| Resolution GA19-2c |
| Proposed Resolution to be adopted at the 19th General Assembly (GA19) of RSPO Members 1 December 2022 |
| TITLE: Resolution to amend the RSPO Code of Conduct. Submitted By: The Board of Governors (BoG) of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (Currently represented by: Asosiasi Petani Sawit Swadaya Amanah, Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.*, Agroamerica Tropical Oil Holding Corp., AAK AB, Wilmar International Limited, UNILEVER PLC, The Procter & Gamble Company, Retailers’ Palm Oil Group**, Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Both ENDS, Forest Peoples Programme, World Resources Institute (WRI), WWF International) * Represents the Indonesian Growers Caucus **HOFER KG dba ALDI SOUTH Group, ASDA STORES LIMITED, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., Coles Supermarkets Pty Ltd, The Co-operative Group, Coop Switzerland, Federation of Migros Cooperatives, Lidl Stiftung & Co.KG, Marks and Spencer plc, Royal Ahold Delhaize N.V, Sainsbury's Supermarket Ltd., Tesco PLC and John Lewis Plc |
| Background: All RSPO members have the individual responsibility and are committed to support the vision “to transform markets to make sustainable palm oil the norm” by virtue of the RSPO Codes of Conduct. Clause 3.2 in the Code of Conduct for Members states: “Members/Associates to whom the P&C do not apply directly will implement parallel standards relevant to their own organisation, which cannot be lower than those set out in the P&C”. Resolution GA18-2b was adopted by the RSPO members at the 18th General Assembly requesting to review and amend Clause 3.2 of the Code of Conduct for Members, to clarify the wording and implications for the members. The Shared Responsibility Working Group (SRWG) has led this review and reached consensus on the recommended amendment with the signatories of the resolution, RSPO Secretariat, Standards Standing Committee and Board of Governors. |
| Proposed Resolution: To amend Clause 3.2 of the RSPO Code of Conduct for Members 2017 and the RSPO Code of Conduct for Supply Chain Associates 2017 (hereafter referred to as the RSPO CoC’s) as follows: 3.2 In being committed towards the production, procurement and use of Sustainable Palm Oil1, members to whom the P&C2 do not apply directly shall adopt and implement environmental and social standards no lower than those set out in the P&C. Footnote: 1 Production, procurement and use of Sustainable Palm Oil involves all members of RSPO whether directly or indirectly involved in the production, procurement, and use of Sustainable Palm Oil. 2 Environmental and social standards shall focus on all the environmental and social issues identified in the P&C (refer to the latest RSPO P&C): https://rspo.org/resources/certification/rspo-principles-criteria-certification). |
| Potential Benefits: It is fundamental to the success of the RSPO that all members support the RSPO vision “to transform markets to make sustainable palm oil the norm”, and through the Codes of Conduct members can be held accountable. In the cover page of the RSPO CoC’s it is stated that ”It is fundamental to the integrity, credibility and continued progress of the RSPO that every member supports, promotes and works towards the production, procurement and use of Sustainable Palm Oil”, clarifying that it is at membership level that the organisation shall comply with the RSPO CoC and related to the palm oil activities. |
| Potential Risks & Mitigation: As the intent of this revised clause is not new but rather an amendment to clarify its meaning, no negative impact on the membership is expected. The socialisation activities will serve to inform all members of the wording change and clarify doubts if any. |
| Proposed Standing Committee/Working Group/Task Force in overseeing the Resolution: The RSPO Secretariat and the SRWG will oversee the successful amendment of the RSPO CoC’s and to actively socialise and increase the awareness of RSPO members on the revised clause of the RSPO CoC’s. |
| Contact information: Lilian Garcia Lledo, lilian.garcia@rspo.org Inke van der Sluijs, inke@rspo.org |
| References: Resolution GA18-2b RSPO Code of Conduct for Members 2017 RSPO Code of Conduct for Supply Chain Associates 2017 |
