Why Companies Fail ISCC Audits And How To Avoid It

ISCC helps organisations demonstrate their sustainability commitments through credible, traceable, and transparent actions. Preparing for ISCC certification involves more than implementing and meeting sustainability standards. Organisations may need to prepare proper documentation and records to show their compliance with relevant requirements.

What Is ISCC Certification?

ISCC stands for International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. ISCC certification is a globally recognised independent certification system that verifies sustainability and traceability with specific schemes covering specific sustainability, greenhouse gas, and material requirements.

To apply for ISCC certification, an organisation may need to choose the applicable certification scheme first. ISCC has multiple certification schemes, and organisations should select the scheme applicable to their activities, market, certification scope, and relevant regulatory requirements. The organisation may then engage a Certification Body (CB) and register via the ISCC HUB. After that, the selected CB may conduct the certification audit and provide a list of corrective measures if there are non-conformities. The corrective measures may need to be implemented within the applicable timeframe. When the audit is successfully completed and any required corrective measures have been successfully implemented, an organisation may finally receive the ISCC certificate.

Where Do Companies Commonly Encounter Problems?

While preparing for ISCC certification, organisations may encounter problems at different stages of the certification process.

Before The Audit

Before the audit, organisations may need to choose the correct certification scheme. Choosing an incorrect certification scheme may lead to preparing for requirements that are not applicable to the organisation.

During Documentation Review

The organisation may need to present proper documentation, records, and SOPs during the audit. Missing, outdated, and inconsistent information may make it difficult for organisations to demonstrate their compliance.

During Site Implementation Checks

The written procedures may need to align with actual workplace processes. Organisations may encounter issues if their actual processes differ from the documented procedures.

Common Reasons Companies Fail ISCC Audits and How to Avoid Them

Documentation Gaps

Missing or inaccurate documentation may make it difficult for organisations to demonstrate that they meet the requirements. Organisations may set clear responsibility for maintaining documentation or develop a proper document control system in advance to reduce this risk.

Traceability Issues

While applying for ISCC certification, organisations may need to demonstrate traceability across their supply chain. Organisations may require clear records of where the materials come from and how they move through the supply chain. Problems may occur when these records are incomplete or inconsistent.

Supplier Verification Issues

Organisations may need to verify the validity of their suppliers’ ISCC certificates through the ISCC certificate database and keep clear records of where certified materials come from and how they are handled. Organisations may develop a clear process for checking and updating supplier information regularly. In this way, they may identify changes and reduce compliance risks.

Implementation Gaps

Organisations may need to follow the documented procedures properly and consistently. Differences between written procedures and actual practices may lead to delays or failures in ISCC certification. Organisations may carry out internal audits before the external audit to check if actual operations follow the documented procedures.

Training Gaps

Employees may need to understand their relevant responsibilities and follow the correct procedures. Some issues may arise during the certification audit if employees are unfamiliar with their responsibilities or cannot explain relevant procedures and practices. Role-specific training and regular awareness sessions may help employees understand what they may need to do and how they may support ongoing compliance.

Prepare For ISCC Certification With QES Consultancy

Organisations may need to review their certification scope, documentation, operational processes, and relevant records while preparing for ISCC certification.