Updated August 2014 – Phase 1
Certification Renewal Process and Fees
Biochar manufacturers are granted use of the IBI CertifiedTM biochar seal for 12 months from the date of application approval. Biochar manufacturers seeking to renew their IBI biochar certification must apply for certification renewal at least 45 days prior to the current certification expiration date in order to allow re-application processing time and to permit uninterrupted use of the IBI CertifiedTM biochar seal on their biochar product(s).
Biochar manufacturers should adhere to the following instructions for certification renewal:
- Meet all of the requirements of the IBI Biochar Certification Program as outlined in the IBI Biochar Certification Program ManualV2.1 and the IBI Biochar Standards. Biochar manufacturers must adhere to the guidance of these documents using versions that are up to 90 days old at the time of their IBI biochar certification expiration.
- Test biochars at qualified laboratory(s) for the IBI Biochar Standards Category A and B tests required with the initial certification.
- Please note, the following exception is made for IBI CertifiedTM biochars made exclusively from unprocessed feedstocks: Category B tests are only required to be repeated every three years rather than annually, as long as there is no “material change” in the thermochemical production parameters or the feedstock composition. Please review Section 6.3 of the IBI Biochar Standards for further information.
- Apply and submit required documentation using the online Application Form for Biochar Certification Renewal.
The application fee for biochar certification renewal is US $450.
“Material Change” Certification Renewal Requirements
Please note that any IBI CertifiedTM biochar that has undergone a “material change” must be re-certified at the time that the material change occurs. Material change is defined as changes in feedstock type or thermochemical production parameters of greater than 10%. Biochar that has undergone a material change cannot carry the IBI CertifiedTM biochar seal and must complete a new registration and application as outlined here. For further information on how to determine a material change and related re-testing requirements please see Section 6.2 and Appendix 4 of the IBI Biochar Standards.