Biodiesel Supplier Verification in Europe: A Guide

European biodiesel markets face persistent fraud from feedstock misdeclaration and double counting schemes that undermine renewable transport targets and distort prices for compliant producers. The Union Database now serves as the central traceability backbone, but national registries in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy impose additional verification layers that can block cargo release if documentation is misaligned.

This guide walks through the complete supplier verification workflow from Union Database registration validation and Proof of Sustainability field checks to contract warranty clauses and first-delivery laboratory testing. You will learn how to match certification schemes such as ISCC EU, REDcert, 2BSvs, and RSB EU RED to your feedstock category and destination market, navigate national systems including Nabisy, SNBC, NTA 8080, and GSE, and build an audit-ready compliance file that satisfies customs and voluntary scheme auditors alike.

Biofuel Fraud Landscape in Europe: Mechanisms, Scale, and Market Impact

Feedstock misdeclaration and false sustainability claims

Feedstock misdeclaration remains the most prevalent fraud mechanism where suppliers falsely label virgin palm or soy oil as used cooking oil or animal fats to claim double counting incentives under national schemes. This deception inflates the apparent greenhouse gas savings of the fuel and allows non-compliant volumes to enter the market as advanced biofuels. According to the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) EU HVO production grew to 3.9 Mt in 2025 creating a larger attack surface for misdeclared feedstocks entering hydrotreated vegetable oil supply chains. Verification teams must cross-reference feedstock codes on Proof of Sustainability documents with independent laboratory testing such as carbon-14 analysis to distinguish fossil-derived contaminants from genuine waste lipids.

Double counting and mass balance manipulation

Double counting fraud exploits the mass balance accounting system by registering the same physical volume of sustainable biodiesel under multiple Proof of Sustainability certificates across different voluntary schemes or national registries. Traders may split a single certified batch into separate transactions selling the sustainability characteristics twice while delivering uncertified fuel to the final blender. The Union Database was designed to prevent this by requiring unique transaction IDs for every transfer but gaps remain during the transition period where national systems operate in parallel. Buyers should verify that the UDB transaction chain shows no duplicate allocation of the same mass balance quantity across different certification schemes.

Market distortion effects on legitimate producers

Fraudulent volumes depress market prices for certified sustainable biodiesel by flooding the market with artificially cheap product that carries false sustainability premiums. Legitimate producers who invest in traceability systems and third-party certification face unfair competition from operators who bypass compliance costs. This erosion of trust leads obligated parties to demand more rigorous supplier audits increasing verification costs across the supply chain. The cumulative effect undermines the credibility of renewable transport fuel targets and triggers regulatory crackdowns that increase administrative burden for all market participants.

Regulatory Framework for Supplier Verification: RED II, RED III, and the Union Database

RED II sustainability and GHG saving criteria

RED II establishes the baseline sustainability criteria that all biodiesel placed on the EU market must meet including a minimum greenhouse gas emission saving threshold for installations starting operation after January 2021. The directive defines eligible feedstock categories in Annex IX Part A for advanced biofuels and Part B for used cooking oil and animal fats which qualify for double counting towards national targets. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance through approved voluntary schemes or national systems covering land use criteria for agricultural biomass and waste hierarchy adherence for residues. The framework requires economic operators to maintain a mass balance system ensuring that sustainability claims do not exceed the physical quantity of certified feedstock processed. According to the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), waste-based feedstocks account for 55% of EU biodiesel production, ahead of crop-based biodiesel at 39% in 2024, with used cooking oil making up 24% and palm oil mill effluent 13% of the feedstock mix.

Union Database (UDB) registration and transaction tracing

The Union Database is the central electronic traceability system where all economic operators placing liquid renewable fuels on the EU market must register and record every transaction from feedstock collection to final blending. Each Proof of Sustainability receives a unique UDB identifier enabling authorities to trace volumes back to origin and detect double counting. The EBB reports that the EU imported about 1.76 Mt of HVO and about 1.54 Mt of FAME in 2025, volumes that now flow through UDB transaction records. To verify a supplier's registration search the UDB public interface using their economic operator ID or VAT number and confirm that their transaction history shows continuous chain of custody without gaps or duplicate allocations.

RED III transposition and national implementation timelines

RED III raises the overall renewable energy target for 2030 with a binding share for renewable energy in transport or a greenhouse gas intensity reduction alternative. Member states must transpose these provisions into national law with updated sub-targets for advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin. The directive strengthens the Union Database mandate requiring real-time reporting of transactions and expands sustainability criteria to cover indirect land use change risk for high ILUC-risk feedstocks. National implementation timelines vary with some countries adopting accelerated transposition while others await final implementing acts on database interoperability and certification scheme recognition. Total EU-27 production of biodiesel and bioSAF rose slightly to 14.7 million metric tonnes in 2025 according to the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), while FAME maintained its dominant position in EU biodiesel production at 10.5 Mt in 2025 and EU HVO production grew to 3.9 Mt in 2025.

National Verification Systems: Germany, France, Netherlands, and Italy

National registries translate EU directives into operational compliance checkpoints that buyers must navigate when sourcing biodiesel from specific Member States. While the Union Database provides the overarching chain of custody, Germany Nabisy, France SNBC, Netherlands NTA 8080 and Italy GSE registry impose additional reporting formats, customs hooks and enforcement tools that can delay or block cargo release if not aligned. Understanding these differences prevents redundant data entry and ensures proof of sustainability documents match national expectations at the point of import or inland delivery.

Germany Nabisy and 37th BImSchV reforms

Germany Nabisy operates as the central electronic registry where economic operators book sustainable biofuel quantities against quota obligations under the 37th BImSchV. The system requires suppliers to register each batch with a unique Nabisy ID before physical movement begins and customs authorities verify this ID against the electronic accompanying document at the border. Recent reforms tightened the linkage between Nabisy and the Union Database so that double counting allocations for advanced feedstocks such as used cooking oil or animal fats category 1 and 2 are automatically cross checked. Buyers must confirm that the supplier Nabisy account shows sufficient uncommitted quota for the contracted volume and that the greenhouse gas emission saving value declared in Nabisy matches the Proof of Sustainability issued by the certification body.

France SNBC and customs integration

France SNBC (Système National de la Biomasse et des Carburants) integrates directly with the customs delta G and delta X declaration systems so that biofuel sustainability data flows into the customs clearance workflow without manual re entry. Suppliers upload the Proof of Sustainability and the associated Union Database transaction number into SNBC which then generates a unique SNBC reference that must appear on the single administrative document. The French customs administration runs automated checks on feedstock category, country of origin and greenhouse gas intensity against the national trajectory targets. Buyers should verify that the supplier holds an active SNBC operator number and that the batch in question has not been previously allocated to another operator which would trigger a rejection at the border.

Netherlands NTA 8080 and Italy GSE registry

The Netherlands relies on the NTA 8080 certification scheme as the primary national standard for biomass sustainability which is recognized under the EU voluntary scheme framework and feeds data into the Union Database through approved certification bodies. Dutch buyers typically require an NTA 8080 certificate alongside the ISCC EU or REDcert certificate to satisfy both national and EU compliance layers. Italy GSE registry managed by the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici tracks biofuel volumes eligible for the national incentive scheme CIC (Certificati di Immissione in Consumo). Suppliers must register each batch in the GSE portal with detailed feedstock origin and processing plant coordinates. Italian customs cross references GSE registration numbers with the accompanying document. Buyers sourcing from or through Italy should request the GSE registration extract and confirm that the feedstock classification aligns with the Annex IX part A or B listing claimed.

Certification Schemes Compared: ISCC EU, REDcert, 2BSvs, and RSB EU RED

Voluntary schemes approved by the European Commission provide the audit infrastructure that underpins every Proof of Sustainability entering the Union Database. Each scheme differs in audit frequency, chain of custody models, feedstock scope and mutual recognition arrangements. Selecting the right scheme or verifying that a supplier scheme matches your feedstock and market requirements reduces the risk of certificate rejection during customs clearance or UDB reconciliation.

