1. RSPO SCCS Market Comms & Claims
SCCS M4 May 2013
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING SERIES
RSPO SCCS Market Comms & Claims
The RSPO Supply Chain Certification System covers the supply chain certification requirements and control of claims. This module will focus on the RSPO Rules on Market Communications and Claims; a system document that is dated 30 November The rules are enforced by the RSPO or are verified by approved certification bodies during RSPO certification audits.

2. The rules on market claims essentially governs the claims made by users of RSPO sustainable palm oil, its corporate logo or the RSPO trademark.
Can you differentiate which logo is the RSPO corporate logo and which is the RSPO trademark?
The RSPO corporate logo is the letters ‘RSPO’ in orange bold italics lettering.
The RSPO trademark logo is a “rounded palm top accompanied by the word ‘RSPO’”.

3. http://www.betterpalmoil.org/ M4 l RSPO Market Claims 21-Apr-17
Here are some examples of the use of the RSPO trademark by different manufacturers and retailers.
For more information the use of the RSPO trademark a dedicated microsite has been created. This can be found at:

4. M3 l Supply Chain System Overview
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RSPO Rules on Market Claims & Communications
2011
1. Corporate Communication
General Rules
Corporate Communication
2. Product-related Communication
Product-related Communication
Supply-chain specific rules
Combined Supply-chain Systems
Our training module is divided into three sections.
The first: to cover the rules on corporate communication. Communication that covers the company and its brands and includes, but not limited to: advertisements, corporate websites, flyers, brochures, posters, displays, newsletters, s, letterheads, or annual reports.
The second: to cover the rules for product-related communication. Communication that is directly associated with a product, or group of products, or brand and includes, but not limited to: packaging, labels, flyers, posters and displays.
And finally, the third: to cover the use of the RSPO trademark. A distinct trademark logo that is licensed to user.
3. Use of Trademark
Graphic Design Rules
Application Process

5. 1. Corporate Communication
Market Claims
1. Corporate Communication
This section will cover the rules associated with Corporate Communication.

6. Overview
Use of trademark and market communication – control risk to reputation of certification system and trademark
RSPO Trademark is licensed
Unauthorized use = breach of RSPO Code of Conduct (unsubstantiated claims); or RSPO can publish case or legal action.
In general, the rules on market communication & claims has been developed to protect the unsubstantiated use of the RSPO logo, the RSPO trademark and RSPO membership. This is to protect the reputation of the RSPO as a credible brand. An unsubstantiated claim are claims of the use of sustainable palm oil or the production of sustainable palm oil where a third-party audit has not explicitly endorsed the production unit or user.
It is useful to note that in addition to the rules on market claims, the RSPO Code of Conduct for all members are also relevant. The rules ban for example the use of misleading or unsubstantiated claims.
Any unauthorized use or unsubstantiated claim can result in RSPO taking action: they could make the case public or could take legal action.

7. M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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RSPO members only can..
For Ordinary Member only: RSPO logo and standard text “check our progress at & link to member profile on RSPO website.
Display RSPO membership status (eg “RSPO associate member”)
Display RSPO website address (
State organizations support for RSPO work
State organizations history with regards to RSPO
Only RSPO ordinary members are allowed to use the RSPO corporate logo. For all members there are specific rules as to what can be included in corporate communication. This is outlined here.

8. Corporate communication
M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Corporate communication
Not use RSPO trademark logo
No misleading claims (eg. Membership implies selling of RSPO-certified palm products)
The RSPO trademark logo is not allowed to be used in corporate communication.
Finally, the communication cannot make misleading claims. Examples might be:
Membership of RSPO implies that the company is selling RSPO-certified palm products; or
Membership of RSPO implies that the company’s business units are RSPO certified

9. Example: Corporate www.rspo.org
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Example: Corporate
Check our progress at (ordinary members only)
Company X has been an active member of the RSPO since We have participated actively in a number of working groups and have served on the Executive Board for two terms ( and ).
WEBSITES, FLYERS, BROUCHURES, ANNUAL REPORTS, VIDEOS, ETC
An example of RSPO-approved corporate communication.

