Updates for RSPO Certification Bodies (CB), Accreditation Body (AB), Endorsed Trainers Provider (ETP) and Members

This is an update to the previous information released on 16 December, 2025.

As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we are introducing this announcement as a key communication tool to share important updates for RSPO Certification Bodies (CBs), the Accreditation Body (AB), Endorsed Trainers (ETs), and Members. This ensures that all stakeholders remain aligned with the latest developments. Announcements will be updated periodically, so please check regularly for the most current information.

If you have any further questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to sustainable palm oil.

Updated on 14 May 2026

1. Introduction

Following the endorsement of the 2025 RSPO Certification System for the RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) and Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard (CSD 2025) and the approval of Resolution GA22-2d, the RSPO Secretariat mandates the following transition protocols. This directive clarifies the effective dates, required audit documents, and accreditation processes for the RSPO ISH Standard 2024 and the RSPO P&C 2024.

2. RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard 2024

2.1 Effective Date and Audit Mandate

Following its adoption at the 21st RSPO General Assembly (GA21), the RSPO  ISH Standard 2024 is effective as of 13 November 2025. All independent smallholder audits with an opening meeting or audit start date on or after 13 November 2025 shall be audited against the RSPO ISHStandard 2024.

2.2 Transition Phases

The transition to the RSPO ISH Standard 2024 and new RSPO certification systems will be implemented in three phases to ensure alignment with the new 2025 RSPO Certification System for P&C and ISH Standards. 

Note: The Certification Body is reminded to use the correct version of the audit document(s) which are published here.

2.3 Auditor Qualification (ISH)

• Existing Auditors: Auditors currently qualified for RSPO P&C 2018 and ISH Standard 2019 may conduct ISH 2024 audits, provided they have completed the ISH self-learning modules in the RSPO Learning Management System (LMS).
• New Auditors: Trainee auditors who are not yet qualified shall undergo the full RSPO ISH 2024 Lead Auditor Course (LAC) conducted by RSPO ETPs to obtain the qualification to conduct the ISH 2024 Standard.
• Actions by CB: All CBs must monitor the qualification status of their personnel to ensure compliance.

3. RSPO Principles and  Criteria (P&C) 2024

3.1 Postponement of Effective Date of RSPO Principles and Criteria 2024 (Resolution GA22-2d)

At the 22nd RSPO General Assembly (GA22) held on 5 November 2025, RSPO Members approved a Resolution GA22-2d to postpone the mandatory implementation of the RSPO P&C 2024 Standard until 31 May 2026. This adjustment provides RSPO Members, Certification Bodies (CBs), and Accreditation Bodies (ABs) with additional time to align processes, complete required training, and prepare for the transition to the updated standards. The announcement can be found here. 

Under the resolution, the RSPO P&C 2024 Standard will be fully effective from 1 June 2026. Until 31 May 2026, the RSPO P&C 2018 Standard will continue to apply to all annual surveillance audits, recertification, and initial certification, following the RSPO Certification System for P&C and ISH 2020 (applicable until 13 May 2026). The new RSPO Certification System for the P&C and ISH 2025 will take effect on 14 May 2026 onwards, unless RSPO issues further updates.

During the extended transition period (up to 31 May 2026), all RSPO P&C audits with an opening meeting or audit start date on or before 31 May 2026 shall be conducted in accordance with the RSPO P&C 2018 Standard.

3.2 Transition Timeline

Note: The Certification Body is reminded to use the correct version of the audit document(s) which are published here.

4.National Interpretations (NIs)

All stakeholders are encouraged to be alert with the latest publications of National Interpretations (NI) and their effective dates on the RSPO websites. General updates on the status of NI development can be referred to here, while the published NIs can be accessed here (for RSPO P&C 2024 Standards), and here (for RSPO ISH 2024 Standards).

5. RSPO P&C Certification Systems 2025

5.1 Effective Date

The 2025 RSPO Certification System for the P&C and ISH Standards was endorsed by the RSPO Standard Standing Committee (SSC) on 14 November 2025. The new RSPO Certification Systems will become effective 6 months after its endorsement, which is on 14 May 2026.  The document is available here. This means:

• Until 13 May 2026: The CBs and ABs must continue using the RSPO Certification Systems for the P&C and ISH Standard 2020.
• From 14 May 2026: The 2025 RSPO Certification System for P&C and ISH Standards will be effective.

5.2 Postponement of Section 6.9 Pre-Audit Requirements

The RSPO Secretariat would like to inform stakeholders that the Assurance Standing Committee (ASC) has approved the postponement of the implementation of Clauses 6.9.1, 6.9.2, and 6.9.3 of the RSPO Certification System 2025 related to Pre-Audit requirements on 12 May 2026.

