.
Manage complaints – The Applicant shall keep records of all complaints relating to compliance with certification requirements; make these records available to the certification body upon request; take appropriate action in relation to such complaints and any deficiencies affecting compliance; and document the actions taken.
Inform of relevant changes The Applicant shall inform the certification body, without delay, of any changes that may affect conformity with certification requirements, including changes in legal or ownership status, organization or management, product or production method, contact address, production sites, or major modifications to the management system.
2. Obligations of the Certifier
Provision of a certification plan The Certifier shall provide the Applicant with a certification plan prior to the audit. This plan shall include an expected timetable and the names, functions, and contact details of the personnel involved in the certification on behalf of the Certifier.
Issuance and transmission of certificates Following a successful audit and completion of all certification requirements, the Certifier shall issue the certificate to the Applicant within a reasonable time. The Certifier is responsible for transmitting certificate data to the relevant certification system and, where applicable, to competent authorities such as the BLE or other parties as required under the respective certification scheme.
Confidentiality – The Certifier shall treat as confidential all information obtained during the audit and certification process, including information received from third parties. This confidentiality obligation continues beyond the validity period of the certification. Exceptions apply where disclosure is required by law, accreditation or certification scheme rules, or competent authorities; or where the information concerns a violation of certification requirements or findings relevant under criminal law. Where disclosure is required, the Certifier shall inform the Applicant in advance unless legally prohibited.
3. Additional Obligations for ISCC EU and REDcert applicants
Declaration of awareness of REDcert and ISCC requirements – The Applicant declares to be fully aware of, and to comply with, all ISCC System and REDcert Documents, certification requirements, and related obligations arising from ISCC EU and REDcert certification. The Applicant acknowledges responsibility for maintaining ongoing conformity with all ISCC EU and REDcert rules, procedures, and official updates issued by ISCC System GmbH and REDcert.
Right of access for BLE and ISCC – The Applicant grants the BLE, ISCC System GmbH, REDcert and the Certifier the right to enter business, operational, and storage premises, as well as means of transport, during business hours; conduct inspections, review operations, and examine relevant documentation and records; make copies, printouts, or excerpts of such documents; and obtain any information necessary to verify compliance with the RED II, BioKraftNachV, BioSt-NachV, and ISCC EU requirements.
Cooperation with competent authorities The Applicant shall cooperate fully with the BLE, ISCC System GmbH, REDcert, and other competent authorities in all supervision, inspection, and reporting activities related to ISCC EU and REDcert certification.
Disclosure of information – The Applicant agrees that the Certifier may provide information, audit results, and relevant findings to ISCC System GmbH, REDcert, the BLE, or other competent authorities when required by law or by the ISCC EU system rules. The Certifier will inform the Applicant of such disclosures unless legally prohibited.
Notification of changes relevant to ISCC EU/REDcert/BLE – The Applicant shall notify the Certifier immediately of any changes affecting compliance with ISCC EU or BLE requirements, including changes in ownership, operating sites, feedstock categories, or GHG calculation methodologies.
Legal basis – These provisions are derived from the German Sustainability Ordinances (BioKraftNachV and BioSt-NachV), REDcert and ISCC EU System Documents, and are binding on all operators and traders certified under ISCC EU and REDcert.
4. Termination of the Agreement
This Certification Agreement may be terminated by either party with prior written notice provided within a reasonable period of time before the intended termination date. Such notice shall be sufficient to allow the completion of any ongoing audit, certification, or surveillance activities already planned or in progress. Termination of this Agreement shall not release either party from obligations already accrued under the terms of the certification or from any applicable legal or regulatory responsibilities.