Updated audit and certification procedures for parties involved in the biochar and C-Sink supply chain

Good day

We would like to share our updated audit and certification procedures for participants in the biochar and C-Sink supply chain. These revisions aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various business relationships within the supply chain that have not been comprehensively addressed to date.

Background

Producers, processors, and traders of biochar and biochar-based products who wish to label the biochar in their products as EBC/WBC certified and/or want to participate in the creation of C-Sinks according to the Global Biochar C-Sink Standard need to be registered with Carbon Standards International.

However, the diverse range of contractual arrangements within the supply chain has created a need for greater clarity.

Example:

A biochar producer collaborates with a sub-contracted processor, that does not wish to be directly involved into the certification process.

Question: Is a registration compulsory or not in this situation?

Specifically, there is a need to define the conditions under which a processor can contribute to the C-Sink supply chain without being individually registered, while still ensuring the integrity and quality of the resulting carbon credits.

New Guideline

This document outlines when registration and certification are required for supply chain participants, and in which cases a registered entity can assume responsibility on behalf of others:

Here is a brief summary of some of the roles defined:

Biochar producer

The biochar producer is the first owner of the physical biochar and must be registered with CSI. If the biochar is used for C-Sinks, the producer must record all emissions up to the factory gate and provide a PDD.

Biochar processors

Biochar processors use EBC/WBC biochar to manufacture new biochar-based products and need to be registered with CSI. If the processed product is part of the value chain of a C-sink, the processor is responsible for calculating and reporting processing emissions, according to the PDD Annex.

Exemption from compulsory emission recording for processors: If the processor can clearly demonstrate that their processing biochar does not result in emissions beyond the BAU (Business As Usual) scenario without biochar, the PDD annex can be limited to a description of the processes and project boundaries.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors provide services for producers or processors who are registered with CSI, e.g. the operation of a production facility. Subcontractors themselves do not need to be registered with CSI.

Processing partner

The processing partner processes the physical biochar, which is part of a C-sink supply chain, but is not registered with CSI. The processing partner has a contract with an entity (producer or processor) registered with CSI. When it comes to labelling products and the recording of emission-relevant data, the processing partner must adhere to the specifications of the registered entity. In this case, the producer or processor takes the responsibility for the unregistered entity and must provide data for required for certification.

Implementation
This document has a retroactive entry into force from 01.04.2025
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact our service team.

Carbon Standards International AG
Patrizia Pschera
Environment and Climate Specialist

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Carbon Standards International AG
Ueli Steiner
CEO

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