Audit frequency and chain-of-custody models

ISCC EU requires annual surveillance audits for all supply chain elements and mandates mass balance as the default chain of custody model with optional book and claim for specific waste streams. REDcert EU follows a similar annual audit cycle but allows a risk based approach where low risk operators may receive extended audit intervals subject to scheme approval. 2BSvs operates on a two year main audit cycle with a mandatory surveillance audit at the midpoint and supports mass balance and identity preserved models. RSB EU RED requires annual audits for high risk operators and offers a modular audit scope that can be combined with other sustainability standards. All four schemes require that the certification body is accredited under ISO 17065 and recognized by the scheme owner.

Feedstock scope and geographic coverage

ISCC EU covers the broadest feedstock portfolio including all Annex IX part A and B materials, virgin vegetable oils, and renewable fuels of non biological origin with global geographic coverage. REDcert EU focuses on European agricultural feedstocks and waste residues with strong coverage in Germany, Poland and Austria but limited recognition for tropical oil supply chains. 2BSvs specializes in waste and residue streams such as used cooking oil, animal fats and POME with dedicated audit protocols for collection points in Europe and Southeast Asia. RSB EU RED emphasizes advanced feedstocks and high ILUC risk materials with robust social and environmental safeguards and operates globally with a strong presence in South America and Africa.

Scheme recognition and mutual acceptance

The European Commission maintains a list of recognized voluntary schemes and all four schemes hold current recognition for the purposes of RED II and RED III compliance. Mutual acceptance between schemes is not automatic; a Proof of Sustainability issued under ISCC EU cannot be directly transferred to a REDcert mass balance account without a scheme to scheme transfer process managed by the certification bodies. In practice most traders maintain certification under the scheme preferred by their primary market. Germany buyers often expect REDcert or ISCC EU. France and Italy accept all four but customs officers are most familiar with ISCC EU and 2BSvs for waste based biodiesel. Netherlands buyers frequently request NTA 8080 in addition to an EU recognized scheme.

Scheme	Audit Cycle	Chain of Custody Models	Primary Feedstock Focus	Geographic Strength	Typical Market Preference
ISCC EU	Annual surveillance	Mass balance, book and claim	All feedstocks including Annex IX A/B, virgin oils, RFNBO	Global	Pan EU, maritime, aviation
REDcert EU	Annual, risk based extensions	Mass balance	EU crops, waste residues	Central Europe	Germany, Poland, Austria road fuel
2BSvs	Two year main plus midpoint	Mass balance, identity preserved	UCO, animal fats, POME, waste residues	Europe, Southeast Asia	France, Italy, Netherlands waste biodiesel
RSB EU RED	Annual for high risk	Mass balance, identity preserved, segregated	Advanced feedstocks, high ILUC risk	Global, South America, Africa	Advanced biofuel mandates, SAF

The table shows that ISCC EU offers the widest feedstock scope and global reach making it the default choice for multi origin supply chains. REDcert EU provides cost efficient compliance for purely European crop based biodiesel. 2BSvs is optimized for waste and residue streams with dedicated collection point protocols. RSB EU RED adds social safeguards and is preferred for advanced biofuel mandates and sustainable aviation fuel eligibility. Buyers should match the scheme to the feedstock category and the destination market customs familiarity.

Step-by-Step Supplier Verification Workflow: From Onboarding to Ongoing Monitoring

UDB registration and economic operator validation

Verification begins by confirming the supplier holds an active economic operator account in the Union Database (UDB). Access the UDB public search or your privileged buyer portal and enter the supplier’s legal name or unique UDB registration number. The system returns the operator status, registered address, and the list of certification schemes and scopes attached to the account. Cross-reference the returned legal entity name against the commercial invoice and the certificate issued by the scheme body. A mismatch in legal name, VAT number, or registered address is an immediate blocker. Verify that the certification scope covers the exact feedstock category and fuel grade you intend to purchase. If the supplier acts as a trader rather than a producer, confirm the upstream producer is also registered and that the chain of custody is unbroken in the UDB transaction history.

