RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) Certification
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification for Growers, Mills, and Independent Smallholders
RSPO Sales Group
What is RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) Certification?
RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) Certification is the best way to demonstrate globally that palm oil production is sustainable, legal, economically viable, and does not negatively impact the environment, wildlife, workers, or communities. The updated RSPO P&C Standard 2018 promotes zero deforestation, shared responsibility, zero burn, and social compliance. A growing number of brands and consumers worldwide are demanding Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) to be sourced for supply chains.
See our progress at: https://rspo.org/members/5815
Why Choose SCS?
With over 40 years of experience in sustainability certifications, SCS Global Services is dedicated to quality and service, with expert palm oil auditors worldwide. Accredited to P&C and Supply Chain (SCCS), our knowledgeable staff prioritizes responsive, helpful customer service and ensures audits are thorough to reduce risk for organizations seeking certification.
Ready to apply? Fill out an application for P&C in English, Spanish, or French, or for the P&C Independent Smallholder Standard here.
Learn more about RSPO Supply Chain services here.
Map of SCS’ RSPO Certified Clients
Benefits
- With SCS, you’ll work with auditors that are employed in your region and understand the local context
- Expand your access to supply chain markets with a growing number of brands and customers who require RSPO-certified palm oil
- Perform due diligence and reduce risk at your site by implementing the P&C Standard, which enforces no deforestation, shared responsibility, social compliance, and more
- Display transparency and credibility with stakeholders and customers
- Be recognized as a contributor to RSPO’s global leadership in sustainable palm oil
- Process
- Certified Clients
- Public Comments
- FAQs
- Documents
- Become a Member of RSPO
Ensure that you have RSPO membership. To apply, visit http://www.rspo.org/members/apply. - Apply for Certification
Complete and submit the SCS Application form. SCS will prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline, and quote. If the proposal meets your needs, you sign a Work Order and the audit is scheduled. - Written Procedures
Create company procedures that demonstrate how sustainable palm oil will be produced and tracked throughout your operation. SCS provides guidance to help explain the Principles & Criteria (P&C) requirements. - Pre-Audit Assessment (Optional)
An SCS auditor will review your procedures for thoroughness and conformance. The auditor identifies areas for improvement in the procedures prior to the audit. - Public Announcement
Stakeholders can learn about upcoming audits on RSPO’s Principles and Criteria Assessment Public Announcement webpage. Per RSPO requirements, SCS sends the RSPO Secretariat a copy of the announcement at least five days before the scheduled public announcement (i.e., one month and five days) for posting. The announcement, available in official national languages, includes details on the entity(ies) to be audited, their location(s), the dates of audit, contact details for both the company and SCS and instructions for providing comments to SCS. - On-site Audit
During a site visit, an SCS auditor will review the P&C procedures and documents (from receipt of inputs to the final sale). Additionally, the auditor will tour the operations and plantations where certified material is handled and interview key staff. Stakeholder consultation is an integral part of the assessments. We look for evidence that staff has been duly trained in the P&C responsibilities that have been assigned to them and that staff possess an understanding of the workflow for certified products. - Assessment Report
Based on audit findings, SCS produces an audit report, which is submitted to an SCS Technical Associate who validates the appropriateness of the auditor's methodology and conclusions. - Certification Decision
SCS head office makes a certification decision. If granted, you will be issued a certificate valid for a five-year period. Any conditional Major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified in the audit must be closed prior to obtaining certification. SCS can also provide client marketing support. - Maintain Certification
Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain P&C certification. Certified companies are listed on the official RSPO Certified Growers database and are given an RSPO trademark for usage in conformance with the trademark requirements.
SCS Global Services’ RSPO Principles & Criteria (P&C) Program operates actively across 10 countries. We maintain local offices in Ghana, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia, supported by locally based auditors who work within, and have deep knowledge of, the regional context and regulatory environment.
For a complete list of all RSPO certified companies, please visit the RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) Certified Growers page.
How long is my RSPO certificate valid?
A RSPO Certificate is valid for five years. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certificate.
What are the costs and fees associated with RSPO certification?
Prices for SCS auditing services varies depending on the location, size and complexity of your operation. Please contact us for a custom quote and to determine if certification is right for you.
What is the difference between RSPO Principles & Criteria (P&C) and RSPO Supply Chain Certification System (SCCS)?
RSPO P&C is for oil palm growers and palm oil mills that want to demonstrate their commitment sustainable production, and RSPO SCCS is for downstream processors and traders that want to assure consumers and buyers of palm oil products that their palm oil is sustainable and more environmentally friendly. Learn more about RSPO SCCS certification here.
What other certifications does SCS offer in addition to RSPO?
SCS is a sustainability focused company, providing services in every industry for meeting your organization’s sustainability and circular economy goals such as International Sustainably and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for biofuels, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), Bonsucro Certification for sugarcane, Zero Waste Certification, and a multitude of Greenhouse Gas Verification, measurement, and management services. Ask us for more information.
| Document Name | Document |
|---|---|
| Application - P&C Certification for Oil Palm Growers | English | Spanish | French |
| Application - P&C Independent Smallholder Standard | English | Spanish |
| Application - RSPO Certification for Supply Chains | English | Spanish | French | German |
| Feedstock Specific Certifications with SCS | English | Spanish |
| RSPO Program Documents | Visit Site |
Request Information
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RSPO Sales Group
SCS Certified Clients
Learn more about the clients we certify and where to find products with this certification.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Service Brochure
Public Comments
The Public Comments section allows stakeholders to review and provide feedback on RSPO certification activities conducted by SCS Global Services. This process supports transparency and ensures that relevant environmental, social, and operational considerations are included as part of the certification decision making process.
For more information on public consultation requirements, please visit the NPP Public Comments page.
Public Announcements
Official updates to ensure public visibility and compliance with RSPO certification activities managed by SCS Global Services. For more information on public announcements, please visit the Public Announcement on Certification page.