European Biodiesel Board welcomes EU discussions on concrete actions to address biofuels fraud

The European Biodiesel Board, representing biodiesel and renewable diesel producers in the EU, welcomed April 14 the recognition of the importance of combating Annex IX biofuels fraud, and the fact that the Committee on the Sustainability of Biofuels, Bioliquids and Biomass fuels is discussing concrete measures to address it.

“We consider fraud an existential threat for our industry, for the functioning of sustainability verification, and for the EU’s climate ambitions,” EBB stated.

The EU industry remains committed to high standards and full compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive sustainability criteria, the association added.  

Putting an end to fraud

While respecting that the deliberations of this committee are confidential, EBB is asking legislators to allow input from the industry on such a matter of importance.

The EBB said it stands ready to contribute to decisive measures that will enhance the credibility of sustainability verification and protect European producers from unfair competition.

To that effect, EBB has already published a proposal that includes detailed amendments to EU rules that can be implemented immediately.  

Verification

EBB noted that in Europe’s verification system, there is an important role for voluntary schemes—by far the largest being the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System GmbH*—and certification bodies.

“We ask both to dedicate more attention and resources to ensuring compliance, in particular on-site in third countries,” EBB stated.

Noncompliance should be met with tougher sanctions, making sure that only truly sustainable biofuels contribute to the RED objectives, the association asserted.

EBB Secretary-General Xavier Noyon said compliance with the criteria laid out in the RED is an essential prerequisite for biofuels to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases in EU transport.

“While the exact nature of the proposed solutions remains unclear, the EU industry appreciates the renewed ambition of EU legislators to tackle the issue,” Noyon said.

“We need a systemic reform of the set verification rules that will guarantee that biofuels are compliant with RED criteria and restore the level playing field between producers in and outside the EU.”

*Editor’s Note: For more context on these European discussions, ISCC published updates March 28 and April 8 regarding ongoing EU committee meetings on issues related to the sustainable certification and promotion of biofuels, avoidance of double counting, the union database, and prevention of fraud cases.