RFNBO Certification
Reliable proof for renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin
Renewable fuels are becoming increasingly important, while at the same time regulatory requirements for proof, traceability and greenhouse gas data are becoming more stringent. For companies along the value chain of renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, it is therefore becoming more challenging to ensure reliable compliance with EU requirements.
With ISCC certification for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), DEKRA provides a robust basis of proof that is recognised throughout the EU. The ISCC EU certification scheme was officially recognised by the European Commission on 19 December 2024 for the certification of RFNBOs.
- Provide independent, audited proof for RFNBOs
- Build trust with authorities and business partners
- Secure EU-wide recognition of your RFNBO proof
- Minimise regulatory risks through verified compliance
Your RFNBO certification at a glance
Regulatory requirements for RFNBOs are evolving continuously. Companies that produce, trade or use renewable hydrogen or renewable fuels of non-biological origin derived from it must integrate the requirements of RED II and RED III into their organisational and management structures in a legally compliant manner. In addition to technical requirements, transparency and demonstrable implementation along the value chain are a key focus for authorities and market participants.
As an independent certification body, DEKRA conducts audits under the ISCC EU system for RFNBO. We verify compliance with the respective scope requirements, in particular with regard to traceability (chain of custody), greenhouse gas evidence, documentation along the supply chain, and conformity with the applicable ISCC EU system documents. As an approved certification body, we ensure an independent and impartial assessment.
1. Registration and selection of the certification body
The certification process begins with your registration with ISCC and the selection of us as your certification body. A certification contract defines the timeline and scope of the certification.
The certification process begins with your registration with ISCC and the selection of us as your certification body. A certification contract defines the timeline and scope of the certification.
2. Project meeting
Open questions are clarified, and the next steps are determined. If necessary, the project discussion may take place on-site.
Open questions are clarified, and the next steps are determined. If necessary, the project discussion may take place on-site.
3. On-site certification audit
A review of documents and an assessment of your ISCC EU system, ensuring that documented commitments are implemented in daily operations.
A review of documents and an assessment of your ISCC EU system, ensuring that documented commitments are implemented in daily operations.
4. ISCC EU audit report and certificate
After successfully completing the audit, you will receive your audit report and ISCC EU certificate. Important: If your company does not meet key ISCC EU standard criteria, corrective actions must be implemented within 40 days and verified by the auditor.
After successfully completing the audit, you will receive your audit report and ISCC EU certificate. Important: If your company does not meet key ISCC EU standard criteria, corrective actions must be implemented within 40 days and verified by the auditor.
5. Surveillance audit
Mandatory surveillance audits must be conducted by the certification body six months after the first (initial) certification of any economic operator in a high-risk supply chain. A high risk applies to economic operators that are collecting, processing, storing or trading materials, which may be eligible for extra incentives in individual EU Member States (e.g. double-counting), such as waste and residues or waste and residue-based products.
Mandatory surveillance audits must be conducted by the certification body six months after the first (initial) certification of any economic operator in a high-risk supply chain. A high risk applies to economic operators that are collecting, processing, storing or trading materials, which may be eligible for extra incentives in individual EU Member States (e.g. double-counting), such as waste and residues or waste and residue-based products.
6. Annual audit
ISCC EU certificates are valid for 12 months. Therefore, a recertification audit is required before expiry. Audits should be scheduled to ensure no gap between certificates.
ISCC EU certificates are valid for 12 months. Therefore, a recertification audit is required before expiry. Audits should be scheduled to ensure no gap between certificates.
The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is an independent multi-stakeholder initiative and a leading certification system for sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free and climate-friendly supply chains. ISCC is committed to protecting forests, carbon-rich soils, and biodiversity, enabling waste recovery, and improving traceability.
With currently valid certificates in more than 130 countries, ISCC is among the world’s largest certification systems. Certified companies span various sectors – from agricultural operations, plantations, first collection points for agricultural raw materials, origins and collection points for waste and residues, to various types of processing facilities such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas plants. Trade and logistics facilities, including trading, storage, and logistics centers, are also included.
Your independent partner for RFNBO certification
- As part of the internationally active DEKRA Group, we provide independent testing and certification services.
- Thanks to our accreditation as a greenhouse gas validation and verification body (including under ISO/IEC 17029 and ISO 14065), we ensure standards-based conformity assessments.
- Our experience in complex value chains provides a robust foundation for independent audits and RFNBO certification.
RFNBO certification – Germany
Since early 2025, DEKRA Certification GmbH has been among the first independent certification bodies authorised by the German Environment Agency (UBA) to certify renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) under the 37th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (37th BImSchV). By decision dated 18 February 2026, the UBA confirmed the provisional recognition of DEKRA Certification GmbH as a certification body under the 37th BImSchV. The recognition applies worldwide. Further details are published in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger).