Rollout process
Following the adoption of the 2024 RSPO Principles and Criteria and the 2024 RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard at the 21st RSPO General Assembly on 13 November 2024, the revised 2024 RSPO Standards were initially scheduled to take effect 12 months after adoption (13 November 2025).
Following the approval of Resolution GA22-2d at the 22nd RSPO General Assembly (GA22), the RSPO P&C Standard will take effect on 31 May 2026. This resolution does not affect the RSPO ISH Standard, which remains effective on 13 November 2025.
For any questions on the 2024 Standards Rollout and Implementation, or to provide any feedback, suggestions, recommendations or issues regarding the revised 2024 RSPO Standards or revised RSPO Certification Systems for the P&C and RSPO ISH Standard, please email [email protected]
To register any concerns or complaints regarding the development and maintenance of RSPO Standards, please email: [email protected]
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Supplementary/Derivative Documents | Socialisation | Trainings
Supplementary/Derivative Documents
To support the implementation of, and compliance with, the RSPO Standards, RSPO has developed a library of supplementary and derivatives documents that support general or specific aspects/criteria/indicators of the RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) and the RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard.
The following is a list of existing or new supplementary/derivative documents of the 2024 RSPO P&C and the 2024 RSPO ISH Standard that are currently effective, are to be updated/developed, or are in active development. The status of each document is as of 13 November 2024. This list shall be updated regularly to denote the latest status of each document.
RSPO aims to complete the development of as many of these documents as possible, for endorsement by the RSPO Standards Standing Committee (SSC) and for implementation by members, within the 12-month period prior to the 2024 RSPO Standards becoming effective. In the event that a supplementary/derivative document is not able to be developed within the 12-month period, RSPO shall indicate an expected completion date in this list and, if necessary, initiate the development of an Interim Measure to support compliance.
List of supplementary/derivative documents of the 2024 RSPO Principles and Criteria
| Document | Status | Progress |
| RSPO Certification Systems for Principles and Criteria (P&C) and Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard | Completed | The SSC has endorsed the CSD on the 14th of November 2025. CSD (including translations) has been uploaded to the website. |
| RSPO Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Guidance | In development | The SSC has been informed on the approval by HRWG of HRDD Draft Guidance for Public Consultations and Field Testings. The document is currently in translation to Bahasa Indonesia and Spanish. |
| Annex 4 – List of RSPO-recognised Human Rights Due Diligence methodologies for compliance to Indicator 1.3.1 | In development | The SSC has endorsed Annex 4 and the list will be updated in the latest P&C 2024. |
| RSPO Policy on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Whistleblowers, Complainants and Community Spokespersons | To be updated | Ongoing revision of the current RSPO Policy on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Whistleblowers, Complainants and Community Spokespersons 2018. |
| RSPO Prevailing Wage Calculation Procedure | In development | The PWCP is currently open for public consultation from 23 February to 15 April 2026. Field trials are taking place concurrently, and both are expected to conclude on 15 April 2026. |
| RSPO Guidance on Calculating Prevailing Wages | Effective* | |
| Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Guide | Effective* | |
| Guidance on Child Rights for Palm Oil Producers | Effective* | |
| RSPO Practical Guidance on Gender Inclusion and Compliance to the 2018 P&C and 2019 ISH Standard | Effective* | |
| Guidance for the Repayment of Recruitment Fees and Related Costs | In development | The document is currently undergoing public consultation via the Conveio platform, alongside a 60-day field testing period. A webinar has been conducted to support stakeholder engagement. Finalisation is targeted for October 2026, subject to feedback received. |
| Guidance on Peat Inventory for RSPO Reporting | In development | To be updated under the RSPO Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Working Group (BHVCWG). The aim is to consolidate into a single, comprehensive document (Guidance and Template); and integrate/ align its content with the UPAR. The document is currently pending discussion on endorsement pathways and procedural next steps. |
| RSPO Peat Inventory Template | In development | To be updated under the RSPO Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Working Group (BHVCWG). The aim is to consolidate into a single, comprehensive document (Guidance and Template); and integrate/ align its content with the UPAR. The document is currently pending discussion on endorsement pathways and procedural next steps |
| RSPO Drainability Assessment Procedure | In development | To be updated under the RSPO Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Working Group (BHVCWG). The document is currently pending discussion on endorsement pathways and procedural next steps. |
