The RSPO is aware of the recent report “In the shadow of the oil palm”, produced by the Christian Initiative Romero (CIR) and the grievances published by Foodwatch and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) which implicate several RSPO Members, including NaturAceites, a Certified Grower Member. We also note the rising concerns amongst stakeholders along the supply chain.

The RSPO Secretariat assures concerned parties that it has taken the necessary steps to review the allegations stated in these reports, with regard to the quality of the audits and the RSPO assurance process, and that it is working closely with the Members involved to gain a full understanding of the situation. 

The RSPO certification process is one of several systems in place to ensure that RSPO certified members abide by the standards. To ensure the credibility of the RSPO Standards, independent and third-party auditors play a key role in certification. This means that, in order to prevent a conflict of interest, the allocation or retraction of RSPO certifications is not decided by the RSPO but by an independent Certification Body (CB). The CBs that offer RSPO Certification services are in turn accredited by an independent Assurance Body (AB), Assurance Services International (ASI). This system of independent checks and balances is developed to ensure the certification process remains fair and impartial. 

The CB that conducted the 2023 RSPO audits mentioned in the above reports  is no longer accredited to audit against the 2018 RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C), following a voluntary reduction of its accreditation scope by the ASI in August 2023. The RSPO Secretariat has been informed by NaturAceites that they have enlisted another CB (Control Union) and have taken the initiative to expedite the annual audits for the sites involved. The audits which were originally scheduled for June 2024 will now take place in April and May 2024. NaturAceites has also expressed to RSPO its continued commitment to transparency and interest in supporting all processes related to the verification of good practices in labour, environmental and social issues as required in the RSPO 2018 P&C.  

The RSPO Secretariat is also in close contact with ASI to ensure appropriate independent supervision is accorded to the audit process, and has requested ASI to review the question, if the alleged flaws in the previous audit process merit corrective actions to be taken.

The RSPO remains committed to transparency and accountability. A firm part of this objective process is an independent Complaints Panel of eminent individuals from a diverse range of stakeholder groups (including civil society). The RSPO Complaints Panel can launch an investigation if a complaint is lodged and accepted in RSPO’s Complaint System. To date no such complaint has been filed with the RSPO with regard to the allegations in Guatemala or Honduras mentioned in the reports. 

The RSPO Secretariat has engaged with Foodwatch and ECCHR and explained the option for the parties to lodge a formal complaint in RSPO’s complaint system. An invitation has been sent to CIR with whom the RSPO hopes to engage in a similar discussion.

The RSPO is continuing to monitor this case closely with the aim of improving its assurance process where necessary and to ensure that oil palm products are being produced in a responsible and sustainable manner in accordance with the RSPO Standards.