NATIONAL CERTIFICATION SCHEME (NIS) CONSULTING
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National Certification Scheme
The European Commission, through Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) and Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III), has set ambitious targets for renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions by setting a minimum target of 42.5 percent renewable energy by 2030, with 29 percent in transport.
Biofuels include biofuels (including biodiesel, bioethanol, HVO, and biomethane for transportation), bioliquids, biomass fuels (for energy uses other than transportation), and bio-based hydrogen. They represent, to date, the most immediate and commercially available solution to achieve these goals.
At the national level, Interministerial Decree No. 294 of 07/08/2024 updates the provisions of Ministerial Decree 14/11/2019 on sustainability certification of biofuels, renewable fuels of non-biological origin, and fuels from recycled carbon. It regulates the operation of the national certification system ( NIS), the obligations of economic operators, the activities of certification and accreditation bodies.
Why certify?
The decree offers certified supply chain operators the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate compliance with legal obligations and adherence to environmental and social sustainability criteria;
- Benefit from tax incentives reserved for biofuels certified as sustainable;
- Contribute to the achievement of European targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable energy;
- Increasing one’s competitiveness in the market.
To whom does NIS certification apply?
It is mandatory for economic operators involved in the production, transfer, use and marketing of renewable raw materials and fuels for the domestic market, as well as for ETS Entities and electricity/thermal power producers using biofuels.
The certification process
The certificate of compliance lasts for 5 years, with periodic audits:
- Initial verification: aimed at verifying the compliance of the management system activated by the economic operator with the NIS;
- First surveillance audit: scheduled no later than the first six months after the issuance of the Certificate of Compliance;
- Periodic surveillance audits at intervals not exceeding 12 months from the day of issuance of the certificate of compliance;
- Renewal verification of the certificate of compliance: scheduled in the six months prior to the expiration date of the certificate of compliance;
- Closure verification: to be carried out if the economic operator discontinues operations or changes Certification Body.
What services does Etacarinae offer?
EtaCarinae provides all the necessary consulting services to support companies in obtaining and maintaining certification in accordance with the National Certification System for Biofuels and Bioliquids Sustainability, including
- Preliminary technical assessment: Analysis of products subject to qualification;
- Management system: implementation, optimization and updating;
- Corporate training: courses and regulatory updates;
- Internal audits: verification of sustainability management;
- Audit support: Preparation and support during second/third party audits;
- GHG calculation.: GHG emissions analysis along the entire supply chain;
- Outsourcing sustainability: mass balance management and sustainability documentation;
- Support to Obligated Persons.: management/compilation of CVS file and verification of CICs;
- UDB support.: training and initial registration.
Etacarinae a world leader in sustainability, legislation and market management of the bioenergy sector.