Source: AK-DigiArt - Fotolia.com
Certificate withdrawn: Special inspections ordered by the BLE confirm non-conformities in biofuel production in Bulgaria
The BLE supervises certification bodies in the biofuel sector. Following a special inspection ordered by the BLE, a Bulgarian company had its certificate withdrawn.
At the end of August 2025, the Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) provided indications of reclassifications of raw materials for fuel production at a company in Bulgaria certified by a recognised certification body. The BLE then ordered special inspections at the company, which is based in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Varna.
During the special inspection in September, the company's operational capacities were examined. The capacities stated by the company proved to be implausible.
Based on these findings, the certification body withdrew the company's certificate.
Background
The BLE is responsible in Germany for the recognition and supervision of certification bodies within the framework of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). These private certification bodies certify companies along the value chain to ensure compliance with sustainability criteria, e.g., in the production of fuel from waste such as used cooking oil.