Proof of Sustainability document collection and review

Request the Proof of Sustainability (PoS) for the specific batch before signing any supply agreement. The PoS must be generated in the UDB and reference the unique transaction ID linking the producer to the supplier. Check that the document displays a valid digital signature from the issuing certification body and that the QR code resolves to the live UDB record. Validate the feedstock code against Annex IX Part A or B lists and confirm the country of origin matches the supplier’s declaration. Ensure the greenhouse gas emission saving value meets the applicable threshold for the fuel type and production pathway. File the PoS alongside the certificate of analysis and the safety data sheet in your compliance archive for the mandatory retention period.

Contract clauses for sustainability warranties

Embed explicit sustainability warranties in the supply contract to create legal recourse if a batch fails verification. Require the supplier to warrant that every delivery corresponds to a valid PoS in the UDB with matching feedstock, origin, and GHG values. Include a clause obligating the supplier to notify you within 24 hours if a certification body suspends or withdraws their scheme certificate. Define remedies including rejection of non-conforming batches, price adjustment for GHG shortfalls, and indemnification for regulatory penalties arising from invalid sustainability claims. Specify the governing law and dispute resolution forum consistent with your procurement policy. Attach the verification checklist as a contract schedule so both parties share the same acceptance criteria.

First delivery verification and batch testing

The first physical delivery triggers the operational validation of the paper trail. Compare the batch number on the delivery note to the PoS transaction ID in the UDB. Draw a representative sample according to EN 14214 Annex A and send it to an accredited laboratory for full specification testing including FAME content, oxidation stability, cold filter plugging point, and total contamination. Verify the certificate of analysis matches the lab results and the PoS feedstock declaration. Confirm the quantity delivered matches the UDB transaction volume within the permitted tolerance. Document any discrepancy in a non-conformance report and escalate to the supplier’s quality contact before releasing payment. Only after the first batch passes all checks does the supplier move to routine monitoring status.

Workflow Stage	Key Action	Primary Tool	Acceptance Criteria	Escalation Trigger
UDB Registration	Validate operator ID and scope	Union Database public search	Active status, matching legal entity, correct feedstock scope	Mismatched VAT or suspended certificate
PoS Review	Check GHG, feedstock, origin	UDB transaction view	Valid digital signature, QR code resolves, thresholds met	GHG below mandate or Annex IX mismatch
Contract Execution	Sign with sustainability warranties	Legal template with schedules	Warranties signed, notification clauses active	Supplier refuses indemnity clause
First Delivery	Batch test and UDB reconciliation	Accredited lab, UDB transaction ID	EN 14214 pass, quantity match, PoS alignment	Lab fail or UDB volume mismatch

The table summarizes the four critical gates a biodiesel supplier must pass before entering routine supply. Each gate uses a specific tool: the Union Database for registration and PoS validation, a legal contract for warranties, and an accredited laboratory for physical quality. The acceptance criteria are binary to avoid subjective judgment. Escalation triggers are defined so procurement teams can act immediately without seeking further approval. This structure reduces onboarding time from weeks to days while maintaining audit ready evidence for customs and voluntary scheme auditors.

Reading and Validating Proof of Sustainability Documents: Field-by-Field Guide

GHG emission savings calculation and thresholds

The GHG emission saving value on the PoS is expressed as a percentage relative to the fossil fuel comparator defined in the Renewable Energy Directive. For biodiesel used in transport the threshold is 65 percent for installations starting operation after 2021 and 50 percent for older installations. The PoS displays the total emissions in grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (g CO2eq/MJ) broken down by cultivation, processing, transport, and distribution. Verify that the calculation methodology matches the default values or actual values declared in the certificate. If actual values are used the supplier must provide the supporting calculation spreadsheet or a reference to the certified auditor’s report. Any rounding that pushes the saving below the legal threshold invalidates the batch for mandate compliance.

Feedstock category codes and Annex IX classification

The feedstock code on the PoS follows the nomenclature established in the Union Database which aligns with Annex IX Part A and Part B of the directive. Part A lists advanced feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO), animal fats categories 1 and 2, and palm oil mill effluent (POME) which count double towards targets. Part B lists used cooking oil from non-commercial sources and certain animal fats which count once. The code must match the physical feedstock declared in the upstream collection point certificates. A common error is coding UCO as a generic waste residue without the specific sub-category which affects double counting eligibility. Cross-reference the code with the supplier’s mass balance records to ensure the volume claimed does not exceed the certified input.

Country of origin and economic operator ID verification

The country of origin field indicates where the feedstock was cultivated or collected. For waste and residue feedstocks this is the country where the waste arose. The economic operator ID is the unique identifier assigned by the UDB to each registered company in the chain. Verify that the operator ID on the PoS matches the supplier’s UDB registration and that the country of origin is consistent with the collection point certificates. High risk jurisdictions identified by the European Commission or by your internal risk model require enhanced due diligence including satellite imagery verification of land use or third party verification of waste collection volumes. Any discrepancy between the PoS origin and the bill of lading origin must be resolved before the batch is accepted for regulatory reporting.

PoS Field	Data Format	Validation Rule	Common Error	Regulatory Impact
GHG Saving	Percentage and g CO2eq/MJ	Must meet 65% or 50% threshold per installation date	Rounding down below threshold	Batch ineligible for mandate
Feedstock Code	UDB code list (Annex IX A/B)	Must match collection point certificate	Generic waste code instead of specific UCO sub-category	Loss of double counting
Country of Origin	ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code	Must align with bill of lading and collection point	Trader country listed instead of feedstock origin	Enhanced due diligence triggered
Economic Operator ID	UDB unique identifier	Must match supplier UDB registration	Expired or suspended operator ID	Invalid PoS, potential fraud
Transaction Volume	Tonnes or litres	Must not exceed mass balance available	Volume split across multiple PoS exceeding input	Mass balance breach

The table provides a quick reference for the five most critical PoS fields. Each row shows the expected data format, the hard validation rule, the most frequent error seen in trade operations, and the direct regulatory consequence of that error. Compliance teams should build these checks into their enterprise resource planning system so that a PoS failing any rule is automatically flagged before the batch enters the blending tank. This automation reduces manual review time and creates a consistent audit trail for scheme auditors and customs authorities.

Feedstock-Specific Verification Protocols: UCO, Animal Fats, Virgin Oils, and Advanced Feedstocks

Verification requirements shift significantly depending on whether the feedstock is a waste, a residue, or a virgin crop because the regulatory burden of proof increases as the greenhouse gas savings potential rises. Used cooking oil and animal fats sit under the strictest traceability regimes since they qualify for double counting under Annex IX Part B and attract the highest fraud risk. Virgin oils such as rapeseed or sunflower follow standard agricultural certification but do not carry the same mass-balance complexity. Advanced feedstocks listed in Annex IX Part A, including tall oil pitch and crude glycerine, require proof that no market distortion occurs and that the material meets the technical definition of a processing residue rather than a co-product.

UCO traceability from collection point to processor

UCO traceability from collection point to processor relies on an unbroken chain of Proof of Sustainability documents that each reference the specific collection point certificate number and the exact European Waste Catalogue code 20 01 25. The first economic operator in the chain must be a registered collection point holding a valid ISCC EU or REDcert scope for waste collection. Every subsequent trader or processor must record the incoming batch volume against the mass balance of that specific collection point so that the total outgoing UCO never exceeds the verified collected quantity. Satellite imagery of collection point addresses and cross-checks against municipal waste registers are now standard enhanced due diligence steps for high-volume suppliers.

Animal by-products Category 1 and 3 compliance

Animal by-products Category 1 and 3 compliance requires verification that the rendering plant holds a valid veterinary approval number under Regulation 1069/2009 and that the feedstock is accompanied by a commercial document referencing the correct category. Category 1 material such as specified risk material is excluded from biofuel use while Category 3 processed animal fats are eligible but must be traceable to the rendering batch. The Proof of Sustainability must state the animal by-product category and the rendering plant approval number. Any batch lacking this linkage cannot receive a sustainability declaration under RED II and will be rejected at the Union Database upload stage.

Annex IX Part A vs Part B feedstock eligibility

Annex IX Part A vs Part B feedstock eligibility determines whether a material qualifies for double counting towards national renewable energy targets. Part A lists advanced feedstocks such as algae, bagasse, and tall oil that are not subject to a cap while Part B lists used cooking oil and animal fats which are capped at 1.7 percent of transport energy. Verification must confirm the feedstock appears on the correct annex and that the supplier provides a technical dossier proving the material meets the legal definition. Misclassification of a Part B feedstock as Part A or vice versa leads to incorrect double counting claims and triggers repayment obligations during scheme audits.

Trade Diesel & EN590 on Global Trade Plaza: diesel on Global Trade Plaza, diesel suppliers and exporters, diesel buyers and importers, en 590 10 ppm diesel, diesel fuel en590 buy requirement, automotive gas oil, petroleum oil related products on Global Trade Plaza, diesel fuel en590 euro 5 10ppm netherlands, diesel fuel en590 usdl 10 ppm, en590 diesel 10ppm ulsd, marine fuel gas oil mgo, diesel fuel en 590 ulsd 10 ppm ulsd 50ppm.

Related reading: EN590 10 PPM Diesel: Specifications and Global Uses, Marine Fuel Oil Grades: HSFO, MGO, IFO & VLSFO Compared.

Conclusion

Verify that the supplier holds an active Union Database account with matching legal entity details and that every Proof of Sustainability carries a valid digital signature, resolvable QR code, and greenhouse gas savings meeting the applicable RED II threshold. Cross-reference feedstock codes against Annex IX Part A or B and confirm them with independent carbon-14 laboratory analysis to detect virgin oil misdeclared as used cooking oil. Ensure the UDB transaction chain shows no duplicate allocation of the same mass balance quantity across different voluntary schemes and align national registry requirements such as Nabisy batch IDs, SNBC customs references, NTA 8080 certificates, or GSE registration extracts with the destination market.

Build contract warranty clauses that require EN 14214 Annex A sampling, accredited laboratory testing for FAME content and oxidation stability, and quantity reconciliation with the UDB transaction volume before first delivery. Match the certification scheme (ISCC EU, REDcert, 2BSvs, or RSB EU RED) to your feedstock category and national compliance layer to avoid customs rejection. Start your next verification by searching the Union Database public interface using the supplier economic operator ID or VAT number at the European Commission portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Union Database (UDB) and how do I verify a supplier's registration?

The Union Database is the central EU electronic traceability system where all economic operators placing liquid renewable fuels on the market must register and record transactions. Search the UDB public interface using the supplier's economic operator ID or VAT number to confirm an active account and continuous transaction history without gaps or duplicate allocations.

How do I read a Proof of Sustainability (PoS) document under RED II?

A valid PoS is generated in the Union Database with a unique UDB identifier, a valid digital signature, and a resolvable QR code linking to the transaction record. Verify that the feedstock code matches Annex IX Part A or B, the GHG savings meet the applicable RED II threshold for the pathway, and the mass balance quantity aligns with the physical delivery.

What are the red flags for used cooking oil (UCO) fraud from China?

Red flags include feedstock codes claiming Annex IX Part A or B UCO without corresponding carbon-14 laboratory analysis proving waste origin, missing or inconsistent UDB transaction chains from collection points, and prices significantly below the prevailing market for certified sustainable UCO. Cross-reference the PoS feedstock code against independent lab results to detect virgin oil misdeclaration.