| PalmGHG Calculator Manual | In development | The public consultation comments have been reviewed and deliberated at the 9th GHGTF meeting. Version 6, incorporating the decisions from the 9th GHGTF meeting, is being reviewed by GHGTF. |
| GHG Assessment Procedure for New Development | In development | The drafts (guidance and excel tool) for growers post GHGTF meeting are being reviewed by GHGTF meeting for finalisation. |
| Simplified GHG Assessment Procedure for New Development (Reference Tool for Smallholders) | In development | The drafts (guidance and excel tool) for smallholders post GHGTF meeting are being reviewed by GHGTF for finalisation. |
| RSPO Guidance for Land Use Change Analysis (LUCA) | To be updated | To be updated under the RSPO BHVCWG. Part of RaCP. |
| Interpretation of Indicator 7.7.1 (C) | In development | Based on Annex 5 of the 2018 RSPO P&C, to be updated for validity, under the RSPO BHVCWG. The subsequent joint development of the combined document will be executed through collaboration between the BHCVWG and HCVN, pending follow-up/alignment with HCVN representative. |
| Remediation and Compensation Procedure (RaCP) | To be updated | RaCP v2, to be updated under the RSPO BHVCWG. A workshop has been conducted in April 2025. Further discussions with CTF2/BHCVWG on next steps. |
| RSPO Peat Audit Guidance | To be updated | To be updated under the RSPO BHCWG. The document is currently in the final drafting and internal review phase. |
| RSPO Manual on BMPs for Management and Rehabilitation of Peatlands | Effective* | |
| RSPO Manual on BMPs for Existing Oil Palm Cultivation on Peat | Effective* | |
| RSPO Manual on BMPs for the Management and Rehabilitation of Riparian Reserves | Effective* | |
| RSPO Drainability Assessment Submission Checklist | To be updated | To be updated under the RSPO BHVCWG |
| RSPO Fire Report Form | To be updated | To be updated (RSPO Secretariat) |
| RSPO List of Hazardous Pesticides (ref: Indicator 7.1.2) | In development | To be updated (RSPO Secretariat). The demo of the automatic list is ready. The list from WHO 1a and 1b have been included. The RSPO Secretariat will continue to include a list of pesticides from country level. |
| Pesticide Usage Record Template | In development | To be developed (RSPO Secretariat). To be developed after the List of Hazardous Pesticides supporting document is completed. |
| Drainability Assessment Procedure Levelling Template | To be updated | To be updated under the RSPO BHVCWG |
| List of Allometric Equations for Different Vegetation Types and Regions | To be updated | Review completed with GHGTF at the 6th Meeting- only focusing on GHG-related. This document is no longer relevant. Minor amendment, no public consultation required. |
| RSPO List of Invasive Species (ref: Indicator 7.1.6 and 7.1.7) | In development | To be updated under the RSPO BHVCWG. The RSPO Secretariat has reviewed all materials for this document. |
| RSPO Manual on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Steep Terrain Conservation and Management | In development | To be finalised under the RSPO BHCVWG. The final draft is ready. Finalisation will include the alignment from the BMP on Soil and RaCP V2. |
| RSPO Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Soil | In development | The RSPO Secretariat has presented the outline and discussed it with BHCVWG, and will incorporate the feedback received into the overall outline and timeline. This will be further discussed with the BHCVWG in the next meeting. |
| RSPO Guidance on Changes in HCV Conditions and Status | In development | NEW. The outline of the guidance has been discussed at the BHCVWG. The document will be integrated with the HCV-HCS Management & Monitoring (M&M) Plan Guidance. The subsequent joint development of the combined document will be executed through collaboration between the BHCVWG and HCVN, pending follow-up/alignment with HCVN representative. |
| Guide on High Carbon Stock Approach Requirements for the RSPO | Effective* | |
| Compilation of BMPs to Reduce Total Emissions from Palm Oil Production | Effective* | |
| Guidance on Map Submission for Land Use Change Analysis (LUCA) for Independent Smallholders | In development | The RSPO Secretariat is reviewing the LUCA for smallholders. This will be prepared as part of the Annex of the RaCP for Smallholders. |
| High Forest Cover Countries (HFCC) Procedure | To be developed | To be developed by the RSPO BHCVWG at a later stage. |
| RSPO New Planting Procedure (NPP) | In development | Minor changes are added in the revised draft before proceeding for public consultation. |
| RSPO Management System Requirements and Guidance for Group Certification of FFB Production | Effective* | Note: This document may be revised as part of the upcoming SCC Standard revision |
| RSPO Supply Chain Certification (SCC) Standard | In development | Draft 1.0 of the revised SCC Standard is open for Public Consultation 1 from 16 March 2026 until 14 May 2026. Webinars are organised during the public consultation period to inform the participants of the key changes in Draft 1.0. |
| RSPO Rules on Market Communications and Claims | Effective* |
* Documents listed with an Effective status are currently endorsed supplementary/derivative documents supporting the 2018 RSPO P&C that remain valid for the implementation/compliance of the 2024 RSPO P&C. However, these documents may undergo a minor, non-substantive update to align its content e.g., with revised numbering or references of the 2024 RSPO P&C.
