FAQ - Enplus

Application Process
What is the certification procedure for becoming certified?
Step 1: Check whether there is a National Licenser in your country. If you are located in a country where there is no National Licenser, please proceed with the next steps and get in contact with us at enplus@bioenergyeurope.org. If you are applying from a country that has a National Licenser, please send it to the relevant country’s contact email available on our website.
Step 2: Select and contract a listed Certification Body.
Step 3: Complete the relevant application form depending on your business model (producer, trader or service provider). The form can be completed electronically with Adobe Reader XI. Once completed, it should be sent to the contracted Certification Body.
Step 4: An inspector from the contracted Certification Body will perform an initial inspection (including all sites), will take a sample for analysis and issue an inspection report based on the findings of the inspection.
Step 5: The independent Certification Body checks if the applying company fulfils with the ENplus^® requirements, issues a Conformity Report and submits the document to the applicant as well as to the relevant Scheme Management.
Step 6: If your company fulfils the requirements for certification, the relevant Scheme Management sends an invoice for the license fees based on the projected production/trading figures for the year. The fees will be calculated by applying the fraction of the year remaining to the estimated production/traded amount for the full year.
In case the applying company is the bag design owner, the compliance of the bag design with the ENplus^® requirements will have to be approved by the relevant Scheme Management.
Step 7: After the applicant has paid the fees and the bag design has been approved (if applicable), the relevant Scheme Management sends the ENplus^® trademark usage toolkit, to the company; the Competent Certification Body provides the certificate. The applying company and the relevant Management sign the ENplus^® licensing contract. The company name is then published on all relevant ENplus^® websites.
Step 8: The person appointed as the quality manager in your company (your company’s employee) will need to attend the Quality Manager’s training during the first year of certification, and then once every certification period (every 3 years).
How long does the certification process take?
In general, the certification process could take about 2 to 3 months to complete.
The length of it is depending on your business activity (e.g., several plants, several facilities) and the preparedness of the applying company.
How much does the certification cost?
The license fee is 0,18 EUR per tonne produced/traded pellets for non-members of Bioenergy Europe and 0,15 EUR per tonne for the members (see schedule of fees). Additionally, you would have to pay annual administration fee of 250 EUR and also for the services of the involved Certification Body. For the fees of the Certification Body you would need to contact them directly for their availabilities and offers.
Which fuels can be the ENplus^® certified?
Only pellets made of woody biomass can be ENplus^® certified.
Bagging of pellets
How can a certified company use ENplus^® on its pellet bags?
The ENplus^® certification grants certified companies the right to bag their pellets in bags showing the ENplus^® logo.
All ENplus^® bag designs must be approved by the International Management of ENplus^® (EPC) (in countries without any National Management) or the competent National Management before the bags are sold on the market.
All the information about the approval of the bag designs and those requirements can be found in the ENplus^® ST 1003.
Does a company bagging pellets need its “own” bag design or can also bag pellets and use bag design of another company?
Both options are possible.
The leading general requirement is that any bag design that is used for bagging ENplus^® certified pellets shall be approved by the ENplus^® Scheme Management (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3; ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.1).
The leading general requirement is that any bag design that is used for bagging ENplus^® certified pellets shall be approved by the ENplus^® Scheme Management (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3; ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.1).
The company that owns the bag design, applies for the bag design approval and receives the approval from the ENplus^® Scheme Management is called the ”bag design owner” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.3). The ENplus^® ID is always displayed at the bag design regardless of who bagged the pellets (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.3; ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.4).
1. Where the company bagging the pellets and uses its own bag design (i.e. it is the bag design owner), it shall ensure that the bag design has been approved by the ENplus^® Scheme Management (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3, ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.1).
2. Where the company bagging the pellets uses the bag design of another company, i.e. it is not the bag design owner, it shall receive a written permission from the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3, ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2). The content of this written permission shall include elements listed in ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2. The company receiving the permission should always check at the ENplus^® website (www.enplus-pellets.eu) whether the bag design has been approved and who is the bag design owner.
Who is responsible that the bagged pellets comply with the information displayed on the bag design? The “bag design owner” or the company bagging the pellets?
Both.
The “bag design owner” is ultimately responsible that the bagged pellets comply with the bag design:
a) The company bagging the pellets shall ensure directly that the bagged pellets conform to information displayed on the bag design (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3).
b) When the bag design owner gave a permission to another company bagging the pellets to use the bag design, it shall ensure through an enforceable mechanism supported by a written contract that the bag design is used in compliance with the ENplus^® requirements (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.1).
The term “enforceable mechanism” requires that the “permission” is a part of a written contract and that the compliance with the contract can be enforced by the bag design owner.
The company that is bagging (and is not the bag design owner) shall ensure that the bagged pellets conform to the information shown on the bag design by:
a) Permission / contract with the bag design owner (see above) and
b) Requirements of ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3.
The term “information included on the applied bag design” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3) covers all information on the applied bag design, such as the ENplus^® quality class or pellets diameter but also fuel properties (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.12-15) and “additional information” such as species, geographical origin, forest certification scheme, etc. (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16).
Shall each bag design be approved by the ENplus^® scheme management team?
Every bag design that includes the ENplus^® Trademark (the ENplus^® bag design) shall be approved by the ENplus^® scheme management before its use.
ENplus^® scheme management of the respective country receives the application for the bag design approval, evaluates the application, issues the approval and the “bag design approval number”.
The approval number is issued for every specific bag design and for any version and it shall be used in the delivery documentation. Therefore, it’s important that each bag design which is in use have the corresponding approval number.
What is the exclusion zone?
Exclusion zone is, according to the ENplus^® ST 1003, Table 2 and Figure 1, a zone around the ENplus^® seal that needs to be free of any imagery. This means that no inscriptions or graphics can be added in this zone. The size of the exclusion zone should cover at least the rectangular zone around the ENplus^® seal. This zone should be the at least the size of the ID number around the whole ENplus^® seal – please see below an example of the model exclusion zone:
In practice, this means that the zone “E” (exclusion zone), as on the above graphic, needs to be of the same colour as the zone “C”.
What information / format shall be used in a “serial number” for bagged pellets?
The company bagging pellets shall include in the bag design a serial number (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.3.2.4; ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.11).
The standard does not prescribe any specific format of the serial number, it can be a numerical or alfa-numerical code, a bar code or even a QR code. The standard does not require that a customer or an end-user shall be able to “decode” the serial number. However, the serial number shall allow the company to identify:
a) The entity responsible for bagging the pellets, including a bagging site,
b) Date and site of the bagging.
The serial number shall also be printed directly on the bag (labels are not accepted).
The implementation of the serial number requirement has obtained an extended transition period until 1 January 2025.
If bagging is performed by another company than the bag design owner, whose ENplus^® ID is displayed on the bag design?
Regardless of who performs the bagging activity, the ENplus^® bag design shall always include the ENplus^® quality seal of the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.2, 7.2.3.2.4).
The entity that is performing bagging for the bag design owner, has to have a valid written permission issued by the bag design owner which allows the company to bag for the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003 7.2.3.1.2).
Can the serial number be in a format of a QR code?
The standard does not prescribe any specific format of the serial number, it can be a numerical or alfa-numerical code. However, the serial number shall allow identification of:
a) The entity responsible for bagging the pellets;
b) Date and site of the bagging.
Can the bag design include identification of another company instead of the bag design owner?
The ENplus^® bag design shall always include clear identification of the bag design owner, its name, address, website and email address.
The bag design owner can also include in the bag design another company. However, it shall be clear and unambiguous from the bag design by the “font size” and by “introduction” of the company, e.g. “distributor: name, address” who has the overall responsibility for the pellets quality and the use of the ENplus® bag design (ENplus^® ST 1003:2022, 7.2.3.1.2).
Can the serial number be placed on the pallet rather than an individual bag?
No.
The standard requires that the serial number shall be a part of the bag design (ENplus^® ST 1003:2022, 7.2.3.2.11).
Can the serial number be added to the bag design as a sticker?
No.
The standard requires that all information included in the bag design shall be printed on the bag directly (ENplus^® ST 1003:2022, 7.2.3.1.3). This ensures that the information cannot be changed or removed during the next stages of the trading process.
A company displays on the bag design stricter values than the ENplus^® thresholds. How is the pellets conformity checked for those values?
The company is allowed to display on the bag design additional information about the pellets properties that can be presented as either (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.12):
a) using the threshold values of the ENplus^® scheme (ENplus^® ST 1001, Annex 1.1); or
b) stricter threshold values.
The option of using the “stricter values” as well as the value itself is selected by the company (bag design owner) themselves. Therefore, the company has also full responsibility for the pellets conformity for those values.
1. At the time of the bag design approval, the company shall provide the ENplus^® scheme management with laboratory analysis confirming the pellets conformity. The laboratory analysis shall be conducted by ENplus^® testing body as a part of the certification process (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.15a). The conformity is checked by the ENplus^® scheme management as a part of the bag design approval process.
2. At the time of bagging, the company shall ensure that the bagged pellets conform to the “stricter values”. This shall be confirmed by the latest test results conducted by the ENplus^® testing body as a part of the certification process. The conformity is checked by the ENplus^® certification body as a part of the certification process (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.15c).
3. When the pellets are procured from another ENplus^® certified company, the bag design owner and/or company responsible for bagging shall request results of the pellets testing from the pellets producer (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.15);
4. When the bagged pellets originate in several plants, all testing results shall conform to the stricter values (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.15b).
5. When the bagging is performed by another ENplus^® certified company based on permission from the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2), both the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2, 7.2.3.2.15e) as well as the company performing the bagging (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3) needs to ensure compliance.
Can the company display on its bag design labels and claims of other certification schemes?
The company is allowed to display in the bag design additional information about the pellets that is not covered by the ENplus^® scheme. This also includes labels and claims for other certification schemes (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16). An example can be a forest certification scheme (FSC or PEFC).
The bag design owner is responsible that the claim is accurate, verifiable and non-misleading (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16) and also ensures that the pellets are conforming to the presented claims (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16; ENplus® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3). This also applies to the company bagging the pellets when the bag design is used based on the permission of the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2).
In case of using the claims of another certification scheme (e.g. PEFC or FSC), the presented claims and labels shall:
a) Comply with the requirements of the particular scheme;
b) The company shall hold a valid certificate that is recognised by the particular certification scheme.
The valid certificate recognised by the referenced certification scheme (e.g. PEFC or FSC) is then used as the “presumption of conformity” and the pellets compliance with the claim does not need to verified by the ENplus^® scheme management and ENplus^® certification body.
However, the ENplus^® scheme management shall verify, as a part of the bag design approval that the used label and the wording of the claim conform to the requirements of the particular scheme.
Company displays additional information not covered by the ENplus^® certification in the bag design (e.g. species, country origin). How is the conformity checked with this information?
The company is allowed to display in the bag design additional information about the pellets that is not covered by the ENplus^® scheme and ENplus^® certification, for example wood species, country of origin, forest certification scheme, etc.
The option of displaying additional information is a choice of the company (the bag design owner) itself. Therefore, the company has also full responsibility for the pellets’ conformity with this information.
1. The information displayed at the bag design shall be accurate, verifiable and non-misleading. For example, a claim stating “pellets originate in good forestry” or “pellets originate from certified forests” is not accurate. This claim is not verifiable and is misleading as “good forestry” does not have any definition and cannot be verified, “certified forests” does not say against which scheme the raw material is certified and what are the requirements of the scheme (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16).
2. At the time of the bag design approval, the company shall provide the ENplus^® scheme management with sufficient evidence on pellets conformity with the presented claims. The conformity is checked by the ENplus^® scheme management as a part of the bag design approval process (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16).
3. At the time of bagging, the company shall ensure that the bagged pellets conform to the presented claims. The conformity is checked by the ENplus^® certification body as a part of the certification process (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16).
4. Where the pellets are procured from another ENplus^® certified company, the bag design owner and/or company responsible for bagging shall request evidence on the pellets’ conformity with the presented claim. (e.g., results of the pellets testing from the pellets producer (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16; ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3).
5. Where the bagged pellets originate in several plants, all bagged pellets shall conform to the presented claims (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16; ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3).
6. Where the bagging is performed by another ENplus^® certified company based on permission from the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2), both the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2, 7.2.3.2.16) as well as the company performing the bagging (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.2.4, 6.2.2.3) need to ensure compliance.
Certification Platform (Radix Tree)
Should I pay for having an account?
No. The Certification Platform (Radix Tree) is free of charge for all certified companies. To register, you will receive an invitation via email. Take a look at this tutorial for the steps you need to follow once you receive the invitation!
How can I submit my Annual Figures?
To submit your Annual Figures, please carefully follow this explanatory video or this tutorial.
How can I change the language of the platform?
You can easily display the language of the Certification platform (Radix Tree). Check out this tutorial!
How can I access my bag design and other relevant documents?
To check your bag design, simply log into the Certification Platform (Radix Tree) and click the arrow on the top right corner of your screen (next to your Name and Company name), then click “Edit company profile”. Go to the tab called “Bag designs”. Once you open it, you will find all the documents related to each specific bag design.
Furthermore, this is the place where you will find any other documents relevant to your company – (such is Conformity Reports, Laboratory Reports, Certificates, ENplus^® contracts, ENplus^® seals, etc.) simply explore the other tabs shown.
Can I create an account for another colleague?
Yes. After logging into your account, access the tab “User Details” in the left side. Click the “Add new” and complete the fields. In the field “Choose Role”, it is important to select Domain admin. Then, click the Submit button to save your input. Now the email you submitted must have received an invitation to activate the new account.
Complaints
What type of complaints is the company responsible to resolve?

The company shall have procedures for investigation and resolution of complaints relating to the quality of pellets, respectively conformity of the ENplus^® certified pellets and ENplus^® certified company with the ENplus^® requirements.

Complaints from stakeholders that relate to other issues (e.g. financial, sustainability, product design, or uncertified pellets) are not regulated by the ENplus^® standards and are outside the scope of the ENplus^® certification.

Can a company reject a complaint as not justifiable?

The company is required to receive a complaint, investigate it, make a decision and inform the complainant in writing about the outcome of the investigation (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 7.3.4.5).

The standard does not predefine the outcomes of the complaints investigation and the company can reject the complaint as:

a) Not related to the scope of the ENplus^® certification;

b) Not related to the company’s activities;

c) Not justifiable in regard to the compliance with the ENplus^® requirements.

When the company rejects the complaint as not related to its activities, scope of the ENplus^® certification or when the complainant is not satisfied with the outcomes of the investigation, the company shall inform the complainant about the possibility to re-submit the complaint to the ENplus^® scheme management.

When the investigation of complaints requires testing of pellets, does the company need to engage the testing body that was involved in the certification process?

The company does not need to engage the same testing body that was involved in the ENplus^® certification process. The company can contact any testing body that is accredited for the tests to be performed. The accreditation shall be valid and issued by a national accreditation body that is a member of the EA (European cooperation for Accreditation) or ILAC (International laboratory Accreditation Cooperation).

Shall a company always use an external testing body for investigation of complaints?

The use of an external, accredited testing body is not required when the investigation of complaints concerns the following pellets parameters: fines content, moisture, mechanical durability and bulk density.

In this case the testing can be performed by the company itself.
Definitions
Based on what criteria is Producer, Trader or Service Provider certification decided?

The ENplus^® certification applies to three types of companies: Producers, Traders and Service Providers. The criteria used to decide whether a company is considered to be a Producer, a Trader or a Service Provider are primarily defined in ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.1 for Producers, 4.2 for Traders and 4.3 for Service Provider:

1. A company that does not take ownership of the pellets is always considered to be a “Service Provider” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.35). Only a company that offers services in bagging of pellets, small-scale delivery and/or storage of pellets in a facility from which the pellets are delivered to end-users can be considered to be a “Service Providers”. For all other services, a company is considered to be “external sub-contractor” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.2).

1. A company that does not take ownership of the pellets is always considered to be a “Service Provider” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.35). Only a company that offers services in bagging of pellets, small-scale delivery and/or storage of pellets in a facility from which the pellets are delivered to end-users can be considered to be a “Service Providers”. For all other services, a company is considered to be “external sub-contractor” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.2).

2. Any company that has ownership of pellets shall be classified as either “Producer” or “Trader” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.35).

3. Any company that is responsible for pellets production shall be considered to be “Producer” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.33, 4.1).

4. Any company that is procuring pellets from other companies shall be considered to be “Trader”.

4.5. Any company that is responsible for small-scale delivery (with the pellets ownership) shall be considered to be “Trader” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.39, 4.2).

5.6. A company that produces pellets and at the same time is responsible for the small-scale delivery shall be considered simultaneously Producer and Trader and shall hold two separate certificates, one for Producer activities and a second one for Trader’s activities (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.33, 3.39, 4.1,4.2).

Does a company that produces pellets and at the same time trades pellets or bagged pellets need both Producer and Trader certification?

1. A company that produces pellets and bagged pellets from its own production, or is responsible for large-scale delivery or for storage before the delivery to end-users from its own production, is considered to be Producer (only) and will only have “Producer certificate” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 3.33, 4.1);

2. A company that produces pellets and at the same time trades pellets procured from other sources is considered to be “Producer” (for production and trade of its own pellets) and “Trader” (for trade of the pellets from other sources). It will need to have two certificates, one with the “Producer’s scope” and a second one with the “Trader’s scope”.

It should be noted that the requirements in Section 5 for Producers and in Section 6 for Traders that relate to the same activity (e.g. bagging of pellets) are identical. So, a company with both Producer and Trader certificates (scenario 2) does not need to implement different requirements for pellets from its own production and for pellets procured form other sources.
Errors in the standard
ENplus^® ST 1001 includes conflicting signs for content of fines. What is correct “>3,15 mm”, “≤ 3,15 mm” and “< 3,15 mm”?
The correct size threshold for the fines is “< 3,15 mm” as indicated in Annex A.1.
Loading of pellets and transport vehicles
Who is responsible for the cleanliness of the transport vehicles?
The company that is responsible for loading the pellets, i.e. operating the loading site is responsible for checking the cleanliness of the loaded transport vehicles. The company shall keep records, i.e. as a part of the delivery documentation that the cleanliness of the transport vehicle has been checked (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.5, 6.2.3.11).
The standard provides an exemption of fully automated loading sites without company’s personnel where the cleanliness of each loaded transport vehicle cannot be checked. In this case, the company shall include a clear statement that the transport vehicle has not been checked for contamination.
Does the cleanliness of the transport vehicles need to be verified for pellets in big bag?
The company that is responsible for loading the bulk pellets, i.e. operating the loading site is responsible for checking the cleanliness of the loaded transport vehicles. The company shall keep records, i.e. as a part of the delivery documentation that the cleanliness of the transport vehicle has been checked (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.5, 5.2.4.3, 6.2.3.11, 6.2.4.3).
Although the big bag, by definition is considered to be “bulk pellets” this requirement does not apply to the transport of big bags as the big bags themselves ensure that the pellets cannot be contaminated by the transport vehicle.
Normative references
The ENplus^® documentation makes reference to a number of international ISO standards or its own ENplus^® specific documentation. What will happen in case some of those documents have been revised and replaced by a newer version?
All ENplus^® documents include a chapter 2 named Normative references. This chapter lists the “external documents” that are referenced by the ENplus^® documentation and have therefore become an integral part of the ENplus^® requirements.
The normative documents can be presented in chapter 2 either as “dated” (e.g. ENplus^® ST 1002:2022) or “undated” references (ENplus^® ST 1002). For all undated references, the company shall use the latest version (including any amendments) of the particular document.
Mass balance account
What information shall mass balance account provide?
The objective of the mass balance account (MBA) is to provide information about all transactions of ENplus^® certified pellets and other pellets. The input transactions are either outcomes of the production process (Producers) or procurement of pellets (Traders). The output transactions are sales of pellets. The difference between the sale and procurement (production) is the amount of pellets in storage.
Individual input transactions shall be supported by production documentation (Producer) or procurement documentation (Trader). Individual output transactions shall be supported by sales documentation.
For individual transactions, the following shall be included in the MBA: ENplus^® quality class, diameters, bag design, bulk/bagged pellets, date of the transaction/period, volume (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.3, 6.2.5.4).
Example of MBA:
How shall be documented the input pellets in case of production?
The mass balance account (MBA) shall include input transactions for all pellets. In case of production, the input transaction is production of pellets, respectively volume of pellets leaving the production.
Contrary to procurement of pellets, there is no verifiable documentation of an external organisation (e.g. an invoice) and the production volume shall therefore be documented by internal production documentation. Such documentation shall be verifiable and shall include all information required in the MBA (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.3).
The “internal production documentation” shall provide transactions for specific date or for specific time period. The time period shall be defined based on internal production circumstances, inventory procedures, etc.
How should the mass balance account (MBA) be designed if there is an intermediary storage?
The standard does not explicitly define whether “internal transactions” to and from the “intermediary storage” shall be included in the MBA. However, the standard requires that the MBA shall include information on pellets in storage (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.3d, 6.2.5.4d) and shall allow verification that the volume of outgoing ENplus^® pellets does not exceed volume of procured / produced pellets.
Scenario A: The intermediary storage, when all pellets are used in subsequent processing (e.g. bagging) does not need to be included in the MBA. The intermediary storage has no impact on the verification of whether the volume of sold pellets exceeds the volume of produced / procured pellets or not.
Example: Company produces pellets and stores them before bagging. All pellets from that “intermediary storage” are delivered to the bagging process and are not used for sales.
Scenario B: The intermediary storage shall be included in the MBA when the part of the stored pellets continues to subsequent processing and other part is delivered to customers. The intermediary storage has impact on the verification of whether the volume of sold pellets exceeds the volume of produced / procured pellets or not.
The delivery of pellets to the intermediary storage is considered to be an input transaction and the outgoing pellets from the intermediary storage is considered to be outgoing transaction.
Example: Company produces pellets and stores them before bagging. Some volume from the stored pellets is sold to customers and some are used for bagging purposes. The company shall include the internal transactions to and from the storage in the MBA. The pellets leaving the production to the storage are “input transaction” (internal production documentation) and pellets leaving the pellets to the bagging process are “output transaction” (internal delivery/inventory documentation). For the bagging process, the pellets from the intermediary storage as considered to be “input transaction” (internal delivery/inventory documentation) and sales of bagged pellets are considered outgoing transaction (sales documentation).
Can a company use an internal product code to register specific information on pellets in the mass balance account?
When the company uses the internal product codes that cover specific properties of pellets (e.g. ENplus^® quality class, diameter, bulk/bagged, the bag design approval number), the company can keep the mass balance account for specific “product codes”, as long as all the information covered by the specific product code can be retrieved indirectly.
Shall a company use the mass balance account only for ENplus^® pellets or also for pellets that are not ENplus^® certified?
The mass balance account shall be kept for all produced/traded pellets, ENplus^® certified pellets as well as other pellets (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.3a, 6.2.5.4a).
Multisite Certification
Can the function of a central office be performed by one of the sites of a multisite company?
Neither the definition of 3.28 nor requirements 4.4-4.7 (ENplus^® ST 1001) require that the central office shall be a separate entity from the sites. Therefore, the central office, respectively “central function” can also be operated by one of the sites provided that it meets the requirements of ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.4.
Can a multisite company cover sites that perform different activities of Producer, Trader or Service Providers?
A single multisite company can only cover sites that are classified as either Producer or Trader or Service Provider.
If the sites belong to different categories (Producer, Trader, Service Provider) or some sites have activities of both, e.g. Trader and Producer, separate “multisite companies” have to be defined (with different set of sites). Each “multisite company” would receive a separate certificate for either Producer or Trader.
If the sites belong to different categories (Producer, Trader, Service Provider) or some sites have activities of both, e.g. Trader and Producer, separate “multisite companies” have to be defined (with different set of sites). Each “multisite company” would receive a separate certificate for either Producer or Trader.
Can a multisite company cover sites located in different countries?
A multisite company that covers “Producer sites” may be only established within one country, i.e. all the sites shall be located in one country.
A multisite company that covers “Traders sites” may be established across several countries, except Germany. This means that the sites located in Germany may only be organised under multisite company with a central office in Germany and the central office located in Germany can only include sites that are located in Germany (ENplus^® ST 1001, chapter 4.6).
Who does make the decision on whether a multisite company meets the eligibility criteria?
For multisite companies located outside Germany only:
