Palm oil, a widely used vegetable oil, holds immense market value and employs millions globally. Its production impacts ecosystems, leading to conflicts and deforestation. Establishing regulations is crucial to manage this industry sustainably, balancing profitability without harming people or the environment.
What is MSPO?
The MSPO Certification Scheme is the national scheme in Malaysia for palm oil production certification. MSPO is the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil standard against which companies involved in palm oil production are certified. MPOCC, the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council, is the MSPO scheme owner and operator. The MSPO certification provides an effective, sustainable and responsible management system that positively impacts social, environmental and economic aspects of palm oil production while mitigating negative impacts. The MSPO standard is in accordance with many existing national laws and regulations in the management of palm oil production.
MSPO is based on 7 principles
- Management commitment and responsibility
- Transparency
- Compliance to legal requirements
- Social responsibility, health, safety and suitable employment conditions
- Environment, natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem
- Best practices
- Development of new plantings
Who needs MSPO?
MSPO certifies:
- Oil palm plantations
- Independent and organized smallholdings
- Palm oil processing facilities
- Companies in the supply chain that refine, process, transform, distribute, manufacture and trade palm oil products
What are the different MSPO standards?
There are 3 separate standards under the current MSPO scheme:
MSPO 2530-2: Requirements for independent smallholders
MSPO 2530-3: Requirements for oil palm plantations & organized smallholders
MSPO 2530-4: Requirements for palm oil mill
Key benefits of MSPO certification
- Improves management standards
- Promotes sustainable forest management
- Enhances biodiversity
- Enhances social responsibility
- Improved efficiency leads to economic benefits
- Compliance with health and safety policies
- Compliance with legal and contractor requirements
- Access to existing and new markets
Certification procedure
- Application
- Stage I Audit
- Stage II Audit
- Peer Review
- Issuance of Certification
- Surveillance Audit
- Recertification
