ISCC is now applicable under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard framework
We are very happy to announce that ISCC EU is now applicable as an eligible certification scheme under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This marks an important development for companies participating in North American low-carbon fuel and biomass supply chains.
The LCFS is one of the world’s most influential clean fuel programmes. It aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in California by incentivising lower-carbon alternatives and promoting sustainable feedstock sourcing.
The updated LCFS framework recognises voluntary certification schemes that have already been approved under the European Union Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED), including ISCC EU. This alignment creates new opportunities for market participants seeking to demonstrate compliance with sustainability requirements under the LCFS.
Supporting compliance in a growing North American market
This exciting development comes at a time of growing demand for sustainable biomass and low-carbon fuels across North America and builds on our long-standing engagement with the North American market. While ISCC is widely known for its application under the EU RED, we have also worked for many years with stakeholders across the United States and Canada to support the transition to clean and alternative fuels, as well as to a circular and bioeconomy.
This ongoing engagement is reflected in the ISCC Regional Stakeholder Committee – North America, which has brought together regulators, industry representatives, Certification Bodies, and other experts since 2012.
At the most recent Regional Stakeholder Conference in 2025, CARB presented updates on the LCFS and the role of certification, underlining the close dialogue between ISCC and key regulatory stakeholders. LCFS developments will continue to feature prominently in ISCC’s North America activities.
Want to be part of the conversation?
We encourage you to join us in Nashville or online for the upcoming Regional Stakeholder Conference – North America on 29 September 2026.
How will this affect you?
LCFS requirements to maintain sustainability certification for biomass are phasing in, and will apply starting in 2028. However, ISCC certification already covers the full requirements today, making it an ideal solution for companies looking to future-proof their North American supply chains and simplify the transition.
And the benefits go beyond North America; our certification gives you access to global markets. As sustainability requirements continue to evolve, ISCC’s independent, multi-stakeholder approach and international recognition help companies navigate multiple regulatory frameworks, including the LCFS, through a single, credible certification system. Rather than relying solely on direct verification for a specific regulatory programme, ISCC combines harmonised sustainability requirements, accredited third-party audits, transparent governance, and continuous oversight to provide confidence for regulators, businesses, and consumers alike.
In practical terms, this means that being ISCC EU certified already, or early adoption of ISCC certification, can support preparedness for future LCFS requirements while also enabling access to other recognised markets, including those governed by the EU RED.
Supporting you through the next steps
The development represents an important milestone in North America’s transition to clean energy and highlights the growing role of internationally applicable, independent, multi-stakeholder sustainability certification systems in supporting climate and sustainability objectives across global markets.
We are thrilled to start this new chapter and to play a role in supporting the transition. Going forward, we will closely monitor regulatory developments and engage with relevant stakeholders to better understand implementation expectations and support a smooth market adoption.
As part of that engagement, we are now also welcoming applications for pilot projects from companies interested in leading the way with LCFS certification. If you are interested in collaborating with us on ISCC EU certification for the LCFS market or have a question for us, our team of experts would be very happy to hear from you and develop the ISCC approach for the LCFS further.
Explore ISCC EU
The ISCC EU certification scheme verifies compliance with the European Union’s legal requirements for sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions savings criteria for renewable fuels, as well as the production of electricity, heating and cooling from biomass.
