ISCC Requirements Explained: What Your Company Must Know

A sustainability manager at a mid-sized packaging company once put it like this:
“We didn’t get ISCC certified because we had to. We did it because we were tired of scrambling every time a customer asked about traceability or emissions.”

That story is becoming increasingly common.

As pressure builds for more transparent, accountable, and climate-conscious supply chains, understanding ISCC requirements is no longer optional. It is how companies stay relevant, reliable, and ready for what’s next.

Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or expanding into regulated markets, this guide breaks down what ISCC expects from your business and how to meet those standards without the overwhelm.

What Is ISCC and Why Does It Matter?

ISCC stands for International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. It is a globally recognized framework that helps companies verify the sustainability, traceability, and climate impact of their operations and products.

It applies across sectors like:

• Agriculture and forestry
  
• Renewable fuels and bioenergy
  
• Waste and circular materials
  
• Packaging, chemicals, food, and consumer goods
  

ISCC certification is not just about looking good. It enables companies to prove that their supply chain avoids deforestation, reduces emissions, and meets legal and ethical standards, especially when operating in the EU or other regulated markets.

Starting May 21, 2025, major ISCC updates will take effect. These include stricter rules for renewable fuels, recycled carbon materials, and documentation requirements.

The Core ISCC Requirements Every Company Should Know

Here are the essentials your business must meet to achieve and maintain ISCC certification:

1. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Compliance

Reducing emissions is central to ISCC EU.

To comply, companies must:

• Calculate life-cycle GHG emissions using a standardized, RED-aligned methodology
  
• Achieve minimum emissions savings, such as 35 percent for older facilities, increasing to 50 percent or 60 percent for newer ones
  
• Maintain full, verifiable documentation of inputs, processes, and emissions data
  

These requirements are based on the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and enforced through Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/996.

ISCC-certified sites are subject to both annual internal audits and periodic external audits. These ensure that emissions are accurately calculated and supported by clear evidence.

2. End-to-End Traceability

ISCC requires complete transparency across your supply chain. You must be able to track:

• The origin of all raw materials
  
• Every stage of processing and transformation
  
• Distribution and delivery routes to the end customer
  

Each transaction and flow must be documented and auditable.

If you cannot trace it, you cannot certify it.

3. Sustainability and Land Use Criteria

ISCC covers more than carbon. It requires companies to meet strict environmental and social safeguards, including:

• No sourcing from deforested or high-biodiversity areas
  
• Responsible land use that complies with national laws
  
• Fair labor practices and protection of community rights
  

These criteria ensure ISCC-certified companies contribute positively to environmental protection and human rights.

Which ISCC Certification Fits Your Business?

There are three main ISCC systems. Choosing the right one ensures alignment with your industry and goals.

ISCC EU

Mandatory for companies in the biofuel and renewable energy sectors within the European Union. It verifies compliance with RED III and provides access to EU markets.

ISCC PLUS

A voluntary scheme designed for non-energy industries, including packaging, food, chemicals, and cosmetics. Ideal for companies aiming to meet circular economy goals and demonstrate traceability across global markets.

ISCC CORSIA

Tailored for aviation, this standard helps fuel producers and airlines comply with the ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

What’s Changing in 2025?

Effective May 21, 2025, ISCC will implement new requirements in response to global sustainability priorities. Key changes include:

• New criteria for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs)
  
• Specific rules for recycled carbon fuels (RCFs)
  
• Enhanced traceability and mass balance requirements
  
• Increased rigor in audit procedures and documentation
  

Carboledger’s software is already configured to reflect these updates, so your team can stay compliant without manual tracking or last-minute catch-up.

The Reality: Meeting ISCC Requirements Isn’t Always Easy

Achieving certification requires effort. You need to manage:

• Emissions data across facilities and suppliers
  
• Supplier declarations and material origin tracking
  
• Documentation for audits and surveillance reviews
  
• Compliance with ever-evolving standards
  

Manual systems are difficult to scale, especially for growing operations or multi-site businesses.

That is why companies use platforms like Carboledger, which helps:

• Automate emissions and material tracking
  
• Store centralized, audit-ready documentation
  
• Update your compliance strategy as ISCC rules evolve
  
• Save time while preparing for audits

Why It’s Worth It

ISCC certification goes beyond ticking boxes. It lays the foundation for resilient, ethical, and transparent business practices.

Here is what it brings to your business:

• Access to high-value markets, especially in the EU and with global buyers
  
• Stronger reputation and customer trust
  
• Operational efficiency, with systems that reduce waste and errors
  
• Improved investor appeal, especially for ESG-linked financing and risk ratings
  

Final Thoughts

ISCC certification is more than a document. It is proof that your company is building a supply chain that is traceable, ethical, and aligned with global climate goals.

As the 2025 updates approach, companies that act now will not only meet requirements, they will lead their industries forward.Ready to simplify your path to ISCC certification?
Carboledger can help you stay audit-ready, reduce manual effort, and make compliance a strategic advantage..