Summary
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- Global
REDcert-EU certification can be applied for by companies involved in the renewable fuels and biomass supply chain that need to demonstrate compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II/RED III). This includes farms, feedstock suppliers, traders, storage operators, biofuel and biomethane producers, renewable hydrogen and e-fuel producers and other entities handling biomass, biofuels, RFNBOs, or recycled carbon fuels.
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Background and Overview
REDcert was established in 2010 by organizations from the German agricultural and biofuel sectors to provide a practical certification framework for implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive. REDcert-EU became officially recognized by the European Commission in 2012 and has since expanded to cover a broader range of renewable and recycled fuels under RED III. The certification applies across the full supply chain, including farms, feedstock suppliers, traders, storage facilities, processors, fuel producers, and distributors. It is widely used in the European biofuels market and supports certification for:
biofuels and bioliquids,
biomass fuels,
biomethane,
RFNBOs such as green hydrogen and e-fuels,
and recycled carbon fuels derived from non-recyclable waste streams or industrial gases.
REDcert-EU uses a mass balance chain-of-custody system to ensure traceability of certified material flows throughout the value chain. The scheme also includes greenhouse gas accounting methodologies aligned with EU sustainability rules. The scheme is administered by REDcert GmbH and implemented through approved independent certification bodies.
Certification Requirements and Reporting
To obtain certification, participating organizations must demonstrate compliance with REDcert-EU sustainability and traceability requirements through independent audits. Requirements vary depending on the role of the company in the supply chain.
Core requirements typically include:
traceability of biomass and renewable fuel inputs,
implementation of a mass balance system,
documentation of material flows and supplier information,
greenhouse gas emissions calculations,
proof of compliance with land-use and sustainability criteria,
and maintenance of auditable records.
For RFNBOs and recycled carbon fuels, REDcert-EU incorporates requirements from EU Delegated Regulations 2023/1184 and 2023/1185, including rules related to renewable electricity sourcing and lifecycle GHG emissions accounting. Certified companies undergo annual audits conducted by approved certification bodies. Certificates and inspection data are published through the REDcert system database.
Current Status and Outlook
REDcert-EU remains one of the leading certification systems for sustainable biofuels and renewable fuels in Europe, particularly in German-speaking markets. The scheme continues to evolve alongside RED III implementation and the EU’s expanding regulatory framework for hydrogen, e-fuels, and low-carbon fuels. In December 2024, the European Commission formally expanded recognition of REDcert-EU to include RFNBOs and recycled carbon fuels under Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/3194. This broadened the scheme’s role in emerging hydrogen and synthetic fuel markets. Growing demand for verified low-carbon fuels, SAF, biomethane, green hydrogen, and industrial decarbonization pathways is expected to increase the importance of REDcert-EU certification across European energy and chemical supply chains.
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