Dear Members, 

In acknowledgement of the challenges faced by members in implementing Indicator 6.8.3(C), the following Transition Measure is introduced as guidance for certified members to meet the requirement under the RSPO Principles & Criteria 2024.

Indicator 6.8.3(C):
The Unit of Certification shall repay active workers (as of and from the adoption date of the 2024 RSPO P&C) who have paid recruitment fees or related costs.

Registration of cases:
All Units of Certification that are unable to fully implement this requirement by 1 June 2026 must register their case with the RSPO Certification Unit via the RSPO-administered online registration form (Qualtrics) by 31 May 2026:

This applies only to Units of Certification undergoing audits (Initial Certification, Annual Surveillance Audit, and Recertification) after the effective date of the 2024 RSPO P&C.

Submission of data and repayment plan:
Once the case is registered, the Unit of Certification shall submit the following to their respective Certification Bodies (CBs) during the pre-audit phase for Initial, Surveillance or Recertification audits, in line with CB procedures:

1. A report on implementation, progress and challenges, with evidence showing the status of repayment, including: 
   • Total number of active workers as of 13 November 2024 and all subsequent recruitments 
   • Number of workers already repaid 
   • Number of workers yet to be repaid 
2. Stepwise repayment plan outlining actions and projected timelines. 
   • The final deadline for full compliance must not extend beyond 12 November 2026 

CB evaluation:
Certification Bodies (CBs) shall review the Unit of Certification’s progress against the submitted action plan through existing audit mechanisms, ensuring that implementation remains on track and aligned with the requirement for full compliance no later than 12 November 2026.

Non-compliance consequences:
Failure to fulfil the requirement of Indicator 6.8.3(C) by the agreed final deadline will result in a major non-compliance being raised by the CBs, which may lead to suspension of the certificate.

Validity Period:
This Transition Measure is effective from 1 June 2026 until 12 November 2026.

Thank you. For any enquiries, please contact us at hrss@rspo.org.