Which certification scheme is best for biodiesel: ISCC EU vs REDcert vs 2BSvs?

ISCC EU offers the broadest global feedstock coverage including RFNBOs and mandates annual surveillance audits with mass balance as the default chain of custody. REDcert focuses on European supply chains with strong national recognition in Germany. 2BSvs provides streamlined processes for waste and residue streams. Select based on your feedstock category, destination market, and whether the scheme is recognized by the national registry (Nabisy, SNBC, GSE) where you operate.

What are the penalties for non-compliant biodiesel under Germany's 37th BImSchV?

Non-compliant biodiesel triggers quota obligation shortfalls, financial penalties calculated per missing gigajoule of renewable energy, and potential exclusion from the Nabisy registry. Customs can block cargo release at the border if the Nabisy ID is missing or the GHG value on the PoS does not match the Nabisy entry. Check the current BImSchV penalty schedule via the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE).

How does mass balance verification work for co-processed HVO/HEFA?

Mass balance requires the supplier to demonstrate that the sustainability characteristics claimed on the PoS do not exceed the physical quantity of certified renewable feedstock processed in the refinery. Verify the UDB transaction chain shows a single allocation for the co-processed volume and that the refinery's mass balance records reconcile input feedstock quantities with output HVO/HEFA volumes per the certification body's audit report.

What is the difference between Annex IX Part A and Part B feedstocks for verification?

Annex IX Part A lists advanced feedstocks like algae, straw, and forestry residues eligible for double counting towards transport targets with no cap. Part B covers used cooking oil and animal fats categories 1 and 2, also double counted but subject to a combined cap. Verify the PoS feedstock code matches the correct Part and that the supplier's certification scope covers that specific category.

How do I verify a biodiesel supplier's GHG emission savings claims?

Check the GHG savings value declared on the Proof of Sustainability against the applicable RED II threshold. Confirm the calculation methodology follows the scheme's approved tool (e.g., ISCC GHG calculator) and that the audit report verifies the actual supply chain emissions. Request the supplier's GHG calculation sheet for the specific batch.

What are the EN 14214:2019 testing requirements for B100 biodiesel?

First delivery verification requires EN 14214 Annex A sampling by an accredited laboratory testing for FAME content, oxidation stability, acid value, methanol content, and cold filter plugging point. Results must meet all EN 14214:2019 specification limits. Reconcile the tested quantity with the UDB transaction volume to confirm no volume substitution occurred.

How does FuelEU Maritime affect biodiesel supplier verification from 2025?

FuelEU Maritime introduces GHG intensity limits for maritime fuels and requires verified sustainability documentation for biofuel blends used on ships calling at EU ports. Suppliers must provide a PoS with feedstock and GHG data compatible with the FuelEU database. Buyers should confirm the supplier's certification scheme is recognized for maritime fuel pathways and that the UDB transaction includes the maritime end-use designation.

What simplified verification applies to small waste collectors under RED II Article 30(4)?

Small waste collectors below the national volume threshold may register with simplified documentation requirements, often through a group certification or national registry entry rather than a full voluntary scheme audit. Verify the collector appears in the national registry with a valid registration number and that their UDB transactions link to the first gathering point holding full certification. Confirm the national threshold with the competent authority.

How do I report suspected biofuel fraud to national authorities?

Report suspected fraud to the national competent authority overseeing biofuel sustainability (e.g., BLE in Germany, DGEC in France, NEa in Netherlands, GSE in Italy). Provide the UDB transaction ID, PoS details, supplier economic operator ID, and any laboratory evidence such as carbon-14 results contradicting the declared feedstock. Authorities can trigger audits, suspend Nabisy/SNBC/GSE accounts, and initiate customs investigations.

Sources

• European Biodiesel Board (EBB) (2025): EU-27 biodiesel and bioSAF production
• European Biodiesel Board (EBB) (2024): EU biodiesel feedstock mix