As global demand for renewable energy surges, Japan stands as one of Asia’s most promising and regulated markets. With its Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme incentivizing biomass-based electricity, the country offers strong opportunities for international suppliers of bioenergy and biomass materials. However, to access this market, exporters must meet strict sustainability and traceability requirements — and this is where the ISCC Japan FIT certification becomes essential.
If you’re an exporter looking to tap into Japan’s bioenergy sector, understanding and securing this standard is not just a recommendation — it’s a necessity. And with CBQA Global, a trusted and independent certification body, your path to certification can be streamlined, professional, and fully aligned with Japanese regulations.
What is ISCC Japan Fit?
The ISCC Japan FIT certification is a sustainability standard developed by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) organization. It is specifically designed to meet the strict criteria set by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for biomass power producers who wish to receive subsidies under Japan’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program.
To qualify for this scheme, imported biomass used in Japan for energy production must meet several key requirements:
- Sustainability compliance, including proof that the materials are not linked to deforestation
- Full traceability throughout the entire supply chain
- Accurate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission calculations
In addition, the biomass materials eligible under the ISCC Japan FIT scheme must be derived from agricultural products listed in METI’s official guidelines for biomass power generation. These guidelines specify that every step of the supply chain — from farms and plantations to processing units and traders — must be verified against ISCC’s Principles and Criteria (P&Cs) for sustainability.
Moreover, the supply chain must use either the Identity Preserved or Segregation models for chain of custody. These models ensure that certified biomass remains clearly separated from non-certified materials, guaranteeing transparency and credibility.
With ISCC Japan FIT certification, exporters can confidently demonstrate that their biomass products meet Japan’s legal and environmental standards — opening the door to one of the world’s most promising renewable energy markets.
Benefit of implementing ISCC Japan Fit
The ISCC Japan FIT certification, developed by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system, to meet the specific requirements set by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for biomass power producers under the FIT scheme . Implementing this certification offers several advantages:
- Market Access: Certification ensures that biomass materials are recognized under Japan’s FIT system, allowing exporters to tap into a market that values sustainable energy sources.
- Regulatory Compliance: It guarantees adherence to Japan’s stringent sustainability criteria, including deforestation-free sourcing, full supply chain traceability, and accurate greenhouse gas (GHG) calculations.
- Enhanced Credibility: Holding an internationally recognized certification like ISCC Japan FIT enhances a company’s reputation, signaling commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Eligible Materials Under this standard
This standard covers a range of biomass materials derived from agricultural products, as stipulated in METI’s guidelines for biomass power generation. Eligible materials include:
- Palm Kernel Shells (PKS)
- Palm Trunks
- Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB)
- Coconut Shells
- Cashew Nut Shells
- Walnut Shells
- Almond Shells
- Pistachio Shells
- Sunflower Seed Shells
- Corn Straw Pellets
- Bengkuang Seeds
- Sugar Cane Stems & Leaves
- Peanut Shells
- Cashew Nutshell Liquid
These materials must meet specific sustainability criteria, including verification against ISCC’s Principles and Criteria for all entities in the supply chain, from farms and plantations to processing units and traders.
Who Needs ISCC Japan FIT Certification?
ISCC Japan FIT certification is crucial for various stakeholders involved in the biomass supply chain targeting the Japanese market here’s the breakdown
- Biomass Producers: Farmers and plantation owners produce eligible biomass materials.
- Collectors and Traders: Entities involved in gathering, processing, and trading biomass materials.
- Processing Units: Facilities that process raw biomass into forms suitable for energy production.
- Exporters and Importers: Companies exporting biomass to Japan or importing it for domestic use.
- Power Producers: Japanese energy companies utilizing biomass under the FIT scheme.
Each participant in the supply chain must ensure compliance with this standards to maintain the integrity and sustainability of the biomass materials.
How CBQA Global can help
Navigating the complexities of ISCC Japan FIT certification can be challenging. This is where CBQA Global steps in as your trusted partner certification body, offering comprehensive services to facilitate your certification journey.
In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, Japan’s FIT system presents significant opportunities for biomass exporters. Achieving this standard is a strategic move that not only ensures compliance with Japanese regulations but also enhances market access and operational excellence. Partnering with a reputable certification body with us, CBQA Global can contribute certification process, positioning your business for success in Japan’s renewable energy sector, For more information on how CBQA Global can assist in achieving ISCC Japan FIT certification, contact us or register here for certification