10. Is this correct? M4 l RSPO Market Claims 21-Apr-17
This is an example of a corporate website. Can you spot what mistakes they could have made?
For example:
The RSPO corporate logo does not have an associated link to the RSPO website.
They do not say what type of membership category they have joined
No date of membership
The phrase “we are committed to deliver sustainable products” could be seen as misleading. No mention of any verified supply chain certification audits or purchase and sales of sustainable palm oil products.

11. Can you spot what mistakes they could have made?
For example:
The RSPO corporate logo does not have an associated link to the RSPO website.
They do not say what type of membership category they have joined
No date of membership
No mention of any certificates or details of certification audits to support their claims.

12. Market Claims 2. Product-Related Communication
This section will cover the rules associated with Product-related Communication.

13. Product Communication
M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Product Communication
In product-related communication, MEMBERS are allowed to:
Refer to RSPO if communication materials verified during an audit (basis and conform to RSPO rules)
The use of RSPO Trademark on product communication must acquire license from an RSPO Trademark licensing body
Non-consumer facing communication: MEMBER allowed to state percentages of certified products acquired under various SC systems
Only RSPO members are allowed to use the RSPO trademark or make claims on the use of RSPO certified products. These communication or claims are strictly voluntary.
The use of the RSPO trademark on products must be sanctioned by the RSPO, often verified during a RSPO supply chain certification audit. The rules governing what can be communicated with the RSPO trademark is given later in the sections below.
In non-consumer facing communication, the actual percentages of RSPO certified products and supply chain system used can be communicated. An example could be product profiles for buyers.
The RSPO rules also covers specific messaging for each supply chain system. For a fuller explanation on the specific messaging allowed it is best to refer to the Rules in Section 5. System-specific Rules for Product-Related Communication.

14. M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Not on product
In product-related communication: MEMBERS are not allowed to:
state RSPO membership status
state RSPO membership status of suppliers
Use other trademark or logo (Only RSPO trademark logo for certified products!)
Display RSPO corporate logo
In addition, product-related communication are not allowed to include the following …

15. On product comms. (B&C) Is a member of Greenpalm NO RSPO trademark
Only use of green palm logo
Written statement of support…”this product contributes….”
For those, opting for the Book & Claim Supply Chain System, the RSPO trademark logo cannot be used. Instead, the Greenpalm logo is used.
All use of the Greenpalm logo is subject to their membership rules. Specifically, all claims will only be able to say the product or company supports sustainable palm oil production.

16. Combined Supply Chain Systems
This section will cover situations where products may have used ingredients sourced under different supply chain options, for example MB and SG products.

17. Overview At least 95% = RSPO certified and sourced
Trademark only where 95% via IP, SG or MB
Communication rules follow “less strict” SC system ie IP>SG>MB>B&C
Any product can only use the RSPO trademark where it can be verified that at least 95% of the palm-oil used are from RSPO certified sources.
Where a combination of RSPO certified sources, using the different supply chain options, have been used the rules governing product communication shall follow the least strict system. The hierarchy follows from IP to SG to MB to B&C.

18. Combined SC systems % RSPO Certified Rules IP + SG + B&C > 95%
On product comm. allowed
IP + SG + MB > 95%
On product communication and RSPO trademark (TM) allowed
Only IP &/or SG
RSPO TM + “Certified” allowed
Only IP, SG &/or MB
RSPO TM + “Mixed” allowed
B&C
Greenpalm communication rules apply
There are specific rules on product communication under combined supply chain systems detailed by the RSPO rules on market communication and claims. The following table summarizes some of these basic rules. It essentially shows what situations the RSPO trademark can be used and what claims can be associated with each combination.
For a fuller explanation on the specific messaging allowed for each supply chain system it is best to refer to the Rules in Section 5. System-specific Rules for Product-Related Communication.

19. M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Example 1
Product X includes a palm-derived ingredient; 70% was sourced under RSPO SG SCCS and 25% was sourced under RSPO MB SCCS. Can the RSPO Trademark logo be used? Which system applies?
See this example.
Can the RSPO Trademark logo be used? Which system applies for rules on communication?
Since 95% of the ingredients are from RSPO certified sourced (70 and 25), the RSPO trademark can be used.
Communication rules follow MB since this is the “least strict” system in use.

