CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme – One Scheme, Two Scopes for Hydrogen Certification
CertifHy provides trusted certification for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives through a single, unified framework: the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme.
This approach simplifies certification for Economic Operators while offering flexibility. The scheme contains two distinct scopes:
- RFNBO scope — for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (renewable hydrogen and e-fuels)
- Low-Carbon scope — for low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives
Both scopes share the same governance, audit procedures, traceability rules, and high-integrity certification architecture, while applying scope-specific technical requirements aligned with EU legislation.
Understanding the Scheme
The CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme is designed to verify the origin and sustainability attributes of hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels. It supports regulatory compliance, market transactions, procurement, and credible sustainability claims across Europe and beyond.
By operating one scheme with two scopes, CertifHy enables producers to:
- Certify under the most suitable pathway for their production process and target markets
- Benefit from a consistent certification experience (same documentation structure, same Certification Bodies, same mass-balance traceability system)
- Choose or combine scopes depending on project needs, buyer requirements, or evolving regulations.
The RFNBO scope is officially recognized by the European Commission for demonstrating compliance with the Revised Renewable Energy Directive and the associated Delegated Acts. Learn more about RFNBO Certification.
The Low-Carbon scope aligns with the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonization Package and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359 on GHG emissions savings for low-carbon fuels. Learn more about Low-Carbon Hydrogen Certification.
Benefits of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme
- Simplified certification journey — One scheme, one set of processes, shared resources and support across both scopes.
- Maximum flexibility — Choose or combine RFNBO and Low-Carbon scopes to match your production technology and market needs.
- High integrity & trust — Independent third-party audits by Cooperating Certification Bodies and consistent EU-aligned rules.
- Market enabler — Access regulatory incentives (RFNBO scope), voluntary/CSR markets (Low-Carbon scope), and international opportunities.
- Future-proof — Built on a common architecture that accommodates new EU regulatory developments, including expansions of the Low-Carbon scope and emerging derivative pathways.
Not yet at the operational stage? Precertification is available from Pre-FEED onwards to de-risk your project and support your investment case.
Documentation & Tools
The documents and tools below support economic operators, certification bodies, and all stakeholders working with the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme. They provide practical, clear guidelines fully aligned with the Renewable Energy Directive and its associated Delegated Acts for both the RFNBO scope and the Low-Carbon scope.
Scheme Documents
These official documents deliver general and technical guidance for certification under the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme. They are designed to bring clarity and consistent implementation across the entire renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and e-fuels value chain.
Essential Tools & Links
- CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme Documents — Complete scheme rules and general documentation (common to both scopes)
- CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme Certification Process — Step-by-step overview from precertification to recurring audits
- Certificates & Non-Conformity Databases — Public view of issued certificates and status
- Precertification — Early-stage assessment and de-risking service for your project
- FAQ – CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme — Answers to the most frequently asked questions
Choosing the Right Path for Your Project
The CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme offers a single, coherent framework with two complementary scopes. This structure gives economic operators the flexibility to select the most relevant pathway — or to combine both — depending on their production technology, commercial strategy, and target market requirements.
Not sure which scope best fits your project? Compare RFNBO and Low-Carbon certification in detail
Whether you are at the concept stage or already operating, our team is available to help you navigate the certification journey and identify the most suitable approach for your specific situation.
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