The compliance with the eligibility criteria for the multisite company is evaluated by the certification body as a part of the application review. However, the eligibility shall also be approved by the ENplus^® Scheme Management, i.e. ENplus^® National Licensers in countries where they exist or by ENplus^® International Management in countries without an ENplus^® National Licensers (ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.7). The company submits an application to the certification body and the certification body is responsible for contacting the relevant ENplus^® Scheme Management and receiving the necessary permission (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.2).
When a multisite company covers sites located in more countries, the relevant ENplus^® Scheme Management is the ENplus^® Scheme Management of the country where the “central office” is located (ENplus^® ST 1001, E.3.7). For example, for a multisite company (Trader certification) located in Austria with sites located in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, the approval shall be received from the ENplus^® National Licenser in Austria.
In case of multisite certification, is the ENplus^® ID issued to individual group members or to the whole multisite company?
The multisite certification allows to include under one certificate several sites that can be a part of a single legal entity but can also be separate legal entities or independent legal entities (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.25).
In case of a multisite company, a single ENplus^® ID is issued to the entire multisite company covering all the sites referenced in the certification scope (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.25).
In case of multisite certification, is the ENplus^® ID issued to individual group members or to the whole multisite company?
The multisite certification allows to include under one certificate several sites that can be a part of a single legal entity but can also be separate legal entities or independent legal entities (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.25).
In case of a multisite company, a single ENplus^® ID is issued to the entire multisite company covering all the sites referenced in the certification scope (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.25).
Does a company applying for multisite certification need to be a single legal entity?
1. The company applying for multisite certification does not need to be a single legal entity (ENplus^® ST 1001, chapter 3.28, 4.4). It does not even need to be linked by ownership and the multisite certification can also be applied to a group of independent companies.
2. However, to be recognised as “multisite company”, the organisation shall demonstrate that it has (a) operation in multiple sites and (b) is able to identify the sites and “central office” and (c) can demonstrate that the “central office” has managerial control over certain aspects of operations defined by the ENplus^® standards. The scope of this managerial control is defined by ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.4.
Pellet Characteristics and Self-monitoring
Does the company need to sieve pellets that are delivered to another company (B2B) and not to an end-user?
ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.1 (for Producers) and 6.2.3.1 (for Traders) include a requirement applying to all “outgoing pellets”.
However, it also includes an exemption in a situation where all three conditions have been met (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.1, 6.2.3.1):
a) The pellets are not directly delivered to an end-user;
b) The higher amount fines is specified in the contract between the company and its customer; and
c) It is ensured that subsequent separation of fines before the delivery to the end-user will take place.
Does the standard require specific device or methodology for measuring temperature of outgoing pellets?
The standard (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.2, 6.2.3.2) does not define any specific technology or methodology for measuring the temperature. Instead, it defines the objective that the “outgoing pellets shall not exceed 40°C”. And this objective applies to the whole time period when the pellets are loaded.
It is up to the certification body to evaluate the technology and methodology used, taking into account the geographical location of the loading site, seasonal or daily changes in temperature, etc.
The standard requires that the temperature shall be measured at least once per day during the loading process (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.4.1, 6.2.4.1). This means that no measurement is required during the days without loading.
Can pellets be delivered when the temperature exceeds 40°C?
The standard (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.3.2, 6.2.3.2) requires that pellets that exceed 40°C shall not be delivered to the end-user.
Concerning the delivery to another trader (B2B), the company can deliver the pellets with temperature higher than 40°C under the condition that the delivery documentation:
a) Informs the customer about the increased temperature and
b) Includes information about the risks associated with the higher temperature.
The information about the pellets temperature exceeding 40°C (see bullet point a) shall be included in the delivery documentation (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.1, 6.2.5.1)
In general, the risks associated with higher temperature of wood pellets are “off-gassing”, i.e. emitting Co and CO₂ by pellets decomposition process and “self-heating” and self-ignition of the pellets in the storage.
Why some parameters do not have a threshold value?
During the revision, some new parameters have been added to the ENplus^® requirements: share of pellets with a length < 10 mm, particle density and coarse fines (3,15 mm ≤ FP < 5,6 mm).
Those new parameters do not include a threshold value as more data needs to be collected to set up the threshold value. Therefore, the standard requires those parameters to be tested and reported, respectively within the testing reports.
The outcomes may be used by the company for their own quality control and will also be used by the ENplus^® scheme management for the future development of the scheme.
Is the self-monitoring for fines required in situation where the pellets are not delivered to end-users?
The self-monitoring for fines is required in all situations (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 5.2.4.1, 6.2.4.1) as the self-monitoring of fines is focused on the proper performance of the sieving device.
The separation of fines is not required, under certain conditions, when the pellets are not directly delivered to end-users (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 5.2.3.1, 6.2.4.1). In those situations, the company is also not required to conduct self-monitoring of fines (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 5.2.4.1, 6.2.4.1).
Is the self-monitoring of course fines (3,15 mm ≤ FP < 5,6 mm) required?
No. The self-monitoring is only required for fines ≤ 3,15 mm.
The course fines (3,15 mm ≤ FP < 5,6 mm) have been added to the pellet’s parameters in the recent revision (2022) without threshold value (ENplus^® ST 1001, Annex 1.1). The purpose was, at this stage to monitor the amount of the course fines.
Is the trader responsible for self-monitoring of mechanical durability??
No. The self-monitoring is only required for amount of fines (≤ 3,15 mm), temperature, and cleanliness of transport vehicles (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 6.2.4.1, 6.2.4.3).
Chapter 6.1.1 requires that the trader with bagging activities is responsible for conformity of mechanical durability and amount of fines. This means that the certification body shall perform a testing for mechanical durability.
Can a company carry out self-monitoring for production and self-monitoring for “bagging” based on the same sample of bagged pellets?
Yes.
The standard includes separate self-monitoring for production and bagging process (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.4.1).
However, the company is also allowed to only collect sample from one sampling point after the bagging process provided that there is no intermediate storage between the production and bagging (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.4.3).
Can the certification body request also self-monitoring for other parameters than those listed in 5.2.4.1?
Yes.
Where the results of the testing conducted by the certification body shows that the pellets are not conforming to a threshold value of any of the parameters or are close to the threshold value (ENplus^® ST 1001, Annex A.1), the company shall also implement self-monitoring for that particular parameter(s).
Where the pellets do not conform to the threshold value, the additional self-monitoring is defined as a part of the corrective actions for major non-conformity (ENplus^® ST 1002:2022, 7.3.4).
Where the tested pellets are close to the threshold values, the additional self-monitoring is defined as a preventive action to address an observation and prevent possible non-conformity (ENplus^® ST 1002:2022, 7.3.4).
The additional self-monitoring can be lifted after the subsequent testing by the certification body that confirms improvement of the pellets performance.
Can a company develop its own sampling and testing methods for self-monitoring activities that deviate from ISO 17225-2?
Yes.
A company can either use the sampling and testing methods described in ISO 17225-2 or develop its own specific methodology (this also applies to testing equipment).
Where the pellets do not conform to the threshold value, the additional self-monitoring is defined as a part of the corrective actions for major non-conformity (ENplus^® ST 1002:2022, 7.3.4).
Where the company’s own methodology deviates from ISO 17225-2, it shall validate its efficiency by a comparative measurement and get an approval by its ENplus^® certification body (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 7.3.1.2).
The approval by ENplus^® certification body is also required when the company uses other sampling point than from falling material (or sampling of bagged pellets).
Pellet delivery
What technology can be used for small-scale delivery of pellets?

The standard does not prescribe a technology that can be used for small scale delivery of pellets. Instead, it requires that the technology prevents a significant increase of fines and that the technology is approved by the ENplus^® International Management for the use in countries outside Germany and by DEPI for the use in Germany (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.4).

There are two options that the company can follow:

a) The technology that the company is using is included in the list of approved technologies kept by ENplus^® International Management and DEPI;

The list is presented at the ENplus^® official website (www.enplus-pellets.org) concerning the delivery outside Germany. For deliveries to end-users in Germany, the company shall contact DEPI directly.

b) When the technology is not included in the list referred above, company shall apply to ENplus^® International Management or DEPI for approval of the specific technology and submit both the relevant testing protocol and testing results.

The application for the approval of the technology can also be submitted by the technology manufacturer, an industry association or other entity. When the approval is given, the technology will be included in the list of approved technologies referred under bullet point a.

Is the technology approved for specific country?

The company shall always check the country of delivery and whether the technology it uses for small-scale delivery has been approved for the particular country.

a) For Germany, the technologies are always approved by DEPI and the approval is only valid for deliveries in Germany.

b) Outside Germany, the technologies are approved by the ENplus^® International Management (European Pellets Council) and each approved technology also includes a geographical scope of the approval. Some technologies are approved for all countries (except Germany, see bullet point a), others can be approved for specific region or specific countries.
For the list of approved technologies, visit the ENplus^® official website (www.enplus-pellets.org) concerning the delivery outside Germany. For deliveries to end-users in Germany, the company shall contact DEPI directly.
Shall a company keep records on which transport vehicle and technology is used in the different countries?

The company is required to only use for the small-scale delivery the technologies that have been approved by ENplus^® International Management (for deliveries outside Germany) and by DEPI (for deliveries in Germany) (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.4).

The technologies are approved for specific geographical scope (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.4).

Therefore, the company shall keep a list of all transport vehicles for small-scale delivery that includes for each transport vehicle, at least (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.4):

a) Clear identification of the transport vehicle;

b) Technology used;

c) Information on whether the technology has been approved or not and for which countries;

d) Countries where the transport vehicle is used.

Concerning the technology used, the description of the technology should, at least include a detail that allows to compare the technology with the list of approved technologies kept by the ENplus^® International Management and DEPI.

The Data Sheet – Transport Vehicles for small-scale delivery, available here has been created for fulfilling this requirement.

What is considered to be the delivery documentation? An invoice or delivery note?

The new standard ENplus^® ST 1001 (5.2.5.1, 6.2.5.1) does not define a specific type of the delivery documentation communicated for the outgoing pellets that shall be used to include mandatory information.

The definition of the term “delivery documentation” states that “A delivery note, a bill of loading or an invoice, used individually or in combination, are examples of delivery documentation” ENplus^® ST 1001 (3.11).

However, it should be clearly communicated to the customer and customer should be aware of what type of the delivery documentation bears mandatory requirements required by the ENplus^® standard.