List of supplementary/derivative documents of 2024 RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard
| Document | Status | Progress |
| Minimum required Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Independent Smallholders | To be developed | NEW. To be developed by the RSPO Smallholder Standing Committee (SHSC) |
| RSPO Simplified Guide on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for Independent Smallholders | In development | To be finalised by the RSPO HRWG |
| Guidance on Child Rights for Smallholders and Group Managers | Effective* | |
| Guidance Document on the Simplified High Conservation Value (HCV) Approach for Smallholders in the RSPO – Introduction Document (Phases 1 and 2) | In development | To be updated under the RSPO BHCVWG. Minor change, Secretariat to take this on. |
| Guidance Document for Smallholders on Managing High Conservation Values (HCVs) in Established Oil Palm Plantations – Existing Plantings (Phases 3 and 4) | In development | To be updated under the RSPO BHCVWG. Minor change, Secretariat to take this on. Currently in internal review phase. |
| Guidance Document on the Simplified High Conservation Value (HCV) Approach for Smallholders in the RSPO – HCV Procedures for New Plantings (Phases 3 and 4) | In development | To be updated under the RSPO BHCVWG. Minor change, Secretariat to take this on. Currently in internal review phase. |
| Guidance for ISH Group Manager Independent Smallholder – Land Use Risk Identification (IS-LURI) | In development | To be updated under the Smallholder Standing Committee (SHSC) and later the SSC via Decision Paper. This document was approved for endorsement by SHSC and is awaiting discussion and approval at the next ASC meeting. |
| Forest Protection Approach (FPA) | To be developed | The development of this document is deferred until the IS-LURI document has been finalised and officially endorsed. |
| RSPO Remediation and Compensation Procedure (RaCP) process for smallholders | To be updated | RaCP v2, to be developed under the RSPO BHVCWG and CTF2 |
| RSPO Smallholder Best Management Practices Manual for Existing Oil Palm Cultivation on Peat | Effective* | |
| RSPO ISH Flood Risk Assessment Template | Effective* | |
| Simplified Guide Management and Rehabilitation of Riparian Reserves | Effective* | |
| RSPO ISH Dispute Disclosure Form Template | Effective* | |
| Guidance for RSPO ISH Dispute Disclosure Form Template | Effective* |
* Documents listed with an Effective status are currently endorsed supplementary/derivative documents supporting the 2019 RSPO ISH Standard that remain valid for the implementation/compliance of the 2024 RSPO ISH Standard. However, these documents may undergo a minor, non-substantive update to align content e.g., with revised numbering or references of the 2024 RSPO ISH Standard.
Socialisation of revised Standards
To support RSPO Members and accredited Certification Bodies in preparing for implementation of, and compliance with, the 2024 RSPO Principles and Criteria and the 2024 RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard, RSPO is planning continuous engagement activities (physical and virtual) in 2025 and beyond for members and auditors, to socialise the changes and requirements of the 2024 RSPO Standards.
RSPO will be publishing a list of confirmed engagement activities (including CB Forums, RSPO events, etc.) once an initial calendar for 2025 has been developed and confirmed. The calendar will be regularly updated.
| Country | Date | Medium | Activities |
| Indonesia | 18 March 2025 | Physical | Collaborated with RSPO member socialising on Principle 6 of 2024 RSPO P&C Standard |
| Indonesia | 16 January 2025 | Physical | 2024 RSPO ISH Standard Socialization |
| Thailand | 2 July 2025 | Physical | RSPO P&C 2024 Socialisation/Update |
| Thailand | 30 January 2025 | Physical | 2024 RSPO ISH Standard Introduction to Stakeholders |
| Ghana | 8-10 April 2025 | Physical | P&C and ISH 2024 Standards Roadshow |
| Cameroon | 24-27 March 2025 | Physical | P&C and ISH 2024 Standards Roadshow |
| Cameroon | 3-5 February 2025 | Physical | Smallholder Group Training |
| Gabon | 18-21 March 2025 | Physical | P&C and ISH 2024 Standards Roadshow |
| Guatemala | 24 January 2025 | Online | 2024 RSPO P&C Standard training focused on Principle 7 |
| Colombia | 12 December 2024 | Physical | Meetings with P&C Accredited Certification Bodies |
| Mexico | 11 June 2025 | Physical | RSPO ISH 2024 Socialisation |
| Mexico | 10 June 2025 | Physical | RSPO P&C 2024 Socialisation |
| Colombia | 24 February 2026 | Physical | RSPO P&C & ISH 2024 Standard Socialisation |
| Guatemala | 26 February 2026 | Physical | RSPO P&C & ISH 2024 Standard Socialisation |
Training
RSPO is developing the RSPO Learning Centre and updating the training curriculum to reflect the requirements of the revised 2024 RSPO Standards and the revised Certification Systems document. More information will be made available and regularly updated in this section, once timelines and processes have been finalised.
RSPO Learning Centre Launch
| Activities | Date |
|---|---|
| RSPO ISH 2024 Online Training Module | 31 July 2025 |
| RSPO P&C 2024 Online Training Module | 30 September 2025 |
| RSPO Endorsed Training Provider (ETP) Procedure Development | 31 March 2025 |
| RSPO P&C 2024 Train the Trainer Programme | |
| Medan and Simalungun, Indonesia (South East Asia) | 24–28 November 2025 |
| Bucaramanga and San Alberto, Colombia (Latin America) | 9–13 December 2025 |
| RSPO ISH 2024 Train the Trainer Programme | |
| RSPO Office, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (South East Asia) | 24–26 September 2025 |
| Bogota, Colombia (Latin America) | 3–5 December 2025 |
