This document contains a log of the feedback received on the second draft of the Credibility Principles (V1.2) during the consultation period from November to December 2020, as well as how the ISEAL secretariat responded.

This brochure presents a list of critical elements to ensure that comparisons and benchmarking between standards systems are credible

These frequently asked questions are based on those raised during the launch webinar for the revised ISEAL Chain of Custody Models and Definitions Guidance v2. Similar questions were grouped together to reflect the key themes discussed. 

This document provides guidance for sustainability systems looking to collect or improve the collection of polygon location data. This is an updated version of guidance compiled and prepared by ISEAL and partners in 2020. The content has been refreshed and updated to reflect how geospatial technologies and practices have evolved in the last five years and includes a variety of different polygon collection options and technologies. 

Discussion paper and webinar on landscape and jurisdictional assurance and claims.

ISEAL and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) organised an interactive workshop to foster dialogue and mutual learning on trade and sustainability, focusing on concrete pathways for policymakers and stakeholders to leverage credible sustainability standards in trade policy. This one-day interactive workshop brought together policymakers from developed and developing countries, trade experts, multilateral agencies, NGOs, and representatives from voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) organisations.

Amidst today’s geopolitical turmoil and structural adjustments, it’s crucial to continue supporting businesses advancing their sustainability strategies. Voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) are there to help, with years of experience on the ground and continuously improving and expanding their offer. The International Trade Centre (ITC) and ISEAL organised a joint webinar to discuss the different ways in which VSS deliver value to businesses, and what are useful criteria to determine how credible a VSS is.

Corporate sustainability reporting and disclosure frameworks and voluntary sustainability standards and similar systems (VSS) have developed in parallel with clear complementarities. ISEAL engaged ANC Ltd, a consulting team, to explore the opportunities for mutual benefit from collaboration between sustainability reporting frameworks and VSS -- as the area was underexplored and underdeveloped. 

This document outlines the approach taken by the LIA Impact Partnership Pilot project, exploring Impact Partnership Incentives. While Impact Incentives work in a similar way to existing book & claim systems by rewarding already certified producers, Impact Partnership Incentives allow brands and retailers to support on-the-ground Program Partners to help producers transition towards best practices and certification.

In 2019, ISEAL carried out a review of the Credibility Principles to determine if the Credibility Principles require revision. This document outlines the findings from the review, which determined that there is a need to revise the Credibility Principles.

The EU Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), formally adopted in December 2024 as Regulation (EU) 2024/3015, establishes a ban on placing or making available on the EU market, or exporting from the EU, products made with forced labour. This brief covers background on the file and role of credible Voluntary Sustainability Systems (VSS) in supporting  

Remediation is a fundamental principle of international human rights. In 2022 and 2023, ISEAL ran a dialogue series with ISEAL members, supported by the UN OHCHR Accountability and Remedy Project, to build awareness on key remediation concepts and activities, take stock of existing efforts on remediation, identify cross-cutting challenges, and inspire further action on remediation.

This publication was prepared for the M3 Partnership to facilitate integrated assessment to their respective standards and assurance frameworks.

In 2019, ISEAL carried out a review of the Credibility Principles in order to determine if they require revision. The findings of the review informed the decision to proceed to revision of the principles. This documents outlines the revised terms of reference for the Credibility Principles and the timeline for the revision in 2020.

This procedure outlines the process for submitting an application for ISEAL Community Member status. It details how the application and will be evaluated and the subsequent steps required to make a final decision on the outcome of the application.

Guidelines, which have been prepared to serve as the basis for discussion on standardized procedures and protocols for the collection and management of certificate location data with the goal that these data will eventually become part of an ISEAL member Certification Atlas (CA).