What parameters of the end-user storage shall be checked during the small-scale delivery?

The trader with small-scale delivery shall include in the delivery documentation “obvious defects” of the end-user storage room. Those defects relate to the ENplus^® Storage Guidelines applicable in the respective country of delivery.

a) DEPI for Germany,

b) ENplus^® National Licensers for their particular countries and

c) ENplus^® International Management for all countries without ENplus^® National Licensers, except Germany.

The ENplus^® Storage Guidelines published by the ENplus^® International Management as ENplus^® GD 3001 defines in chapter Scope which sections of the document are relevant to the check-up by the trader during the delivery.

The objective of the requirement is to ensure, at the time of the delivery, information that can be useful and important in an apparent investigation of complaints or nonconforming products.

How shall the “bag design approval number” be displayed in the delivery documentation?

The new standard ENplus^® ST 1001 (5.2.5.1, 6.2.5.1) requires that the delivery documentation for bagged pellets shall include the bag design approval number. The latest edition of the ENplus^® requirements (ENplus^® ST 1001, ENplus^® ST 1003, ENplus^® PD 2003) defines a system in which approved bag design is identifiable through a unique “bag design approval number”. The number is issued by the ENplus^® scheme management to the “bag design owner” as a part of the bag design approval.

When the company uses an internal article number (a product code) that is specific to bag pellets with specific bag design, the company can include in the delivery documentation the “internal article number” instead of “the bag design approval number”. The objective of this optional implementation is to always allow clear identification of the bag design in the delivery documentation.

Can the approval number be added to the bag design itself instead of delivery documentation?

No.

The new standard ENplus^® ST 1001 (5.2.5.1, 6.2.5.1) requires that the delivery documentation for bagged pellets shall include the bag design approval number. Therefore, it shall be there regardless of whether the number is displayed on the bag or not.

If the “bag design owner” decides to include the bag design number on the bag design, this would be considered as “additional information” as per ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.16.
Procurement of certified pellets
How shall company verify validity of the supplier’s ENplus^® certification?

The trader is only allowed to accept procured pellets as ENplus^® certified if the supplier holds a valid ENplus^® certification (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.1.3).

In order to demonstrate that the supplier is ENplus^® certified, the company should:

a) Verify that the delivery documentation, includes supplier’s ENplus^® certification seal or ENplus^® ID (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.2.5.1, 6.2.5.1); and

b) Verify the validity of the certification at the ENplus^® official website (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.1.3).

The company should also request the supplier to provide a copy of the ENplus^® certificate.

How often shall certified status of the supplier be verified?

The trader is only allowed to accept procured pellets as ENplus^® certified if the supplier holds valid ENplus^® certification (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.1.3).

Where the company regularly procures pellets from one or more suppliers, the company shall:

a) Verify the certificate validity at the ENplus^® official website at the time of the first delivery; and

b) Verify the certificate validity at the ENplus^® official website in regular time intervals.
Raw material
Are records/measurements of the chip quality (water content, etc.) required?
Measuring the raw material quality is not a specific requirement of the scheme, even though it is recommended. The only "mandatory" information is the origin, according to ISO classification (ENplus^® ST 1001, 5.1.2.1, Annex A.2), and a visual evaluation of the quality and the contamination of the raw material.
Reference sample
What must be written on the labels of the reserve sample labels? (water content, abrasion...) - Would it be sufficient to note only the respective delivery note number?

The standard requires that the reference samples shall be identifiable (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.3.3.4). The details needed are: date, production or loading site, and ENplus^® quality class. It is acceptable to use the delivery note number as long as it is possible to find this information.
Scope of ENplus^® certification
How can I add a new quality class under the ENplus^® certification scope?

In order to do this, both the Certification Body and relevant Scheme Management (International Management or National Licenser) would need to be notified. An inspection will then take place to confirm the new class, and if compliance is secured, the scope of certification will be updated and reflected on the ENplus^® website.

Are sustainability and carbon emissions requirements still included in the ENplus^® scheme?

No.

The ENplus^® scheme is focused strictly on technical properties of wood pellets, this also includes requirements for the raw material used, pellets production, handling, trading and quality management system.

The requirements for sustainability and carbon emission savings that were included in the previous version (ENplus^® Handbook, 3.0) have been removed.

For demonstrating sustainability and carbon emissions savings, the companies in the wood pellets industry can use other certification scheme that are primarily focused on this matter e.g. voluntary schemes delivering conformity with the EU RED II Directive, forest certification schemes (PEFC, FSC) or other systems available on the market (e.g. SURE).

Are there identical ENplus^® requirements for companies located in different countries?

All companies located outside Germany are evaluated against the same requirements described in ENplus^® ST 1001:2022 and ENplus^® ST 1003:2022.

This approach is meant to achieve higher level of harmonisation and consistency and consumer trust in the ENplus^® label and claims. Also, companies operating in more countries can implement the same requirements across its operations.

However, there are two areas where the companies shall also look into country (or region) specific requirements:

a) Companies shall use vehicles for small-scale delivery that have been approved either by DEPI for deliveries in Germany and by the ENplus^® International Management (Bioenergy Europe / European Pellets Council) for all deliveries outside Germany (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 6.2.3.4). The ENplus^® International Management can approve a technology for all countries (except Germany) or can limit the technology to be used only in specific countries / regions or markets). Therefore, the company shall always consult the list of approved technologies published by the ENplus^® International Management or DEPI (for Germany only) and ensure that the technology used has been approved for the particular country of delivery.

b) Companies with small-scale delivery to end-users shall use the ENplus^® Storage Guidelines that has been developed for a particular country of delivery, concerning evaluation of deficiencies found in the customer’s storage (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 6.2.5.2a) and resolution of any apparent complaint (ENplus^® ST 1001:2022, 7.3.4.7c and e).

The ENplus^® Storage Guidelines are developed by DEPI for all deliveries in Germany, the ENplus^® National Licensers for their respective countries or by the ENplus^® International Management for all countries outside Germany and without an ENplus^® National Licenser.

Therefore, the company shall check and use the ENplus^® Storage Guidelines that is relevant to the particular country of delivery.

Can a company trading bagged pellets become ENplus^® certified?

Trader of bagged pellets can only apply for ENplus^® certification when they:

a) are performing bagging of pellets; and / or

Therefore, the company shall keep a list of all transport vehicles for small-scale delivery that includes for each transport vehicle, at least (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.4):

a) are performing bagging of pellets; and / or

b) are a bag design owner.

In principle, the traders of bagged pellets that procure already bagged pellets do not need ENplus^® certification as the quality of bagged pellets is stable and not significantly influenced by the trading process. Therefore, the ENplus^® certification is not applicable for those traders.

An exemption are those traders of bagged pellets that would like to use their own bag design and become bag design owners. Those companies shall have a valid ENplus^® certification.

What is the purpose of the certification scope defined in ENplus^® ST 1001, Annex B?

The purpose of the definition of the certification scope is to harmonise coverage of the “critical business activities” by the different ENplus^® certifications.

