MSPO Standard Series Revised

The MS 2530:2013 series of standards under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) scheme has driven sustainability initiatives since implementation began in 2013. This has contributed to the transformation of the Malaysian industry in producing sustainable palm oil. The amount of human and financial investment in industry development has been massive, especially in ensuring continuous compliance by users of the standard. The impact has been extensive on both business standards and national policies on the commodity.

However, the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) understands the need to further address market destination requirements, business and consumer needs, as well as the trajectory of certified sustainable palm oil. The MSPO 2022 version (MS 2530:2022 series of standards) – derived through a credible consultative process – will address all those concerns. The revisions have been based on international practices and are in accordance with the Standard Setting Process of the Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia).

The MS 2530:2022 standard series were launched on March 22, 2022, following approval by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry on Jan 27, 2022. It will replace the MS 2530:2013 series and the Supply Chain Certification Standard (MSPO-SCCS-01).

A systematic approach is now required to enable smooth implementation, taking into account new actors within the palm oil value chain, and additional needs in meeting environment, social and governance issues. For this, a feasible transition roadmap has been established. The English Language version will be applied over 18 months from July 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2023. All audits from Jan 1, 2024 will be carried out against the MS 2530:2022 standard.

Accredited Certification Bodies

All accredited certification bodies (ACBs) are required to adhere to the following:

1. From July 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2023, all ACBs shall obtain accreditation from Standards Malaysia against the MS 25350:2022 programme, and must be able to issue MS 2530:2022 certificates.
2. ACBs shall notify – at least 1 month in advance – Standards Malaysia and MPOCC on the first transition audit of their client, based on the new scope to be witnessed by Standards Malaysia.
3. From Jan 1, 2024, new applications and re-certification assessments for accreditation by Standards Malaysia shall be against the MS 2530:2022 standard only.
4. The Accreditation scope is as follows:
   • Part 2: MS 2530-2-1 & MS 2530-2-2
   • Part 3: MS 2530-3-1 & MS 2530-3-2
   • Part 4.1: MS 2530-4-1
   • Part 4.2: MS 2530-4-2
   • Part 4.3: MS 2530-4-3

Note: Only CBs accredited to that particular scope can conduct audits for these parts.

Certificate holders and new applications

Current certificate holders

New Applications

1. Current MSPO certificate holders (OPMC and SCCS) undergoing surveillance audits or recertification audits can only conduct one Annual Surveillance Audit or Recertification Audit against the MS 2530:2013 and/or MSPO-SCCS-01 standards from July 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2023. Subsequent audits shall be conducted against the MS 2530:2022 standard.
2. New applications before Jan 1, 2023, shall be audited against the MS 2530:2013 or MSPO-SCCS-01 standards. New applications from Jan 1, 2023, shall be audited against MS 2530:2022 standard only.
3. From Jan 1, 2024, all certificates shall be audited against the MS 2530:2022 standard only. All certificates against the MS 2530:2013 and MSPO-SCCS-01 standards will no longer be valid.
4. For palm oil mills certified against both the MS 2530:2013 and MSPO-SCCS-01 standards, the date of the transition should not exceed the annual audit date of either certificate. New certificates for palm oil mills shall be only issued against the MS 2530-4-1:2022 standard.
5. Certificate holders shall make the necessary amendments or adaptation at all levels (management and operational) when transitioning to the MS 2530:2022 standard. All non-conformities raised against the MS 2530:2013 and MSPO-SCCS-01 standards shall be closed before making the transition. Upon successful transition, certificate holders will be issued with a new certificate, with the existing certification cycle maintained.

Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council