This decision was made to support a smoother transition towards the implementation of the 2025 RSPO Certification System for P&C and ISH Standards; and the 2024 RSPO P&C and 2024 RSPO ISH Standard, while allowing sufficient time for stakeholder preparation, implementation readiness, socialisation of the Universal Pre-Audit Report (UPAR), and the ongoing enhancement of the prisma Audit Module.

Transitional Arrangements

The following interim arrangements shall apply:

• The implementation of Clauses 6.9.1, 6.9.2, and 6.9.3 is postponed until 31 August 2026.
• All RSPO P&C and ISH audits conducted between 14 May 2026 and 31 August 2026 are exempted from these clauses.
• During this transition period, the use of the latest Universal Pre-Audit Report (UPAR) remains optional. However, RSPO encourages stakeholders to utilise the UPAR template during this period to familiarise themselves with its format, data requirements, and submission process before mandatory implementation..
• The mandatory implementation date for these clauses, including the use of the latest version of the UPAR, is 1 September 2026. 

To support implementation readiness, the RSPO Secretariat will continue to conduct targeted socialisation sessions, webinars, technical guidance sessions, and stakeholder engagement activities between June and August 2026.

Note: The Certificate Holder and Certification Body is reminded to use the latest version of the UPAR which is published here.

6. Administration and Operational Guidance

6.1 Operational Guidance and Scenarios

To ensure consistency during the transition period, the following guidance applies to specific audit scenarios involving cross-over dates and open Non-Conformities (NCs):

Note: The Certification Body is reminded to use the correct version of the audit document(s) which are published here.

6.2 RSPO Information System (prisma) Administration

In line with the implementation of the 2025 RSPO Certification System for the P&C and ISH Standards and the ongoing enhancement of the RSPO Information System (prisma), the RSPO Secretariat would also like to inform stakeholders that interim operational measures will be implemented to ensure continuity of certification processes during the system transition period.

These interim arrangements are necessary while certain functionalities within the prisma Audit Module are still under development, enhancement, integration, or deployment. The interim measures may apply to certification-related processes, including:

• Public Announcement
• Time Bound Plan (TBP)
• Peer Reviewer Process
• Transfer of Certification
• Licence Update Process

Please find the simplified guidance as below:

In prisma, audit applications and licence requests must be submitted using the correct version of the standard applicable to the respective audit.

During the interim period, CBs may continue to submit licence requests, including audit applications, as usual. prisma may still display the RSPO ISH Standard 2019 and RSPO P&C 2018; however, these will be automatically updated to the RSPO ISH Standard 2024 and RSPO P&C 2024, as applicable. The system is updated daily to ensure alignment with the correct standard version.

These interim measures shall remain applicable until the relevant functionalities within the RSPO Information System are fully operational or until further notice by RSPO.  Further updates and implementation guidance will be communicated periodically.

7. Requirements for Accreditation Bodies (ABs)

7.1 Accreditation Body Assessments

The Accreditation Body shall manage the transition using the following protocol:

1. Until 13 May 2026, the AB shall continue performing all assessments, including head office assessments and witnessed audits using:
   1. Certification Systems for P&C & ISH 2020
   2. Current auditor qualification criteria (for P&C 2018)
   3. For ISH: The auditor shall have been qualified as RSPO P&C and ISH Auditor 2018 and has undergone ISH Standard 2024 self learning modules in the RSPO Learning Management System.
2. Beginning 14 May 2026, AB shall implement the RSPO Certification Systems for the P&C and ISH Standard 2025, which include (but are not limited to):

• Management of the RSPO Accreditation Programme
• Accreditation Decision-Making
• Monitoring and Assessment of Certification Bodies
• Communication and Reporting
• Assessor Training and Qualification

7.2 Transition Assessments (Desk Reviews)

To evaluate compliance with the Certification Systems 2025, ASI will conduct additional assessments:

• Assessment Period: March and April  2026 (Months 4–6 of the transition period).

7.3 Instructions for Certification Bodies

1. Procedure Updates: CBs must update accreditation and certification procedures to comply with the Certification Systems 2025 before the effective date.
2. Personnel Compliance: Ensure all audit personnel meet the new requirements.
3. New CB Applications:

• CBs undergoing accreditation before 1 June 2026 shall proceed under the RSPO Certification Systems for P&C and ISH Standard 2025
• These CBs must subsequently transition to the 2025 System through the Desk Review process mentioned in section 6.2.

For further enquiries regarding these transitions, please contact the RSPO Certification Helpdesk.