The certification scope defines three basic types of companies: Producer, Trader and Service Provider. For Trader certification, three certification scopes are available: Trade of bulk pellets, Trader of bagged pellets and Trader of bulk pellets without physical contact.

What is a suspended certificate?

A suspended certificate means that the company is no longer authorised to produce or sell wood pellets using the ENplus^® trademark for a period of time. Make sure to check the status of the certificate you are looking up!

What is the difference between “Critical business activities – always included in the certification scope” and “Critical business activities – only included in the scope after the inspection”?

“Critical business activities – always included in the certification scope” are those critical business activities that are “by default” included in the certification scope, regardless of whether or not they are, at the moment of inspection performed by the company. In case the company starts the critical business activity in between the inspections, no additional inspection is required.

Example: A trader with the certification scope “Trader of bulk pellets” starts a new activity of trade without physical contact after a regular inspection. Because the “trade without physical contact” is by default included in the certification scope, no additional inspection is required.

“Critical business activities – only included in the scope after the inspection” are those critical business activities that require an inspection before they can be included in the scope.

Example: A trader with the certification scope “Trader of bulk pellets” starts a new activity of a small-scale delivery after a regular inspection. Because the “small-scale delivery” can only be included in the scope after an inspection, the certification body shall conduct an inspection before it can add the “small-scale delivery” to the scope of certification.

Should the storage of pellets, including storage from which pellets are not delivered to end-users, be covered by the scope of certification?

Yes.

The standard (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.1.3) includes requirements for infrastructure and also makes references to storage of pellets, and protection of pellets from moisture and contaminations.

Therefore, the storage of pellets (both bulk and bagged pellets) shall be included in the scope of certification.
Sub-contracting
For which activities of the company do the “sub-contracting” requirements apply?
For all cases when the company contracts an external company to conduct any activity that is regulated by the ENplus^® requirements. In principle, there are two types of sub-contracting:
a) Sub-contracting of bagging of pellets, small-scale delivery and storage of bulk pellets in a facility from which they are delivered to end-users (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.1);
b) Any other activity regulated by the standard (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.2).
The activities under bullet point a are considered to have higher risk concerning the pellets quality and any sub-contractor shall either hold valid ENplus^® certification for the performed qualification (Producer, Trader or Service Provider) or shall be considered as “uncertified service provider” and considered as a site of the multisite company.
Can a company sub-contract a certified Trader/Producer for bagging of pellets?
Yes.
Bagging of pellets (together with small-scale delivery and storage of pellets before delivery to an end-user) is regulated by ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.1.
The company can use another certified Trader (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.1b) as a sub-contractor for bagging pellets (where the sub-contractor does not take ownership of pellets). The Trader shall have valid ENplus^® certification and the scope of the certification shall cover bagging of pellets.
In this case, the company can consider the sub-contracted activities as complying with the ENplus^® requirements.
The same rules also apply for small-scale delivery and storage of pellets before delivery to an end-user.
What is the advantage of a service provider to apply for ENplus^® certification?
A company that offers bagging of pellets, small-scale delivery and storage of pellets before delivery to an end-user without taking ownership of pellets is considered to be a “service provider”.
The service provider can either:
a) Have its own ENplus^® ST 1001 certification; or
b) Be considered as a site of a company for which it is performing the service (multisite company).
Having its own ENplus^® certification (bullet point a) has an advantage for the service provider – it allows the service provider to deliver the service to more companies because they are inspected only once as a part of its own ENplus^® certification.
If the service provider does not hold its own ENplus^® certification, it is considered to be a site of each company it is delivering the service to and shall be included in the inspection of every company.
How shall company integrate an “uncertified” sub-contractor that is performing bagging of pellets for the company?
A sub-contractor that is performing bagging of pellets (without taking ownership of the pellets) is considered as “service provider” (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4.1c.)
In this case, the service provider shall be fully under control of the company and also shall be inspected by the certification body as an integral part of the company’s certification.
Therefore, the “uncertified service provider” is considered as a site of the company and the company together with the service provider (other sites is considered as “multisite company” and shall follow eligibility requirements for the multisite company (ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.4-4.7) in addition to the general requirements for sub-contracting (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.2.4).
The same rules also apply for small-scale delivery and storage of pellets before delivery to an end-user.
Testing Pellets
Should the sample for testing of “coarse fines” attribute 3.15 mm ≤ FP < 5.6 mm” be screened through 5.6 mm and 3.15 mm screens and what is left in between the screens is the course portion “FP”?
The portion to measure is the percentage of mass of material that has been screened through the sieve of 5.6mm and retained above the sieve of 3.15mm.
The analysis method for “Coarse pellet fines” is also mentioned in the ISO standard 17225-2.
The fraction of 5.6mm is not mentioned for now in the ISO 18846:2016 but should be included in future revisions by the technical committee ISO/TC 238.
Transition Period
What is the deadline by which the company shall implement the requirements of the new documentation?
A company applying for first ENplus^® certification (after 1 January 2023), shall implement and will be evaluated and certified against the new ENplus^® documentation (ENplus^® ST 1001 and ENplus^® ST 1003).
A company that is a holder of a valid ENplus® certificate is provided with a one year transition period and shall implement the new requirements by the time of its regular surveillance or recertification inspection conducted after 1 January 2024 during which it will be evaluated against the new documentation (ENplus^® ST 1001 and ENplus^® ST 1003).
This also implies that the transition to the new standard will be implemented within the regular inspection scheduled and no extraordinary inspection is required.
Is there any specific deadline for some of the new ENplus^® requirements?
The company can use an extended transition period for the requirements related to the serial number on the bagged pellets (ENplus^® ST 1001, 7.3.2.4 and ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.2.11).
The serial number shall be an integral part of the bag design after 1 January 2025 and the conformity will be evaluated during the first inspection after 1 January 2025.
What will be the transition for bag designs already approved by the ENplus^® scheme management?
The bag designs approved before 1 January 2023 will remain valid until 1 January 2025. Meanwhile, these bags have to be checked and it must be ensured that they comply with all requirements listed in ENplus^® ST 1003:2022.
The new bag designs submitted for approval after 1 January 2023 that do not include the serial number will be approved with limited validity until 1 January 2025.
The new bag designs submitted for approval after 1 January 2023 that already include the serial number will be approved with time unlimited validity.
The new bag designs submitted for approval after 1 January 2025 will be required to include the serial number and will be approved with time unlimited validity.
The company with the bag designs that are only valid until 1 January 2025 shall submit for approval new bag designs with the serial number before the end of the approval validity.
Trademark Usage and Protection
How can I identify an ENplus^® approved bag design and where can I check it?

On the main menu, click on the “Certifications” button, and then choose the "Producer", "Trader" or "Service provider" tab. Scroll down to see the list of certified companies. Click on the name of the company you are interested in, to see its business model, certified status, address, and approved bag designs. If you click on a bag design, you will be able to see it in detail.

You can also access a company profile through the search bar on the home page by typing in its name or ENplus^® ID.

How is the ENplus^® seal registered?

