EU approves Malaysian palm oil certification

The European Union (EU) has recognised Malaysia’s Certified Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as a credible standard that can help meet the EU’s new deforestation regulation, Borneo Bulletin reports.

In a statement, Malaysia’s certification bodies said the recognition reinforces the MSPO standard’s role as an effective government framework and highlights the country’s contribution to global trade.

The new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), due to come into force in December, requires companies trading in soy, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa and coffee, as well as certain products such as leather, chocolate and furniture, to ensure that land associated with these products has been free of deforestation from 2020.

MSPO began as a voluntary palm oil certification scheme in Malaysia, the world’s second-largest palm oil exporter. It became mandatory for producers in January 2020. The certification provides buyers and regulators with confidence that palm oil is legally sourced and free from deforestation, while the digital traceability system provides full supply chain transparency and builds trust among stakeholders around the world.

Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said the recognition confirms Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable palm oil production and ensures that more than half a million smallholder farmers are fully engaged in the sustainability agenda.

Tags: EU, Malaysia, palm oil, deforestation, EUDR