LCFS Executive Officer Approved Certification Systems
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Overview
To reduce the risk that rapid expansion of biofuel production and biofuel feedstock demand could result in deforestation or adverse land use change, additional guardrails on the use of crop-based and forestry-based feedstocks (i.e., biomass-based feedstocks or biomass) for biofuel production are now included. The amended 2025 Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Regulation became effective on July 1, 2025, and included sustainability requirements for biomass used in fuel pathways. Biomass encompasses all crop-based and forestry-based materials used as feedstocks for finished fuel and/or process energy.
Beginning January 1, 2028, all biomass from the point-of-origin to the feedstock first gathering point must be certified by Executive Officer (EO) approved certification systems according to the phase-in implementation timeline.
Who May Apply?
Any organization seeking CARB approval to provide third-party sustainability certification for LCFS biomass-based feedstocks may apply to the EO.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted to CARB at least 90 days before the reporting deadline. Once an organization is approved by the EO to become a certification system, biomass suppliers (Feedstock first gathering points and respective farms, plantations or forests) may utilize the approved certification systems to gain certification. Approved certification systems will be published on the CARB LCFS website and are subject to reapproval every three years.
LCFS Certification System Application Form and Instructions
Email completed applications and supporting documentation to lcfsannualreport@arb.ca.gov.
European Union Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED) Certification Systems
The Executive Officer will approve voluntary schemes (certification systems) that have been recognized by the European Commission for the European Union Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED) 2018/2001 as of December 31, 2025, to certify biomass supply chains from the feedstock first gathering point to the respective farms, forests and/or plantations. Approved certification systems will be subject to the reapproval requirements of section 95488.9(g)(8)(G). Below is the current list of EU RED recognized certification systems with relevant information including feedstock types and geographic and chain-of-custody coverage.
Feedstock first gathering points may elect to certify their biomass through an approved EU RED certification system to meet the initial post‑2026 phased certification requirements outlined in section 95488.9(g)(5).