20. M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Example 2
Product Y includes a palm-derived ingredient, 70% was sourced under RSPO MB SCCS, 26% was sourced under RSPO B&C SCCS and 4% was from non-RSPO sources. Can the RSPO Trademark logo be used? Which system applies?
Can the RSPO Trademark logo be used? Which system applies for rules on communication?
The actual physical total of RSPO certified products is only 70%, so the RSPO trademark cannot be used.
The total RSPO certified products is greater than 95% and the rules for Book & Claim for product communication will have to be followed.

21. Market Claims 3. Use of RSPO Trademark
This section will cover the rules associated with the use of the RSPO Trademark.

22. Overview
Members can acquire trademark license at company-level, or for individual markets, branches or sites.
All applications for use of trademark can be directed via
In general, the use of the RSPO trademark can only be used by RSPO members and all use is strictly licensed by the RSPO.
There are different application levels allowed: at the company level, for specific markets or branches or sites.
For more information on the use of the RSPO trademark please visit

23. Product must contain >95% of Certified Palm Products or Components
Use of RSPO Trademark
Product must contain >95% of Certified Palm Products or Components
Only products that contain greater than 95% of certified palm products or derivatives can use the RSPO trademark. 6

24. On product communication
Depending on the supply chain system used, the combination of trademark logo, tagline and statement of claims are specified. This table summaries the different communication allowed.

25. On product comms. (SG/IP)
> 95% Certified SG/IP Palm Products
Specific variations of the logo and text for SG and IP are as follows.
Note that the RSPO certificate number is included in all options and only in SG/IP systems is the word “Certified” used. This is the only system where the RSPO Trademark logo on its own is used.

26. On product comms. (MB) > 95% Certified MB Palm Components
Specific variations of the logo and text for MB are as follows.
Note that the RSPO certificate number is included in all options. In the MB system, all communication includes the word “Mixed” and the use of the Trademark logo on its own is not allowed.

27. What certification is this?
What can we learn from this use of the RSPO trademark?
At least 95% of the palm ingredients are RSPO certified
The SC system used is SG
The supply chain certificate number is specified

28. What certification is this?
What can we learn from this use of the RSPO trademark?
At least 95% of the palm ingredients are RSPO certified
The SC system used is SG
The supply chain certificate number is specified

29. What certification is this?
What can we learn from this use of the Greenpalm trademark?
At least 95% of the palm ingredients are supported by Greenpalm certificates
The SC system used is Book & Claim

30. What certification is this?
What can we learn from this use of the Greenpalm trademark?
At least 95% of the palm ingredients are supported by Greenpalm certificates
The SC system used is Book & Claim

31. What certification is this?
What can we learn from this use of the Greenpalm trademark?
At least 95% of the palm ingredients are supported by Greenpalm certificates
The SC system used is Book & Claim
Note: this is the old GP logo…

32. Graphic design rules
Finally, an overview of the graphic design rules applicable to the use of the RSPO trademark.

33. Overview Cannot create own RSPO trademark logo
Cannot modify, alter, except resize RSPO trademark logo
Only approved RSPO translated material can be used. Request.
Cannot use logo for uncertified products.
In general, no modification or alteration of the RSPO trademark logo is allowed. Only approved translations will be allowed.

34. C B D A E F G J
Have a look at these logo examples, can you tell which ones are allowed?
The correct answer is:
A, I and J are correct for products containing >95% of SG certified sources
Only B is correct for products containing >95% of MB certified sources H I

35. M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Recap (1)
Three basic requirements for an RSPO member to use the RSPO trademark:
At least >95% of all palm-derived components in the product is RSPO certified (IP, SG, MB)
Granted with RSPO trademark license
Claims supported by SCCS audit
In summary…

36. Recap (2) Who cannot use the RSPO trademark:
M4 l RSPO Market Claims
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Recap (2)
Who cannot use the RSPO trademark:
Companies that are not members of the RSPO
RSPO members using the Book & Claim supply chain system
Finally, non-members or those products under Book & Claims systems cannot use the RSPO trademark logo.

37. Market Claims
Conclusion

38. Conclusion
For questions related to this document, use of the trademark or to report misuse, please contact
RSPO Trademark microsite: