About certification
Over the last three decades, voluntary social and environmental certification schemes have become trusted, market-based tools for demonstrating sustainable and ethical sourcing. SBP is part of that global movement. We provide a recognised, independent certification system that ensures biomass is sourced and produced responsibly. Our scheme is built on clear standards, rigorous audits, and a robust system of checks and balances — giving stakeholders confidence in sustainability claims and helping organisations demonstrate compliance with international best practice.
The audit process
Certification begins with a thorough audit conducted by qualified auditors working for or contracted by the Certification Body. Auditors review documents, carry out on-site inspections, and interview staff to verify compliance with SBP Standards. They report their findings and recommend whether a certificate should be issued, retained, suspended, or withdrawn. Auditors are required to maintain impartiality and integrity throughout the process and must meet strict competence criteria set out in SBP Standard 3.
If an organisation meets all requirements, the Certification Body issues a certificate valid for five years, subject to annual surveillance audits. After five years, the organisation must undergo re-certification.
How our certification scheme works
SBP is the Scheme Owner, setting the framework for certification. We develop and maintain the Standards, processes, and procedures that define what sustainable biomass means. Importantly, SBP does not audit companies and does not make certification decisions. Instead, we ensure the system operates with integrity through clear roles and responsibilities.
Our Standards outline the requirements organisations must meet to achieve certification. They are based on industry best practice and, as a minimum, regulatory requirements for the legal and sustainable sourcing of woody feedstock used in biomass production.
Audits are carried out by independent Certification Bodies, which are accredited by an Accreditation Body. Certification Bodies are responsible for assessing whether an organisation meets SBP Standards and for making all certification decisions – from issuing certificates to suspending or withdrawing them if necessary. To ensure consistency and impartiality, Certification Bodies follow internationally recognised guidelines, including ISO 17065 and ISO 19011, as well as SBP Standard 3.
The Accreditation Body plays a vital role in maintaining trust in the scheme. It evaluates and accredits Certification Bodies to confirm their competence and impartiality, following ISO 17011. This includes annual office audits and witness audits during certification assessments.
Checks and balances
The relationship between SBP as Scheme Owner, the Certification Body, and the Accreditation Body creates a robust system of checks and balances. This structure ensures credibility and reliability, helping to build trust in both the certification process and the certificates themselves.
Once certified, an organisation becomes a Certificate Holder, which may be a Biomass Producer, Trader, or End-user.
Common questions about the certification process
How does an organisation begin the SBP certification process?
The first step is to choose an approved and accredited Certification Body.
Where can I find a list of approved and accredited Certification Bodies?
You can view all currently approved and accredited Certification Bodies here.
What Standards must an organisation comply with to become SBP‑certified?
To become certified, an organisation must meet the requirements of the SBP Standards relevant to its Certificate Holder type and certification scope.
View our certification decision tree here.
Where can I access the SBP Standards?
The full suite of SBP Standards is available <here>.
What happens after selecting a Certification Body?
The Certification Body registers the applicant in the SBP Audit Portal, a dedicated platform for managing SBP audit‑related activities.
When does an applicant receive access to the Audit Portal?
Access to the Audit Portal is granted immediately after the Certification Body completes the registration.
Does a Certificate Holder receive access to the SBP Data Transfer System (DTS)?
Yes. During the certification process, limited DTS access is provided to prepare the SBP Audit Report (SAR). Full DTS access is granted once the certificate is issued.
Are there guidance materials to support applicants and Certificate Holders?
Yes. SBP provides guidance documents and interpretations to support applicants and Certificate Holders.
Does an applicant need to sign a formal agreement with SBP?
Yes. All applicants must sign the Trade Mark Licence Agreement (TMLA) with SBP.
How is the TMLA signed?
SBP uses DocuSign for electronic signatures, and the signing link is sent after the applicant is registered in the Audit Portal.
What happens once a certificate is issued?
Once issued by the Certification Body, certificate information is published on the SBP website <here>.
Are there fees associated with SBP certification?
Yes. An annual fee is payable by all active and suspended Certificate Holders. In addition, transaction fees are charged on a quarterly basis dependent on Certificate Holder type and the amount of biomass produced, sold, and/or used with an SBP claim.
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