Green Gold Label (GGL): Transaction Certificate
A Green Gold Label (GGL) Transaction Certificate (TC) is a mandate document within the certification system, ensuring that sustainable biomass products maintain their certified status throughout the supply chain. This certificate is part of the quality management system to uphold traceability and confirm the rightful claims of GGL at each stage of the supply chain.
Every manufacturer, trader, and broker involved in the supply of certified biomass must hold a valid scope certificate, which helps to mitigate fraudulent claims in the sustainable biomass market or reducing fraud risk such as overselling—a practice where more certified biomass is sold than was originally certified. If a product originates from a certified source but does not have a corresponding TC, it automatically loses its certified status and cannot regain it by any means. As such, the TC serves as a vital “visa” for sustainable biomass to access premium markets such as those in Europe and Japan, where has strict sustainability standards.
Difference Between a Green Gold Label (GGL) Transaction Certificate (TC) and a GGL Certificate
A Transaction Certificate (TC) and a scope certificate serve different purposes within the certification framework. The TC is issued specifically for every sustainable transaction, verifying that the certified biomass product in a given shipment meets GGL standards. On the other hand, issuing a scope certificate to a site or facility is to confirm that the organization complies with GGL’s certification criteria.
However, holding a scope certificate alone does not guarantee that every product manufactured or traded is certified. To fully verify the certification status of a product, the supplier or trader must provide both a scope certificate and a TC. Furthermore, only certified suppliers and traders are eligible to apply for a TC, ensuring that every step in the supply chain remains compliant.
How to Apply for a Green Gold Label (GGL) Transaction Certificate (TC)
To obtain a TC, the company must first be certified under GGL. The next step is to register an account on the official GGLedger platform. Once registered, the applicant must submit the required transaction documents for review. The certification body that performed their audit will then review the submission before approval. Once approved, you can download the TC from the platform. It is crucial to apply for the TC before the shipment occurs. If the shipment arrives at customs without a valid TC, the product may be rejected. The final step in the process is making the required payment to the certification body to complete the transaction.
Required Documents for GGL TC Application
When applying for a TC, the certification body needs to verify several transaction-related documents documents:
- invoices,
- delivery orders,
- bills of lading,
- packing lists
Sometimes, a production record will be required. Additionally, a valid scope certificate for the applicant must be provided. If you are an intermediary in the supply chain, you might need to submit your supplier’s valid scope certificate as well. These documents are critical in verifying the legitimacy and sustainability of the biomass product being certified.
Cost of Obtaining a GGL Transaction Certificate (TC)
The cost of a TC varies depending on the certification body overseeing the process. Since the TC approval process involve only online document review, it is significantly more affordable than obtaining a full scope certificate.
Typically, the cost structure includes:
- administrative fee from the certification body,
- certification fees, and platform usage charges imposed by GGL
How Thinkinbio Can Help
ThinkinBio specializes in sustainability certification and provides expert guidance to help businesses comply with Green Gold Label (GGL) certification requirements. We can assist you with:
- Guiding you through obtaining a GGL certificate, ensuring a smooth certification process for your business.
- Helping you establish and maintain a valid and robust traceability system and documentation, ensuring compliance with GGL quality management standards.
- Providing guidance on the required documents for GGL Transaction Certificate (TC) applications, ensuring your transactions meet certification requirements.
Whether you are new to GGL certification or looking to enhance your sustainability management system, ThinkinBio is here to support you in navigating the process and securing your place in the global sustainable biomass market!
Read more about our service here.
Let us walk the journey of responsible business with you.