The ENplus^® logo and the terms “ENplus^®” and “ENplus A1^®” are registered as International Trademarks (ITMs) under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and as European Union Trademarks (EUTMs) with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

This means that a non-licensed use of the trademark or parts thereof may constitute an infringement of Bioenergy Europe’s intellectual property rights (IPRs). Bioenergy Europe/EPC shall be entitled to prohibit the fraudulent use of the ENplus^® logo and marks, as well as to assert claims for compensation where necessary. In addition, we may publish details of this fraudulent use on our Blacklist.

How may the ENplus^® seal be used?

The ENplus^® seal may only be used in connection with a valid license. The ENplus^® Head Office and the National Licensers are the only entities delivering the seal. It may be used, for example, in advertising material and on packaging, but only in direct connection with the certified company for which it has been issued. Here is a recap table:

How can I identify an ENplus^® certified product?

All communication material (website, flyer, etc.) from a certified company, when referring to ENplus^® certified pellets, should contain a valid certification seal. The certified company details shown on the communication material should correspond to the ones shown on the certified producers/traders list.

Can a “non-certified trader” of bagged pellets use the ENplus^® Trademark?

Trader of bagged pellets (that is not the “bag design owner”) cannot obtain the ENplus^® certification (ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.2, Annex B). However, the entity trading with ENplus^® certified pellets can’t mix these pellets with other pellets and their quality should not deteriorate (significantly) during the trading process.

Therefore, the trader of bagged pellets (that is not the bag design owner) can use the ENplus^® Trademark under two alternative options for both on-product as well as off-product use:

a) The trader can apply for an “approval for the use of the ENplus^® Trademark” from the ENplus^® scheme management (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.2);

b) The trader can receive a written permission from an ENplus^® certified company (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.3).

The main difference between those two options is that the “approval” from the ENplus^® scheme management applies to all traded ENplus^® certified pellets while the permission from the ENplus^® certified company applies only to the ENplus^® certified pellets of that particular certified company.

Can the bag design owner allow another company to use the ENplus^® bag design?

The bag design owner is allowed to give a written permission to another ENplus^® certified company that is bagging the pellets for the bag design owner (ENplus^® ST 1003:2022, 7.2.3.1.2).

The permission for the use of the bag design shall have a form of an enforceable written contract that meets the conditions (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.2.3.1.2) and ensures the bag design use is in compliance with the ENplus^® requirements. Templates are available upon request to the International Management.

Can entities outside the pellets supply chain use the ENplus^® Trademark?

Entities outside the supply chain having interest in promoting wood pellets can use the ENplus^® Trademark only for off-product purposes (ENplus^® ST 1003, 5).

The category of “other users” (ENplus^® ST 1003, 6d) represents a broad range of stakeholders including ENplus^® scheme governing bodies, conformity assessment bodies, pellets end-users, boiler and stove manufacturers, research and educational institutions, etc.

Other users do not need to obtain an ENplus^® trademark license and a very simple rule requires them to only use the ENplus^® Trademark in a way that is not misleading or intentionally harming the ENplus^® scheme (ENplus^® ST 1003, 5.6).

Can an ENplus^® certified company allow its business partners to use the ENplus^® Trademark?

An ENplus^® certified company is allowed to give a permission for the use of the ENplus^® Trademark to its business partners that do not hold the ENplus^® certification.

However, this permission can be given only to three types of companies (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.3):

a) an entity working as an intermediary trader that does not take ownership of the traded bulk pellets (a broker);

b) an entity that trades bulk pellets without physical contact;

c) a trader of bagged pellets.

This permission shall be made in writing and shall cover the restrictions specified in ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.4, in particular it can be used only in connection to products supplied by the ENplus^® certified company issuing the permission and with its ENplus^® ID number.

The ENplus^® certified company shall report immediately the issued permission to the certification body and to the ENplus^® scheme management (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.3).

Who is the bag design owner?

The bag design owner is the ENplus^® certified company that submitted an application for the approval of the bag design and received the approval (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.2, 7.2.3.1.1).

With the “approval of the bag design” the bag design owner is the entity that is allowed to use the ENplus^® bag design and has also full and ultimate responsibility for the proper use of the ENplus^® bag design in conformity with the ENplus^® requirements (ENplus^® ST 1003, 3.2, 7.2.3.1.1).

The submitted bag design must be in accordance with the law. The European Pellet Council does not check the legality of the design, nor it can be held responsible for its content. The certified company is solely responsible for the submitted design and it is expected to perform the due diligence required by law.

In what colours and combinations can be used the ENplus^® Trademarks and labels?

The ENplus^® Trademarks and labels (consisting of the ENplus^® Trademark) can only be used in colours that are specified in Annex A. This covers, three main colours patterns: official colour combination (orange and grey), monochrome black and white as well as monochrome coloured.

Shall a company become ENplus^® certified in order to use the ENplus^® Trademark?

The sole purpose of the ENplus^® Trademark is to inform customer about the quality of ENplus^® certified pellets. Therefore, the basic rule is that any entity within the pellets supply chain shall have a valid ENplus^® certification and ENplus^® Trademark license in order to use the ENplus^® Trademark (ENplus^® ST 1003, 5.3).

However, there exist certain exemptions from this general rule:

a) An “end-user” is considered as an entity outside the pellets supply chain, is considered as “other user” (ENplus^® ST 1003, 5.3, 6d) and can use the ENplus^® Trademark for off-product purposes without any permission (ENplus^® ST 1003, 5.5);

b) Trader of bagged pellets (that is not the “bag design owner”) cannot obtain the ENplus^® certification (ENplus^® ST 1001, 4.2, Annex B) but is allowed to apply for “approval for the use of the ENplus^® Trademark” from the ENplus^® scheme management (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.2) or can receive a written permission from an ENplus^® certified company (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.3);

c) An entity trading bulk pellets without taking ownership of the pellets (a broker) or an entity trading bulk pellets without physical contact can receive a written permission from an ENplus^® certified company (ENplus^® ST 1003, 7.1.3).
Vending Machines
Can a company include vending machines in the scope of the ENplus^® certification?

Yes.

The new standard ENplus^® ST 1001 allows to include in the certification scope vending machines that are automated self-service machines, usually available 24/7, allowing end-users to obtain bulk pellets.

Does the ENplus^® scheme define specific technology of the certified vending machines?

The new standard ENplus^® ST 1001 (6.2.3.13) defines basic parameters of the vending machines that ensure:

a) Amount of fines not exceeding 1 % of the volume;

b) Temperature not exceeding 40^°C

c) The end-user to receive delivery documentation with the elements required for regular sale of pellets.

As the sale of bulk pellets through vending machines is a new concept and the technologies are in early stage of development, the standard (ENplus^® ST 1001, 6.2.3.13d) requires that the technology shall be approved by ENplus^® International Management (for all countries except Germany).

The application for the approval of the vending machine technology is submitted to ENplus^® International Management through the relevant certification body of the company. This shall include manufacturer, description of the technology for separation of fines, temperature monitoring, printing of delivery documentation and operating manual. The Data Sheet – Vending Machine has been created for fulling this requirement.

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