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 25 March, 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 16 December, 2025

1. Introduction

Following the endorsement of the RSPO Certification Systems 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 Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard 2024 and the RSPO Principles and Criteria (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 Independent Smallholder (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 Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard 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 Certification Systems for P&C and ISH 2025.

2.3. National Interpretations (NIs)

The implementation of the approved RSPO ISH Standard 2024 – National Interpretations (NIs) is effective from the indicated effective date below. As of 30 November 2025, the following NIs have been endorsed:

For further details, please refer to the official announcement here.

2.4. Auditor Qualification (ISH)

• Existing Auditors: Auditors currently qualified for RSPO P&C 2018 and ISH Standard 2019 standards 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.

2.5. System Submission (prisma)

Audit applications and licence requests must be submitted using the RSPO ISH Standard’s version that is applicable to the specific audit.

In the interim, the CB may continue to submit the licence request (including the Audit Application) as usual. prisma may still indicate RSPO ISH Standard 2019, but it will be automatically updated to RSPO ISH Standard 2024. The system is updated daily to align with the correct standard.

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 audit, 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 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

4. RSPO P&C Certification Systems 2025

4.1. Effective Date

The RSPO Certification Systems for P&C and ISH Standard 2025 have been 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 made available here. This means:

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

5. 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).

6. Requirements for Accreditation Bodies (ABs)

6.1. 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 P&C and ISH Standard 2025, which include (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

6.2. 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).

6.3. 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.