RSPO P&C and ISH Harmonisation Session (Malaysia)

Following the endorsement of the revised RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) and Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standards 2024, along with the new 2025 RSPO Certification Systems Documents for Principles & Criteria (P&C) and Independent Smallholder (ISH), the RSPO Secretariat is pleased to announce a dedicated Harmonisation Session for RSPO Members in Malaysia.

Resolution GA22-2d, adopted on 5 November 2025, calls for an extension of the mandatory effective date of the 2024 RSPO P&C Standard by six months, until 31 May 2026. A progress review is scheduled for the fifth month, with the possibility of a further six-month extension should significant delays persist.

This session is a proactive step by the Secretariat to address RSPO General Assembly Resolution GA22-2d and to ensure a smooth transition to the updated standards. It will serve as a unified platform to align interpretations and standardise audit expectations across the Malaysian palm oil sector.

The primary goal of this session is to bridge technical gaps and foster a common understanding of standard requirements among all stakeholders. Key focus areas include:  

• Improve Knowledge and Readiness: Enhancing RSPO Members’ and stakeholders’ understanding of the revised 2024 RSPO Standards to support effective implementation and compliance.
• System Updates: Highlighting key changes and new requirements under the 2025 Certification Systems that directly impact certification processes, audit delivery, and oversight.
• Interactive Discussion: Providing a collaborative platform for discussion on standard-related expectations.
• Alignment of Interpretation: Synchronising understanding of indicator intent and requirements between auditors and auditees to ensure clear compliance pathways.

Event Details

• Date: 8–9 June 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MYT)
• Agenda: To be shared prior to the event
• Venue: Royale Ballroom, Level 2, Hotel Royale Chulan Damansara, Petaling Jaya
• Target Audience: Certificate Holders (Growers & ISH), Certification Bodies (CBs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Assurance Services International (ASI)

Registration

The event is limited to a maximum capacity of 100 participants. To ensure balanced representation across the Malaysian palm oil sector, seats have been allocated to specific stakeholder groups:

• Certificate Holders (P&C and ISH): 60 seats
• Certification Bodies (CBs): 12 seats
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): 10 seats
• Assurance Services International (ASI): 3 seats
• RSPO Secretariat: 15 seats

Due to the limited seats, attendees are encouraged to disseminate key insights and technical updates gained during the event to internal colleagues who were unable to participate in the physical event.

Important note(s):

• To manage capacity, only one (1) registration form per organisation is required. The submitter must list all representatives (within the allocated quota) in a single form.
• This submission is a registration request only. Participation is not confirmed until the organisation receives an official Confirmation of Registration via email from the RSPO Secretariat.
• Participants are strongly advised not to make any travel or accommodation arrangements until official confirmation is received. Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Interested organisations are invited to submit their registration request via the link below on or before 30 May 2026 (Saturday):

[Register Here: RSPO Harmonisation Session Google Form] For further information, please contact the RSPO Certification Unit ([email protected]) or RSPO Technical Unit ([email protected]).