Become a Member of RSPO
Ensure that you have RSPO membership. To apply, visit http://www.rspo.org/members/apply.
Apply for Certification
Complete and submit the SCS Application form. SCS will prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline and quote. If the proposal meets your needs, you sign a Work Order and the audit is scheduled.
Written Procedures
Create company procedures that demonstrate how sustainable palm oil will be produced and tracked throughout your operation. SCS provides guidance to help explain the Principles & Criteria (P&C) requirements.
Pre-Audit Assessment (Optional)
An SCS auditor will review your procedures for thoroughness and conformance. The auditor identifies areas for improvement in the procedures prior to the audit.
Public Announcement
At least 30 days prior to RSPO initial certification and re-certification evaluations, SCS will send a written notification of the upcoming audit to interested parties, called stakeholders. Additionally, SCS will post a notification of the evaluation on the RSPO Assessment Progress website.
On-site Audit
During a site visit, an SCS auditor will review the P&C procedures and documents (from receipt of inputs to the final sale). Additionally, the auditor will tour the operations and plantations where certified material is handled and interview key staff. Stakeholder consultation is an integral part of the assessments. We look for evidence that staff has been duly trained in the P&C responsibilities that have been assigned to them and that staff possess an understanding of the workflow for certified products.
Assessment Report
Based on audit findings, SCS produces an audit report, which is submitted to a SCS Technical Associate who validates the appropriateness of the auditor's methodology and conclusions.
Certification Decision
SCS head office makes a certification decision. If granted, you will be issued a certificate valid for a five-year period. Any conditional Major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified in the audit must be closed prior to obtaining certification.
Maintain Certification
Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain P&C certification. Certified companies are listed on the official RSPO Certified Growers database and are given an RSPO trademark for usage in conformance with the trademark requirements.