InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has introduced major updates to its Shared Responsibility (SR) implementation framework for 2026, expanding compliance obligations to all downstream operations owned by non-grower members within the palm oil industry.
As reported by InfoSAWIT from RSPO on Wednesday (May 6, 2026), the RSPO Board of Governors approved the 2026 Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) uptake targets, maintaining the same percentages as previous years: 2% for Processors & Traders (P&T), and 12% for Consumer Goods Manufacturers (CGM) and retailers.
Although the uptake targets remain unchanged, RSPO emphasized a significant shift in implementation scope. Beginning in 2026, all downstream operations owned by ordinary non-grower members will be required to comply with CSPO uptake obligations according to their respective operational sectors.
For example, a member categorized as a Processor & Trader that also operates in the consumer goods manufacturing sector must report those operational volumes in its 2026 Annual Communication of Progress (ACOP) and fulfill the CSPO uptake requirements applicable to the CGM sector.
The policy aims to accelerate the broader adoption of certified sustainable palm oil products throughout the supply chain. Each member’s performance will be reflected in the annual Shared Responsibility Scorecard published by RSPO.
Compliance Deadline Set for June 2026
RSPO also established several key deadlines for member compliance. Updates to Shared Responsibility policies on the MyRSPO platform must be completed no later than June 30, 2026, while the 2026 SR Assessment Report is scheduled for publication on July 31, 2026 through the official SR Scorecard platform.
Under the updated framework, companies previously classified as Supply Chain Associates (SCA) that have transitioned into ordinary membership status will automatically be required to comply with all Shared Responsibility requirements.
In addition, companies that undergo sector changes will also be obligated to align with the CSPO uptake targets applicable to their new business category.
However, organizations operating solely as Traders & Distributors (T&D) under the RSPO Supply Chain Standard and holding active licenses will remain exempt from SR obligations, provided their licenses remain valid and are renewed before June 30, 2026 if nearing expiration.
Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
RSPO has also urged all members to ensure their organizational profiles on MyRSPO are fully updated, including contact information, company profiles, and Shared Responsibility policy documents.
The organization noted that policy documents may be uploaded directly, submitted via URL links, or replaced with a Statement of Support for companies that have yet to establish specific SR policies.
The expanded Shared Responsibility framework is expected to increase pressure on downstream industry players to raise their use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil while reinforcing sustainability certification as a global benchmark in palm oil trade. (T2)
