DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS  2241  
First  Edition  
2019 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
DUS 2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019   
  
Compliance market i ncentives for Agro -industrialisation  — 
Guideline   
 DUS 2241 : 2019  
ii © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are  
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2019   
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, wi thout prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 4 333 2 50/1/2/3  
Fax: +256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  DUS 2241 :2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4 Guidance clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 7 
4.1 Flexibility / Relevance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  7 
4.2 Stakeholder engagement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  8 
4.3 Undue administrative burden  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
4.4 Management plan  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 8 
5 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  8 
5.1 Responsibility  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  8 
5.2 Transparency  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  8 
5.3 Legality  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  8 
5.4 Science -based approach  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  8 
5.5 Human rights  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
5.6 Working conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  9 
6 Principles, criteria and indicators  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  9 
6.1 Climate / Environmental compliance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 9 
6.1.1  Ecosystems Based Adaptation Component Criteria  ................................ ................................ .........  9 
6.1.2  Clean Energy Powered Value Addition Criteria  ................................ ................................ ...............  19 
6.1.3  Low Carbon Market & Supply Chain linkage requirements  ................................ ............................  24 
6.2 Organic & Health Compliance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  24 
6.2.1  Food cr ops ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  24 
6.2.2  Fisheries, poultry & Livestock products  ................................ ................................ ...........................  25 
6.2.3  Auxiliary requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  25 
6.2.4  Pesticide use and management  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  25 
6.3 Safety & Quality compliance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  25 
6.3.1  Water management  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  26 
6.4 Compliance and Enforcement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  32 
6.4.3  Additional evaluation requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 33 
Annex A   (normative)    IEC Standards applicable to off -grid electrification  ................................ ..............  35 
Annex B  (normative)    Relevant IEC International Standards for energy storage  ................................ .... 37 
Annex C  (normative)    Other applicable IEC International Standards relevant for rural 
electrification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 38 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  39 
 
. DUS 2241 : 2019  
iv © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of Inter national Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Stand ards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders 
including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested  parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Ugand a Standards by the National Standards Council.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/TC  2, Food and Agriculture .  
The work of preparing this guide line was carried out through a working group selected from different 
stakeho lders in accordance with procedures for development of Uganda Standards . The guide line was then 
validated by relevant Technical Committees on Food and Agriculture, clean energy, quality, health, safety, & 
ICT. DUS 2241 :2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  v 
 Introduction  
This guide is not a new “standard ” per se. Rather, it is a logic to restructure enforcement of already existing 
standards in areas of clean energy, sustainable nature based / organic agriculture, health, quality, safety and 
ICT to ensure they are enforced in a singular cascade as a bundle , rather than in sectorial silos as traditionally 
done. The aim being to regularize processes, products & services critical to establishing sustainable 
agriculture led, clean energy powered industrialization enterprises with ICT enabled linkages to markets  & 
supply chains. Such enterprises derived from Africa’s comparative advantage sectors of sustainable 
agriculture & clean energy offer the shortest route for most if not all African countries to industrialize and 
achieve global competitiveness. These are p ostulated as the strategic thrust engine that will accelerate 
implementation of shared climate aims (the NDCs) and socioeconomic priorities of food security, creation of 
income & job opportunities and expansion of macroeconomic growth – eloquently captured  in National 
Development Visions of nearly all countries across the continent.  
This guide therefore is about leveraging on already existing standards to create a new market incentive for 
producers to drive agro -industrialization by tapping into market opp ortunities among health, climate / 
environment sustainability, quality conscience consumers that are increasing in Africa and across the globe.  
With the above, several benefits will accrue to National Standards Regulators (NSRs) . 
First, they get into a new  “standards implementation market” without the risks & costs of developing new 
standards.  
Second, they have an opportunity to sell more of their offerings in one go – rather than being limited by 
sectorial silos. For example, a producer who uses clean ene rgy to add value means the National Standards 
Regulator can at a minimum, sell both agriculture and clean energy standards in one go. So, we have one 
engagement getting the two standards - rather than waiting to have to wait for stand -alone clean energy & 
agriculture actors to see such progress.  
Third NSRs will venture into a new “standards implementation market” without having to incur additional costs 
of promoting a new standard and developing manuals and training material for stakeholders as they are on ly 
maximizing implementing standards that they already have.  
Fourth, the economy wide objective of NSRs, which is expanding market opportunities for local producers 
stand actualized by opening the country’s producers to compete in a market spanning 40 coun tries.  
Fifth, the domestication of this guide implementation logic is in fulfilment of a Ministerial Decision at the 16th 
session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) to which all member countries 
have signed to. So NSRs will di rectly ensure their Governments fulfil their commitments to domesticate a 
critical AMCEN decision in addition to its other multilateral commitments of the NDCs & SDGs.  
This guideline was prepared with technical backstopping of the UN Environment through th e Ecosystems 
Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA) policy – implementation framework . 
The Rationale of establishing this guide line is premised on the need to create a market driven incentive to 
combat climate change by maximizing productivi ty of catalytic sub -sectors. These are sectors/sub -sectors in 
which Africa holds a comparative advantage in resources, are economically inclusive and can unlock leading 
socioeconomic priorities in most countries in the continent – especially achieving food  security, creation of 
income & job opportunities and expansion of macroeconomic growth - simultaneously with enhancing 
ecosystems and offsetting carbon to meet climate objectives under the Paris Agreement -hence accelerate 
achieving the Sustainable Develop ment Goals (SDGs) in the continent.  
Amalgamating clean energy expansion to power value addition of environmentally sustainably produced agro -
products presents a potential catalytic area for Africa targeted by this guide line. The amalgamation is meant to 
maximize productivity of agriculture by cutting on postharvest losses, losses due to climate change & losses DUS 2241 : 2019  
vi © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 due to ecosystems degradation. And also maximize productivity of clean energy development by diversifying 
application beyond traditional domestic us e to include productive use in agro -processing and value addition. 
And in the process, maximize income & job opportunities simultaneously with offsetting carbon & enhancing 
ecosystems given that clean & sustainable approaches are used. Hence unlock multipl e SDGs.  
The continents high -level strategic development vision, the African Union Agenda 20631 and high -level AU 
heads of state decisions on food security & development - the Maputo and Malabo declarations, imply this 
strategic thrust. They unanimously und erscore increased agriculture productivity as critical to inclusive poverty 
reducing growth to accelerate socioeconomic transformation. But in light of the multiple inefficiencies along 
Africa’s food chains, maximizing productivity cannot be considered as a silo undertaking. Rather, the 
continent’s food systems need to be complemented by amalgamation with key intervening sectors/ sub -
sectors accessible to the continent – especially energy, environment & climate resilience, market & supply 
chains among other s to eliminate inefficiencies along the entire agro value chain. This guide aims to inform 
enforcement of existing standards by respective National Standards Regulators in countries so it can be done 
in a holistic cascade that benchmarks approaches, techno logies & techniques in this strategic amalgamation.  
The guide line covers the entire Ecosystems based Adaptation (EBA) -Driven Agriculture production & clean 
energy powered value addition chain – from upstream on -farm production, where nature based, ecosyste ms 
enhancing approaches are used, to mid & downstream processing & other value added actions like linkage to 
markets where clean energy & carbon offsetting approaches will be employed.  
 
                                                      
1 The African Union Commission Agenda 2063 Framework Document. The Africa We Want. A shared strategic fra mework for inclusive 
growth and sustainable development & a global strategy to optimize the use of Africa’s resources for the benefit of all Afric ans. 
September, 2015.  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  DUS 2241 : 2019  
 
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  1 
 
 
 Compliance market incentives for Agro -industrialization — 
Guideline  
1 Scope  
This Draft Uganda  Stand ard provides for Quality control of products & processes along the entire EBA -Driven 
Agriculture & Clean Energy powered value addition chain.  
This guide line provides information on the classes of standards to enforce in a cascade towards incentivising 
the clean energy powered agro -industrialisation. The requirements cover four levels of compliance that 
include use of nature based EBA approaches for on -farm production (which also covers for organic); use of 
clean energy  for various levels of value addition  at both on -farm (e.g. solar powered irrigation) & off -farm; use 
of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) to effect various linkages to markets & supply chains; 
services including finance, advisory & compliance.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated 
references, the l atest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
ISO/IEC 7776, Information technology -- Telecommunications and information exchange between systems  
US EAS 456 , East African organic products standard  
US ISO 9000 , Quality managem ent systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary  
US ISO 9001 , Quality Management Systems – Requirements  
US ISO 14001, Environmental Management Standards   
US ISO 14040 , Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework  
US ISO 19011 , Guide lines for Auditing Quality Management Systems  
US ISO 26000 , Guidance on Social Responsibility  
US ISO/IEC 17065 , Conformity assessment -- Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and 
services  
US ISO 50001, Energy management  systems – Requireme nts with guidance for use  
US IEC/TS 62257, Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification - Part 
9-5: Integrated systems - Selection of stand -alone lighting kits for rural electrification  
IEC PAS 62111 , Specifications for  the use of renewable energies in rural decentralised electrification   
2 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the fo llowing addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1 
audit  
a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to 
determine the extent to which speci fied requirements are fulfilled  
NOTE 1  Internal audits, sometimes called first -party audits, are conducted by, or on behalf of, the organization itself for 
management review and other internal purposes, and may form the basis for an organization’s declaration of conformity.  
In many cases, particularly in smaller organizations, independence can be demonstrated by the freedom from 
responsibility for the activity being audited.  
NOTE 2  External audits include those generally termed second - and third -party audits. Second -party au dits are 
conducted by parties having an interest in the organization, such as customers, or by other persons on their behalf. Third -
party audits are conducted by external, independent auditing organizations, such as those providing 
certification/registrati on of conformity to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001.  
NOTE 3  When two or more management systems are audited together, this is termed a combined audit.  
NOTE 4  When two or more auditing organizations cooperate to audit a single auditee, this is termed a joint audit.  
3.2 
audit programme  
set of one or more audits planned for a specific time frame and directed towards a specific purpose  
 
3.3 
audit criteria  
set of policies, procedures or requirements  
NOTE  Audit criteria are used as a reference against which audit evidence  is compared.  
3.4 
audit evidence  
records, statements of fact or other information which are relevant to the audit criteria and verifiable  
NOTE  Audit evidence can be qualitative or quantitative.  
3.5 
audit findings  
results of the evaluation of the collected  audit evidence against audit criteria  
NOTE  Audit findings can indicate either conformity or nonconformity with audit criteria or opportunities for 
improvement.  
3.6 
audit conclusion  
outcome of an audit provided by the audit team after consideration of the  audit objectives and all audit findings  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  3 
 
 
 3.7 
audit client  
organization or person requesting an audit  
NOTE  The audit client may be the auditee or any other organization that has the regulatory or contractual right to 
request an audit.  
3.8 
auditee  
organizat ion being audited  
3.9 
auditor  
person with the demonstrated personal attributes and competence (3.1.6 and 3.9.14) to conduct an audit  
NOTE  The relevant personal attributes for an auditor are described in ISO 19011.  
3.10 
audit plan  
description of the activit ies and arrangements for an audit  
3.11 
audit scope  
extent and boundaries of an audit  
NOTE  The audit scope generally includes a description of the physical locations, organizational units, activities and 
processes, as well as the time period covered.  
3.12 
audit team  
one or more auditors conducting an audit, supported if needed by technical experts  
NOTE 1  One auditor of the audit team is appointed as the audit team leader.  
NOTE 2  The audit team may include auditors -in-training.  
3.13 
biodiversity  
the variabil ity among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other 
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within 
species, between species and of ecosystems.  
3.14 
certif ied product  
crops and the products produced on a certified farm that complies with applicable standards and policies.  
3.15 
child labour  
any employment that interferes with the legal rights of a child and culturally appropriate educational needs  
3.16  
Clea n energy powered value addition  
Any renewable energy technology applied to power value added processes along the entire agro -value chain. 
From on -farm where solar powered irrigation is prioritized, to off -farm, where various levels are applicable – 
especia lly off -grid solar, micro -hydro & wind power plants (5 -30Mw rated) for higher order value addition; and 
solar driers, biogas based cook stoves & other lower order renewable energy options.    
4 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
  
3.17 
Compliance  
Covers stakeholder capacity building & enforcem ent parameters towards effecting the standard  
3.18 
conformity assessment  
demonstration that  specified requirements relating to a product, process, system, person or body are fulfilled  
3.19 
conservation of ecosystems  
the conservation of ecosystems and na tural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations 
of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the 
surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties  
3.20 
continual  improvement  
recurring activity that has the effect of increasing the ability of a group to fulfill specified requirements. The 
process of establishing objectives and finding opportunities for improvement is a continual process, based on 
risk assessment, a udit findings, management reviews and other means.  
3.21 
contract  
a binding agreement  
3.22 
discrimination  
any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, color, gender,  religion, political opinion, nationality or 
social origin (or any other motive  determined by the afore -mentioned states) that causes equality of 
opportunity or treatment in employment or work to be lifted or reduced  
3.23 
Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA) Driven Agriculture  
any nature based on -farm action that fulfils 3 leading crit eria – enhances capacity of ecosystems, builds 
climate resilience & enhances food security. Leading examples include agro -forestry which enhances soil 
stability to prevent erosion & enhances ground water recharge; using organic fertilizer to enhance soil o rganic 
matter; micro -dosing combining organic fertilizer application with metered use of inorganic fertilizers to 
replenish specific soil nutrients after conclusive soil tests; efficient micro -irrigation to conserves water among 
others.   
3.24 
employee  
individual in a relationship recognized as an “employment relationship” in national law or practice  
3.25 
environment  
natural surroundings in which an organisation operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, 
fauna, people, outer space and t heir interrelationships  
3.26 
erosion  
the removal or displacement of soil caused by the movement of water or wind. Severe erosion implies the 
removal of the entire plow layer or "a " horizon (topsoil) of the soil   DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  5 
 
 
 3.27 
exotic species:  
those species not nativ e to the place where they are found. Species introdu ced from other regions or areas  
3.28 
farm  
the unit subjec t to certification or the audit   
3.29 
farmer  
for the purpose of this guide, the person or entity that manages a farm or group of farms. It may be a  
company, an individual farmer, a cooperative or other organization or individual responsible for managing a 
farm.  
3.30 
greenhouse gas  
gas that contributes to the natural greenhouse effect. The Kyoto protocol covers a basket of six greenhouse 
gases (GHGs) produced by human activities: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, 
perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride  
3.31  
health  
Refers to use of non -chemicalized approaches in food production and prioritizing nature based approaches. 
Also covers conformity to WHO approved scoring on chemical, biological and all other parameters.  
3.32 
high value ecosystems  
natural ecosystems of special importance to environmental conservation, such as habitat that enables the 
reproduction of endemic and end angered species or hosts viable wild animal or plant populations; provision of 
ecosystem services such as watershed protection in serious circumstances; or rare ecosystems.  
3.33  
Information Communication Technology (ICT)  
Hardware devices and software te chnologies & protocols admissible by country standards & 
telecommunication regulators applicable towards integrating products & services along the entire EBA -based 
clean energy powered industrialization value chain. Covers mobile apps on smart phones & fea ture phones; 
others desktop apps, or a combination of all these.  
3.34 
inspection  
conformity evaluation by observation and judgment accompanied as appropriate by measurement, testing or 
gauging  
3.35 
management plan  
the collection of documents, reports, re cords and maps that describe, justify and regulate the activities carried 
out by any manager, staff or organization within or in relation to the management unit, including statements of 
objectives and policies  
3.36 
minimum age  
the minimum age for work sho uld not be below the age for finishing compulsory schooling, which is generally 
14. Any work which is likely to jeopardize children’s physical, mental or moral health, safety or morals should 
not be done by anyone under the age of 18. Children between the ages of 12 and 14 years old may do light  
6 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 work, as long as it does not threaten their health and safety, or hinder their education or vocational orientation 
and training.  
3.37 
mitigation:  
projects or programs intended to offset known impacts to an existing natural resource, human being or 
community  
3.38 
life cycle  
consecutive and interlinked stages of a product system, from raw material acquisition or generation from 
natural resources to final disposal  
3.39 
natural resources:  
a feature or component of the na tural environment that is of value in serving human needs, e.g. soil, water, 
plant life, wildlife, etc. some natural resources have an economic value (e.g. timber) while others have a 
"noneconomic" value (e.g. scenic beauty).  
3.40 
objective evidence  
data s upporting the existence or verity of something  
NOTE  Objective evidence may be obtained through observation, measurement, test, or other means.  
3.41 
operator  
an individual or organisation responsible for ensuring that the production system and the products meet the 
requirements of the respective National standard  
3.42 
production management unit (PMU)  
unit (can be a farm, field, orchard, herd, greenhouse, etc.) defined by the producer for units where segregation 
of output (agricultural products) is intended a nd all provisions have been made and put in place to keep 
separate records and prevent mixing in the case of parallel production.  
 
3.43 
precautionary approach  
the principle stating that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of ful l scientific 
certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost -effective measures to prevent environmental 
degradation  
3.44 
Quality  
covers conformity to safety, ergonomics, packaging & labelling requirements of products & processes along 
the enti re EBA -based clean energy powered industrialization value chain.       
3.45 
renewable energy:  
energy sources that do not rely on fuels of which there are only finite stocks. the most widely used renewable 
source is hydroelectric power; other renewable sour ces are biomass energy, solar energy, tidal energy, wave 
energy, and wind energy  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  7 
 
 
 3.46 
slave labour  
forced labour  
3.47 
social and environmental management system (SEMs)  
part of an organization's management system used to develop and implement its social and  environmental 
policy and manage its social and environmental aspects  
3.48 
technical expert  
person who provides specific knowledge or expertise to the audit team  
NOTE 1  Specific knowledge or expertise relates to the organization, the process or activity t o be audited or language 
or culture.  
NOTE 2  A technical expert does not act as an auditor in the audit team.  
3.49  
test 
determination of one or more characteristics according to a procedure  
3.50 
verification  
confirmation, through the provision of objective  evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled  
3.51 
worker  
person who performs work, whether an employee or someone who is self -employed  
3.52 
waste  
waste is an unwanted or undesired material or substance. It is also referred to as rubbish, tras h, garbage, or 
junk depending upon the type of material and the regional terminology. Most waste is comprised of paper, 
plastic, metals, glass, food waste, organic material, feces and wood.  
3.53 
wastewater  
any water that has been adversely affected in qual ity by anthropogenic influence. it comprises liquid waste 
discharged by domestic residences, commercial properties, industry, and/or agriculture and can encompass a 
wide range of potential contaminants and concentrations.  
4 Guidance clause  
4.1 Flexibility / Relevance  
This guide  is flexible enough to be useful for operators of various sizes, processes, systems, products and 
countries of operation. In adhering to this guide , the operator shall deal only with those elements that are 
relevant to the operator’s activities.  
If certain specific sustainability aspects are considered not relevant to the process, the operator shall justify 
the specific manner in which its operations do not contribute to the impact of the aspects concerned.   
8 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 Local circumstances shall be  taken into account when assessing the environmental, social or economic 
situation.  
4.2 Stakeholder engagement  
Where required in this guide  or when a legal right is exercised by a stakeholder in regard to any indicator that 
affects the stakeholder’s welfar e, the operator shall document how stakeholders were engaged.  
NOTE  "Engaged" means both that stakeholders were provided opportunity to comment and that the operator 
provided a documented response to any grievance presented by stakeholders.  
4.3 Undue admini strative burden  
The capacity and resources of the operator should be taken into account so that this guide  does not cause 
excessive administrative burden.  
4.4 Management plan  
When referenced as an indicator in this guide , management plans are intended to b e a flexible mechanism for 
the operator to use to establish reasonable and appropriate plans to address relevant sustainability aspects. A 
plan that does not include all elements listed in the definition of a management plan is not considered a 
management plan for the purpose of this guide . The form of a management plan is not specified; a plan may 
be comprised of disparate or consolidated proprietary documents, reference materials and/or demonstrated 
knowledge and/or practice. Monitored data generated in a ccordance with the plan should be accessible to the 
verifier to facilitate his or her assessment and to ensure that the definition of a management plan has been 
adhered to. The data itself would not be attached to or incorporated into the verifier’s confor mity assessment.  
5 General requirements  
5.1 Responsibility  
An operator shall be responsible for only its own operations in applying this guide . Its own operations are 
defined as the sum of activities conducted by the operator throughout the supply chain, i ncluding those 
contracted activities conducted by its subcontractors.  
5.2 Transparency  
The data, information sources and assumptions used shall be communicated in a clear, accurate, timely, 
honest and complete manner (ISO 26000).  
5.3 Legality  
The operator  shall be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations having direct relevance to the 
principles, criteria and indicators presented in this guide . An operator may document instances where it is 
prohibited from complying with this guide  as a conse quence of a conflicting applicable law or regulation.  
5.4 Science -based approach  
Any data collected or used in the application of this guide , as well as justifications, presentations, 
commentary, or interpretation of results associated with the use of this  guide , shall be based on science, 
experience and technology.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  9 
 
 
 5.5 Human rights  
This guide  strives to ensure that the actions of the operators and their subcontractors respect the human 
rights of all citizenry, especially those of local stakeholders.  
The op erators shall respect universally recognized human rights.  
5.6 Working conditions  
The operator shall respect labour rights and provide safe and healthy working conditions, including providing 
tools, equipment and training that address the risk of workplace  hazards.  
6 Principles, criteria and indicators  
6.1 Climate / Environmental compliance  
Criterion: Actors along the agro -led industrialization chain shall engage in processes that offset carbon and 
conserve ecosystems to ensure climate resilience is built. These actions shall conform to relevant 
internationally recognized standards (ISO) and National Standards covering products & processes along the 
entire EBA -based clean energy powered industrialization value chain.  
Specifically this criteria covers:  
a) Ecosy stems conserving, enhancing and restoring approaches / Ecosystems Based Adaptation (EBA) 
approaches for on -farm production (expounded in -text); and  
b) Carbon offsetting, resource conserving value addition approaches in the post farm gate value chain & 
product ion processes centered around use of clean energy based, resource conserving processing 
and other value addition activities (among these clean energy powered drying / preservation; clean 
transport; green warehousing; bio -degradable packaging; use of recycl ed / re -used material for 
packaging etc.) & ICT based market & supply chain linkages (in place of paper processes & physical 
travelling that h ave a much bigger carbon print).  
6.1.1  Ecosystems Based Adaptation Component Criteria  
Summary: T he primary criteri on is that approaches must be nature based and fulfill 3 key aspects - Enhance 
food & nutritional security, build climate resilience / adaptation and enhance ecosystems productivity. 
Examples includes use of indigenous resilient crops; micro -dosing (metere d application of mineral fertilizer to 
address specific deficiencies alongside organic manure); integrated soil fertility management; conservation 
agriculture approaches; water efficient irrigation, ecosystems restoration activities e.g. agro -forestry to 
enhance ground water re -charge, water recycling/reclamation, water harvesting, minimizing erosion, 
enhancing biodiversity, enhancing  quality of pollinators . 
(Specific applicable criteria based on respective country context)  
6.1.1.1 Maintenance of biodiversi ty 
Principle: To maintain and/or enhance biodiversity and supporting habitats within the farming system and its 
surroundings.   
10 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.1.1.1 Protection  and conservation of biodiversity  
Criterion : The operator shall identify, support, protect and maintain the in tegrity of terrestrial, wetland and 
aquatic ecosystems inside and outside of the farm and promote ecologically functional habitats and species , 
and shall not permit their destruction or alteration as a result of management or production activities on the 
farm. 
Indicators  
6.1.1.1.1 .1 The operator addresses biodiversity within the farm plan to assess current ecosystems and 
identify appropriate habitat management practices, and encouraging participation in existing conservation 
programs and watershed ecosystem  protection efforts to support diverse species and habitats.  
6.1.1.1.1.2 The status of rare, threatened or endangered species that exist in the area of operations or 
that could be affected by operations are identified, recorded and their conservation taken  into account in 
management plans and operations.  
6.1.1.1.1.3 Primary ecosystems, such as primary forests and wetlands, shall not be cleared or drained for 
the purpose of establishing production, processing or trading operations.  
6.1.1.1.1.4 To the extent possible and appropriate to the crop and the conditions, trees cover shall be 
enhanced in and/or around the fields in addition to activities aimed at restoration of natural ecosystems within 
the farm.  
NOTE 1  Older, fruiting trees are especially important t o insects and birds. Natural boundaries such as hedges, paths 
and ditches should be encouraged. Legume trees will complement agricultural production.  
NOTE 2  Hedges, paths and ditches act as important wildlife corridors through agricultural land, help to ma intain a 
diverse ecology, connectivity and provide a habitat for many beneficial animals and lower plants.  
6.1.1.1.1.5 Intentional burning of vegetation shall be prohibited and alternative methods adopted for 
utilization of vegetation thereby protecting or ganic matter and biodiversity for enhanced productivity.  
6.1.1.1.1.6 Appropriate measures (such as but not limited to mulching, composting, crop rotation, 
intercropping, agro -forestry) shall be undertaken to stimulate and enhance plant production, organic matter, 
soil fertility, microbial activity, soil and plant health.  
6.1.1.1.1.7 For perennial crops, intercropping may be undertaken for crops whose husbandry practices 
do not lead to risks on food safety. For perennial crops that are grown as monocultures where intercropping is 
not possible (e.g., sugarcane and tea), other means to secure biodiversity shall be applied to the growing 
system.  
6.1.1.1.1.8 For any new plant introduction, the operator shall undertake a risk assessment on ecological 
suitability a nd the impacts the new species will have on the ecosystem.  
6.1.1.1.1.9 Hunting, capturing, extracting and trafficking wild animals shall be prohibited on the farm. 
Cultural or ethnic groups are allowed to hunt or collect fauna in a controlled manner and in  areas designated 
for those purposes under the following conditions:  
a) The activities do not involve species in danger o f or threatened with extinction;  
b) There are established laws that recognize the rights of these gro ups to hunt or collect wildlife;  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  11 
 
 
 c) Hunting  and collection activities do not have negative impacts on the ecological processes or 
functions important for agricultural and local ecosystem sustainability. The long -term viability of the 
speci es’ populations is not affected; and  
d) These activities are no t for commercial purposes.  
6.1.1.1.1.10 Timing harvest and other mechanical activities, within the window of opportunity, to minimize 
impacts on wildlife, habitat, and/or ecosystem functions, especially during critical reproduction and migratory 
periods.  
6.1.1.1.2 Protection of areas of high biodiversity value  
Criterion : There shall be no economic production in areas designated as conservation areas according to 
national law and regulations and international conventions except when a specific form of use is  stated to 
serve the biodiversity protection purpose in official documentation and/or approved management plans.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .1.2.1  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that they have identified the status of 
the area and the conserva tion values of global, regional or local importance affected by the potential or 
existing operation(s) of the operator.  
6.1.1 .1.2.2  The objective evidence provided by the operator on the identification o f conservation values 
includes:  
a) The area (ha), quant ity, and mapped location of production in t he biodiversity protection area;  
b) Evidence of consultation (e.g. meeting records) with relevant national/regional experts and institutions 
to identify conservation values of global , regional or local importance;  
c) Evidence of consultation with local stakeholders to conservation values of global , regional or local 
importance;  
d) For new projects, site level mapping, including delineation of areas to be planted and areas to be set 
aside for conservation values of global , regional or local importance;  
e) For existing projects, site level mapping, including delineation of areas to be maintained or restored 
for conservation values of global , regional or local importance;  
f) Comprehensive description of conservation values of global,  regional or local importance related to 
the area;  
g) Comprehensive description of the possible impacts of the bioenergy operation(s) on conservation 
values of global , regional or local importance;  
h) Comprehensive description of the possible risks resulting fro m the bioenergy operation(s) to 
conservation values of global, re gional or local importance; and  
i) Comprehensive description of the precautionary measures and practices identified and implemented 
to ensure that the conservation values of global, regional or local importance relating to and/or 
affected by the potential or existing operation(s) of the operator (i.e. including consideration of the 
wider landscape conte xt) are maintained or enhanced.  
6.1.1 .1.2.3  Existence of a biodiversity management plan (as pro of of compliance)   
12 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.1 .1.2.4  Evidence that no area defined as “no conversion area” was used unless documented 
evidences are provided that operations maintain their status and maintain or enhance their identified 
conservation values.  
6.1.1 .1.2.5  Evidence t hat the proposed or existing operation(s) can be/are managed in ways which 
maintain or enhance any conservation values of global, regional or local importance identified  during the 
screening exercise.  
6.1.1 .1.2.6  Evidence that precautionary measures and im plemented practices have been effective in 
maintaining or enhancing conservation values of global, regional or local importance.  
NOTE  The mitigation measures to be covered in the ESMP include but are not limited to sustainable harvesting of 
the biomass ex isting on the site (e.g. thinning, mowing), protection measures for biodiversity values, the creation of 
conservation set side zones, buffer zones, multiple use zones, controls on access and product removals, and specifically 
the ban on hunting, fishing, e nsnaring, poisoning and exploitation of rare, threatened, endangered and legally protected 
species.  
6.1.1 .1.2.7  Evidence that precautionary measures have been effective in giving preference to operating 
in areas which pose the lowest risk to conservation values of global, regional or local importance.  
6.1.1 .1.2.8  Evidence that a written summary listing of the conservation values of global, regional or local 
importance is publicly available.  
6.1.1.1.2.9  Evidence that none of the operation(s) have taken pl ace or are planned within any of the 
areas defined as “no -go areas” or Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) area.  
6.1.1.1.2.10  Evidence that no hunting, fishing, ensnaring, poisoning and exploitation of rare, threatened, 
endangered and legally protected spec ies is on -going on in the operations site.  
6.1.1 .1.3 Biodiversity values within the area of production  
Criterion : Biodiversity values shall be promoted within the area of production and the nearby environment that 
can be directly influenced by the operator . 
Indicators  
6.1.1. 1.3.1  The operator has developed and implemented a biodiversity management plan.  
6.1.1 .1.3.2  The operator’s biodiversity management plan encompasses fragmentation of habitat.  
6.1.1 .1.3.3  The operator’s biodiversity management plan encomp asses the mapped area (ha) of 
protected or restored ecological corridors, the buffer zones and the set -aside areas in the bioenergy 
production site and the percentage of the bioenergy production site that is set aside for biodiversity protection.  
6.1.1 .1.3.4 Evidence of implementation of appropriate crop management practices to assist conservation 
of rare, threatened, endangered or important vulnerable ecosystems species of local, regional, or global 
impor tance, where present including:  
a) Appropriate timing o f field operations to avoid harm to listed species, e.g. field operations timed to 
avoid disturbance to nesting a nd fledging birds;  
b) Use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides con siders impact on listed species; and  
c) Limited and appropriate use of burning of crop residues.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  13 
 
 
 6.1.1 .1.3.5  The presence of important habitats and species is periodically assessed and the status of 
rare, threatened or endangered species or habitats of high conservation value is documented.  
6.1.1 .1.3.6  Appropriate conser vation measures are included in the biodiversity management plan to 
protect rare, threatened or endangered species and habitats of high conservation value within production area 
to include:  
a) retention o f riparian and wetland habitats;  
b) retent ion protection of veteran trees; and  
c) no-spray and no -burn areas within 10 m of a reas of high conservation value.  
6.1.1 .1.3.7  Evidence of additional conservation measures to encourage wildlife and restore degraded 
natural ecosystems including:  
a) Restoration of degraded nat ural habitats within 50 m of production areas; and  
b) Use of biologi cal controls in crop management.  
6.1.1 .1.4 Ecosystem functions and services within the area of production  
Criterion : The ecosystem functions and services within the area of production shall b e maintained or 
enhanced at the landscape level.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .1.4.1  Where a project is likely to adversely impact ecosystem services, evidence that the operator 
conducts a systematic review to identify priority ecosystem services, i.e.: (i) those servi ces on which project 
operations are most likely to have an impact and, therefore, which result in adverse impacts to Affected 
Communities; and/or (ii) those services on which the project is directly dependent for its operations (e.g., 
water).  
6.1.1 .1.4.2  Evidence of reasonable effort to avoid adverse impacts on priority ecosystem services of 
relevance to Affected Communities and where these impacts are unavoidable, the operator minimizes them 
and implements mitigation measures that aim to maintain the value  and func tionality of priority services.  
6.1.1 .1.4.3  With respect to impacts on priority ecosystem services on which the project depends, 
evidence that operators minimize impacts on ecosystem services and implement measures that increase 
resource efficienc y of their operations.  
6.1.1 .1.4.4  Evidence that Affected Communities likely to be impacted participate in the determination of 
priority ecosystem services in accordance with the stakeholder engagement process.  
6.1.1 .1.4.5  If evidence exists that the opera tion will directly affect ecosystem functions and services, the 
operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that there is in place a biodiversity management plan to 
ensure that the operation(s) effectively maintains or enhances the ecosystem functio ns and services identified 
both inside, and outside the production site(s).  
NOTE  The management practices in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) may include:  
a) For ecosystem functions: the creation or maintenance and protection of areas whe re natural 
regeneration processes are allowed to take place, and where populations of native plants and animals 
can breed, feed and find refuge.   
14 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 b) For ecosystem services:  
i. Actions to control and minimize disturbance to water quality and water flows e.g. the creation or 
protection of riparian buffer zones of natural vegetation, to help control physical events such as 
floods or the spread of diseases, and the maintenance of natural vegetation in important water 
catch ments, especially steep slopes;  
ii. Actions to co ntrol and minimize soil disturbance, erosion and compaction including the avoidance of 
land clearance on sensitive or highly erodible soils, especially on steep slopes, and positive soil 
restorat ion measures where appropriate;  
iii. Actions to minimize the risk of fire and the effects of wind erosion e.g. maintenance o f appropriate 
natural barriers; and  
iv. Protection and maintenance of areas of natural vegetation where local populations can maintain a 
sustainable harvest of those natural goods e.g. Non Timber Fores t Products (NTFPs) which have 
been identified as important to their livelihoods.  
6.1.1 .1.4.6  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that continuous monitoring and 
measures implemented through their ESMP to maintain and enhance ecosystem fun ctions and services are 
effective.  
6.1.1 .1.5 Buffer zones  
Criterion : operators shall protect, restore or create buffer zones.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .1.5.1  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that buffer zones are protected, 
restored or creat ed within the site(s) of her/his/its bioenergy operation(s) around areas with conservation 
values of local, regional or global importance.  
6.1.1 .1.5.2  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that buffer zones are effective in 
mitigating pot ential negative impacts of the operations on areas that are contiguous to the operation site and, 
within the operation site, on any area containing conservation value(s) of local, regional or global importance.  
6.1.1.1.5.3  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that buffer zones remain unused for 
economic operation(s).  
NOTE  Buffer Zones may be managed in order to contribute to the sustained supply of environmental goods and 
services, in line with their protective function.  
6.1.1 .1.6 Ecolog ical corridors  
Criterion : Ecological corridors shall be protected, restored or created to minimize fragmentation of habitats.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .1.6.1  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that ecological corridors within the 
production sit e(s) have been identified.  
6.1.1. 1.6.2  Evidence demonstrating that existing ecological corridors within the production site(s) are set -
aside and protected with appropriate buffer zones.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  15 
 
 
 6.1.1 .1.6.3  Evidence demonstrating that, where there is the risk tha t operation(s) could increase the 
fragmentation of surrounding ecosystems, the spatial layout of the operation(s) is adjusted to not cause any 
additional fragmentation and to maintain connectivity of ecosystems through the creation of ecological 
corridors within the operation(s).  
6.1.1 .1.6.4  Evidence that specific measures are implemented to establish ecological corridors that 
facilitate the movement of wildlife in areas surrounding the site(s) of operation(s).  
6.1.1 .1.6.5  Indicator: New ecological corrid ors are created within the operation site if it is surrounded by 
areas containing wildlife and there is evidence that such corridors would improve connectivity.  
6.1.1 .1.6.6  Indicator: Ecological corridors, which were destroyed and for which the operator i s directly 
accountable, have been restored effectively.  
6.1.1 .1.6.7  Indicator: Ecological corridor(s) are effective in protecting, maintaining and/or enhancing the 
environmental aspect for which they were established.  
6.1.1 .1.7 Invasive alien species  
Criterion : operators shall prevent invasive species from invading areas outside the operation site.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .1.7.1  The operator complies with applicable laws and regulations regarding the cultivation, handling 
and use of genetically modified organisms , non -native crops and nationally recognised alien and invasive 
species or which has been analysed or recorded (e.g. in the Global Invasive Species Database) (even if not 
prohibited in the country of operation) as highly invasive under similar conditions ( climate, local ecosystems, 
soil types, etc.). In the absence of national law, compliance with requirements from a relevant national 
authority  
6.1.1 .1.7.2  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that a Weed Risk Assessment has 
been undertaken  analysing each species cultivated, used, or otherwise handled in the operation(s) of the 
operator to identify the potential threat of invasion.  
6.1.1 .1.7.3  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that the species used in the 
operation(s) h ave no or low risk of invasion in similar conditions.  
6.1.1 .1.7.4  If no evidence exists demonstrating that the species used have no or low risk of invasion in 
similar conditions, the operator provides objective evidence demonstrating implementation of app licable 
international or government approved guidelines that exist in the country or region of the operation(s).  
6.1.1 .1.7.5  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that specific measures are 
implemented which prevent and mitigate the risk of invasion during cultivation, harvesting, processing, 
transport and trade by among other things containing propagules in an appropriate manner.  
6.1.1 .1.7.6  The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that continuous monitoring is 
undertaken t o detect any invasion outside the operation site, of species cultivated, used or otherwise handled 
by the bioenergy operation(s).  
6.1.1 .1.7.7  Evidence that the operator has established a management plan, which includes cultivation 
practices that minimize the risks of invasion, immediate mitigation actions (eradication, containment or 
management) in case of escape of a plant species outside the operation site (possibly through the provision of 
a specific fund), as well as a monitoring system that checks for  escapes and the presence of pests and 
pathogens outside the operation site.   
16 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.1 .1.7.8  Rare, threatened or vulnerable ecosystems and species are protected)  
6.1.1 .1.7.9  Optimize the use, handling, storage and disposal of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticide s, fuels 
and other chemicals from an environmental perspective.  
6.1.1 .1.7.10  Evaluation of consequences of non -native crops.  
6.1.1 .1.7.11  Evidence of the adoption of safeguards to avoid potential risks associated with the use  of 
GMO and alien species.  
6.1.1.2 Soil management  
Principle: To maintain and replenish long -term soil health, fertility and productivity.  
6.1.1.2.1 Soil management plan  
Criterion : A soil management plan, which aims to maintain and protect soil health, quality and productivity 
and rever se soil degradation, shall be developed and implemented.  
Indicators  
6.1.1.2.1.1 The operator has developed a soil management plan, or has implemented a soil management 
plan approved by a local authority, with applicable abatement measures; and ongoing stat us is monitored at 
appropriate intervals.  
6.1.1.1.2.2 The operator has provided measures of the quality and productivity of soils at the site and 
local level, including those for salinization, compaction, contamination, water holding capacity and retention  of 
organic carbon content.  
6.1.1 .1.2.3 The operator provides evidence that the use of agrarian and forestry residual products, 
including lignocellulose material, is not at the expense of long -term soil stability and organic matter content.  
6.1.1.1.2.4 The operator provides evidence of implementing measures to improve soil health, such as 
Conservation Agriculture practices a s defined by the FAO, including:  
a) Organic direct planting;  
b) Permanent soil cover;  
c) Crop rotation;  or  
d) Fallow areas with natural or plante d vegetation in order to recover natural fertility  and interrupt pest 
life cycles.  
6.1.1.1.2.5 The operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that the Soil Management Plan is 
based on continuous monitoring (e.g. at minimum once per season and once per crop rotation, etc.) of 
physical, chemical, organic and biological properties of the soils and other related factors (e.g. rainfall, water 
availability, run -off and other conditions, climatic conditions, size and layout of the production area, etc.) in  and 
around the production area of the operation(s) of the operator, as collected through the impact assessment 
studies or other equivalent source.  
6.1.1.2.2 Soil erosion  
Criterion : Practices that minimize and control erosion and degradation of soils shall  be used.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  17 
 
 
 Indicators  
6.1.1.2.2.1 Evidence of maps indicating areas of fragile soils  
6.1.1.2.2.2 The operator has identified local soil erosion forces (rainfall, runoff and/or wind) and all 
parameters of agronomic (soil erodibility, etc.), physical/topologi cal (e.g., field slope) and/or climatic conditions 
that affect soil loss.  
6.1.1.2.2.3 Indicator: The operator’s soil management plan encompasses engineering and technical 
measures to address soil loss.  
6.1.1.2.2.4 The operator provides objective evidence d emonstrating implementation of practices to 
reduce or avoid soil erosion and compaction, and to maintain or improve soil organic matter.  
6.1.1.2.2.5 Mitigation measures are in place  
6.1.1.2.2.6 Tillage practises (season/no/low/high)  
6.1.1.2.2.7 A manage ment strategy should exist for plantings on slopes above a certain limit (needs to be 
soil and climate specific).   
6.1.1.2.2.8 A management strategy should be in place for other fragile and problem soils (e.g. sandy, low 
organic matter, acid sulfate soils)   
6.1.1.2.2.9 Presence of road maintenance programme.  
6.1.1.2.2.10 Subsidence of peat soils should be minimised under an effective and documented water 
management programme.  
6.1.1.2.2.11 Buffer zones/strips  
6.1.1.2.2.12 Water channels  
6.1.1.2.2.13 Monito ring data  
6.1.1.2.2.14 Percent of arable land in production  
6.1.1.2.2.15 Tons of soil lost/hectare/year in arable land cultivated for feedstock production  
NOTE 1  Techniques that minimize soil erosion may include practices such as ground cover management , biomass 
recycling, terracing, and natural regeneration or restoration instead of replanting.  
NOTE 2  For existing plantings on peat, water table should be maintained at a mean of 60cm (within a range of 50 -
75cm) below ground surface through a network of a ppropriate water control structures e.g. weirs, sandbags, etc. in fields, 
and watergates at the discharge points of main drains.  
NOTE 3  Smallholders should be able to demonstrate that they have an understanding of the techniques required to 
manage their so ils and that they are being implemented.  
NOTE 4  National interpretation should refer to national guidance, and identify the best management practices and 
appropriate techniques for maintaining soil quality in local conditions, including guidance on soil ty pes, and any 
appropriate performance thresholds, such as maximum acceptable slope gradient for planting.   
18 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.1.2.3 Soil productivity and fertility  
Criterion : Soil productivity and fertility shall be maintained or improved with due regard for soil structure  and 
stability, organic matter and nutrient content.  
Indicators  
6.1.1.2.3.1 Productivity issues are specified in the soil management plan.  
6.1.1.2.3.2 Evidence that the soil management plan reviews erosion risk, sets out a strategy for 
protecting high -risk areas, and assesses soil structure to identify impediments to rooting and crop water use.  
6.1.1.2.3.3 Rotation period with an integrated plant nutrition approach and soil nutrient compensation 
(indicator)  
6.1.1.2.3.4 Analysis of topsoil nutrient status at 5 yearly intervals following recommended sampling and 
analysis methods. Should include P, K, N and pH status  
6.1.1.2.3.5 Use of a farm nutrient management plan, which details fertilizer and manure management 
principles – including no spread zones (to p rotect water bodies), soil nutrient status, crop requirements and 
inputs of nutrients in manure.  
6.1.1.2.3.6 Evidence of checks on fertilizer spreaders to ensure evenness of spread, within acceptable 
limits.  
6.1.1.2.3.7 Proportion of biomass harvested  
6.1.1.2.3.8 Compensatory measures for soil carbon losses  
6.1.1.2.3.9 Productivity over time  
6.1.1 .2.3.10 Monitoring data  
6.1.1 .2.3.11 Evidence of following recommendations of the agro -ecological zoning  
6.1.1 .2.3.12 Changes in productivity on arable land .  
6.1.1 .2.4 Soil physical status  
Criterion : Soil physical status shall be maintained.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .2.4.1  Physical status issues are specified in the soil management plan.  
6.1.1 .2.4.2  Where the Soil Impact Assessment demonstrated that the soil conditio ns were already 
optimal, the operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that implementation of Soil Management 
Plan effectively prevents (and if necessary mitigates) alteration of physical, chemical and/or biological soil 
properties including soil organic matter. Where the Soil Impact Assessment demonstrated that the soil 
conditions were below optimal, the operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that implementation of 
Soil Management Plan effectively reverts soil degradation and restores physical, chemical and/or biological 
soil properties to optimal levels.  
6.1.1 .2.4.3  Tillage practices (season/no/low/high).  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  19 
 
 
 6.1.1 .2.4.4  Equipment and technique used.  
6.1.1. 2.4.5  Soil characteristics  
6.1.1 .2.4.6  Monitoring data.  
6.1.1 .2.5 Soil chemical and  biological status  
Criterion : Soil chemical and biological status shall be maintained.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .2.5.1  Optimize the use, handling, storage and disposal of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fuels 
and other chemicals from an environmental perspecti ve.  
6.1.1 .2.5.2  The management system is based on an integrated system of pest control.  
6.1.1 .2.5.3  The use of restricted pesticides is controlled and administration is kept up to date. Stock is 
kept in a separate and locked storage.  
6.1.1. 2.5.4  Biologica l control agents and organic pesticides, as well as traditional knowledge and skills 
regarding alternatively non -chemical pest control have to be identified and implemented in the agricultural 
management system.  
6.1.1 .2.6 Land conservation and rehabilitati on 
Criterion : The agriculture management shall be aimed at land conservation and rehabilitation.  
Indicators  
6.1.1 .2.6.1  Land degradation is surveyed on a regular basis.  
6.1.1 .2.6.2  Land and conservation areas at risk are identified and the policy and manag ement measures 
are formulated.  
6.1.1 .2.6.3  The general planning, management and utilization of land resources and the preservation of 
soil fertility are defined and executed.  
6.1.2  Clean Energy Powered Value Addition Criteria  
The criteria for technologies,  techniques and processes specified by countries must promote diverse clean, 
renewable technologies and increase renewable energy generation in the country. But all must be dedicated 
to clean energy power for productive use in powering various levels of ag ro-value addition. Be it on -farm, 
where the main key focus is solar powered micro -irrigation and off -farm / post farm gate where focus covers 
low level value addition like solar drying, biogas for value addition in eateries etc., to higher order value 
addition where focus is on decentralized / off -grid plants that can provide 5 - 30Mw of off -grid electricity to 
power an ecosystem of processing factories e.g. a solar powered processing & packaging factory etc. For 
electrification, it is envisaged that off -grid technologies, processes & techniques will be fostered drawing from 
the fact that they represent the most economical mode of electrification for remote & rural low load areas 
where most agriculture occurs & where agro -value addition can occur in proximal  distance to raw material 
sources.   
20 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.2.1  Applicable clean energy technologies  
Solar, Wind, Micro -hydro, Bio -energy; solar powered irrigation systems.  
Above technologies must satisfy relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and Internatio nal 
standards including normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1 & 2. This covers both on -farm & off -
farm value addition; low level cottage industry to higher order processing factories.  
6.1.2.2 Applicable project design specification  
Relevant des ign specifications for energy systems applicable for both on -farm & off -farm value addition shall 
satisfy relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and International standards including 
normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1 & 2. Thi s covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; low 
level cottage industry to higher order processing factories.  
6.1.2.3 Applicable equipment technical specifications  
Equipment used to develop energy systems for both on -farm & off -farm value addition sha ll satisfy relevant 
National Standards Regulators code of practice and International standards including normative references 
under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; low level cottage 
industry to hig her order processing factories.  
6.1.2 .4 Applicable energy efficiency criteria  
Energy systems, both on -farm & off -farm value addition systems shall conform to relevant efficiency 
requirements as specified in National Standards Regulators code of practice and  Intern ational standards 
including normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers low level cottage industry to 
higher order processing factories.  
6.1.2 .5 Applicable service & e quipment procurement standards  
Procurement of technical services & technologies for both on -farm & off -farm value addition energy systems 
shall conform to relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and  International standards 
including normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers low  level cottage industry to 
higher order processing factories.  
6.1.2 .6 Applicable tools  
Tools used to develop energy systems for both on -farm & off -farm value addition shall satisfy relevant 
National Standards Regulators code of practice and International  standards including normative references 
under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; low level cottage 
industry to higher order processing factories.  
Site selection procedures: location of agro -industrial zones,  the primary areas where the clean energy 
systems will be set up shall factor need to locate processing & value addition in proximal distance to sources 
of raw material. Hence maximize revenues (by minimizing costs) & emissions associated with transporting  
bulky, low value raw material to distant locations for value addition.  
6.1.2 .7 Construction & commissioning procedures  
Shall satisfy relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and International standards including 
normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; 
low level cottage industry to hig her order processing factories.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  21 
 
 
 6.1.2 .8 Operation & maintenance procedures  
Shall satisfy relevant National Standards Regulators code of practi ce and International standards including 
normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; 
low level cottage industry to higher order  processing factories.  
6.1.2 .9 Decommission, salvage &  disposal a t end of useful life  
Shall satisfy relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and International standards including 
normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1, 2 & 3. This covers both on -farm & off -farm value addition; 
low level cottage i ndustry to hig her order processing factories.  
6.1.2 .10 Energy efficiency  
The operator shall determine and document the energy demand by the enterprise for developing an energy 
efficiency plan with goals and implementation activities towards increased effic iency, reduced dependency on 
non-renewable sources and increased use of renewable energy.  
Records shall be maintained on all aspects of energy management  
In all the above actions, relevant National Standards Regulators code of practice and International s tandards 
including normative references under part 2 and Annexes 1 & 2 shall apply. This covers both on -farm & off -
farm value addition; low level cottage industry to higher order processing factories.  
6.1.2 .11 Other auxiliary requirements  
a) Interoperability  of different component parts and products from different manufacturers should be 
fostered  
b) Durability: Products / Projects should be appropriately protected from water exposure, have durable 
switches and connectors and, if portable, survive being dropped.   
c) System Quality: Product / Projects should pass a visual wiring and assembly inspection.  
d) Warranty: Components should have a consumer -facing warranty  
e) End-to-end project scenario requirements as per IEC standard - Engineerin g, procurement and 
construction . This part provides a systematic breakdown of the end -to-end steps & conformity 
requirements to fulfil in a full project scenario. The IEC standard, a normative reference within this 
guide is used for illustration.  
6.1.2 .12 Engineering  
Engineering activit ies which include but not limited to general presentation of electrification systems, network 
configuration, functional diagrams and subsystems should be done with the guidance of IEC TS 622257 -2 and 
4 in additional to national codes and regulations. Speci alist competencies will be required as many designs 
will require non -traditional engineering solutions.   
22 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.2 .13 Procurement requirements  
6.1.2. 13.1 Selection of supplier or service provider  
The requirements for the selection of supplier or service provi der should be in compliance with national 
regulations related to the procurements process. In additional to the national regulation, the guidance 
specified in IEC TS 62257 -3 should be considered during the selection of supplier or service provider. For 
stand-alone lighting kits, the guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -9-5 shou ld be taken into consideration.  
6.1.2 .13.2  Pricing requirement  
Value for money should be the key factor in pricing and should be in accordance with the national 
procurement requirements. R elevant incentives should be considered where applicable.  
6.1.2 .13.3  Qualitative and quantitative assessment requirements  
The qualitative and quantitative assessment should be done with guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -3 and 
considering IEC International s tandards or national standards on specific equipment or product to be used in 
the project.  
6.1.2 .14 Construction  
6.1.2 .14.1  Standards, grid codes and regulations  
The construction of rural electrification system should be done in accordance with relevant  national standards, 
grid codes and regulations where applicable. In cases where it is not applicable, the IEC standards and 
regional standards should be considered. The guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -3 on use of standards in rural 
electrification system s hould be considered during the construction of rural electrification systems project. The 
project design should provide all docu mentation to the project owner.  
6.1.2 .14.2  Access facilities  
All rural electrification projects should have the access faciliti es to enhance implementation and maintenance.  
6.1.2 .14.3  Communication facilities  
Appropriate communication facilities for engaging relevant stakeholders at a ll stages should be considered.  
6.1.2 .14.4  Plant construction  
Plant construction should be done with the guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -7 and 9. The test certificate for 
the equipment should be available on the construction site for inspection purposes. The as -built diagram 
should be available for ease of maintenance. The specifications given in IEC TS 62257 -5 must be taken into 
account for the ele ctric power distribution lines.  
6.1.2.14.5  Transmission and distribution lines construction  
The construction of transmission and distribution lines should be done in compliance with IEC standards or 
guide a nd/or national codes and standards where applicable. Test certificate shall be available at any time are 
requested for inspection and the as -built schematic diagram shall be available for ease of maintenance. The 
guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -5 should be taken into consideration for distribution lines.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  23 
 
 
 6.1.2 .14.6  User interface requirements  
The guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -9-3 should be taken into account during design and construction for user 
interface. This guidance specifies the general requirements  for the design and implementation of interface 
equipment within the user’s installations which connect to micro -grid or standalone systems.  
6.1.2.14.7  User installation requirements  
The guidance given in IEC TS 62254 -9-4 should be used during the design  and construction of user 
installation to ensure protection of persons, animals and equipment as well as satisfactory operation in 
accordance with purpose for which the installations are designed.  
6.1.2 .14.8  Commissioning and acceptance  
The commissioning and acceptance procedures should be in compliance with IEC TS 62257 -6. For stand -
alone lighting kits, the guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -9-5 should be taken into consideration.  
6.1.2 .15 Operation and maintenance  
The operation and maintenance shall be don e by certified and authorized technician. The relevant applicable 
guides/manuals should be used for operation and maintenance.  
6.1.2 .15.1  Preventive and operational maintenance requirements  
The maintenance requirements should be established in accordance  with guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -6. 
The projector implementer should have the maintenance plan.  
6.1.2 .15.2  Capacity building requirements  
The project developer shall provide to the project owner/implementer the documentation related to the 
capacity b uilding training for the user and implementers of the project. The training plan should be done in 
accordance with guidance given in IEC TS 62257 -6.  
6.1.2 .15.3  Roles and responsibilities of consumers, local government, utilities and regulatory 
authority  
Different stakeholder roles shall be defined by the project developer and shall be submitted to the project 
owner during commissioning. The roles should be defined in accordance with guidance given in IEC TS 
62257 -3 and 5 as well as local regulations.  
6.1.2.15.4  Conformity assessments  
Conformity assessment systems, notably IECEE and IECRE (www.iec.ch) may be applicable to specific 
subsystems, equipment and should be used to give assurance of compliance to standards wherever 
practicable. Implementers of pro jects should enquire with the National Standards Body (NSB), or national 
committee member of IEC, if applicable, to establish whether these conformity assessment systems are 
supported in the country where the project is being implemented. NOTE At an indivi dual national level, other 
conformity assessment requirements might apply to certain equipment and could be enforceable through 
regulations. Where applicable, compliance should be verified as specified in IEC TS 62257 -13.  
24 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.1.3  Low Carbon Market & Supply C hain linkage requirements  
6.1.3.1  Use ICT to link efficiently to market & supply chains of inputs, advisory, finance, standards 
enforcement (in place of physical travelling & paper processes which have a much bigger carbon print / use 
more resources & resu lt in higher emissions  
a) Relevant country ICT tools from EBAFOSA stakeholders to be used to effect above value chain 
linkages  
b) Exposure level of ICT equipment must conform to International standards prescribed by the 
International Telecommunications Union (I TU) - Recommendation ITU -T K.52 (compliance of 
telecommunication installations and mobile handsets or other radiating devices used against the head 
with safety limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields)  
c) Devices – mobile phones, tablets, laptops &  desktop computers to be energy efficient – conform to 
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 39, Sustainability for and by information technology Standards key  to reducing 
energy consumption  
d) Interoperability of devices from different manufacturers – conformity to ISO/IEC 7776  
6.1.3.2  Transport, infrastructure planning should prioritize the shortest, most efficient means to transport 
produce to markets e.g. prioritizing good quality roads linking production areas to markets & collection points  
a) Relevant planning, design & constru ction parameters shall comply with specifications in relevant 
National codes of practice  
b) Improved emissions standards on transport vehicles and other logistical carriages. Transport 
emissions improvement standards in relevant Natio nal codes of practice to  apply.  
6.1.3.3  Packaging using bio -degradable material.  
a) Choice of material to be based on relevance, availability and applicable National codes of practice  
6.2 Organic & Health Compliance  
Specification / criteria specified by the country must be based on  use of non -chemicalized approaches for food 
production and prioritize only nature -based approaches. The Organic Standard requirements and available & 
applicable organic standards in the country shall be adopted as part of compliance with this parameter.  
6.2.1 Food crops  
a) Seed production follows natural approaches  
b) Specific seed quality parameters specified by National Standards Regulators  
c) Organic manure prioritized  
d) Application of (inorganic) fertilizer must be informed by conclusive soil tests & analysis  
e) Soil test parameters & equipment established by respective National standards bodies shall apply  
f) Prioritize use non -chemical techniques (biological & mechanica l) to combat pests & diseases.  
 DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  25 
 
 
 6.2.2  Fisheries, poultry & Livestock products  
Feed given to livest ock, poultry & fish must be nature based. Any necessary treatment involving use of 
chemicals must use those certified by National Standards Regulators. Animal products must not be consumed 
in the treatment period.  
6.2.3  Auxiliary requirements  
Relevant req uirements specified in the “environmental compliance section” under the EBA component as well 
as normative references specified in this guide  shall apply.  
6.2.4  Pesticide use and management  
Principle: To promote the use of environmentally friendly non -chem ical methods of pest management and 
strive to avoid the use of chemical pesticides.  
Criterion: The operator shall have an integrated pest management programme based on ecological principles 
for the control of harmful pests (insects, plants, animals and mic robes). The programme shall give priority to 
the use of physical, mechanical, cultural and biological control methods, and the least possible use of 
agrochemicals. The program shall include non -chemical Pest monitoring, scouting, Record of non -chemical 
practices re -entry intervals and sound disposal of pesticide containers  
Indicators  
a) The operator shall have a plan for eliminating the use of all endocrine disruptions and cholinesterase 
inhibiting substances, carcinogenic and mutagenic causing substances WHO  Class 1a and 1b, WHO 
class II and all highly hazardous chemical substances under the Stockholm convention on persistent 
organic pollutants (Pops Convention)  
b) The operator shall ensure that dosage/rates, re -entry periods and postharvest intervals are strict ly 
observed. Measures shall be put in place to ensure that this information is documented and publicly 
communicated.  
c) The operator shall ensure all employees engaged in any chemical application are trained on safe use 
of chemicals; provided with adequate pe rsonal protective equipment and trained on their safe usage.  
6.3 Safety & Quality compliance  
Criterion: The operator shall follow a written and updated occupational health, safety and hygiene policy and 
procedures, including issues of risk assessment in a ccordance with internationally recognized standards. This 
will cover products & processes along the entire EBA -based clean energy powered industrialization value 
chain. Among specific areas of conformity include safety, ergonomics, packaging & labelling (n utritional 
values, sell -by-dates etc.) as applicable.  
Some key requirements include:    
a) Evidence of water quality testing with scores conforming to relevant international / ISO criteria and 
with quality specifications & criteria defined by the National St andards bodies for the relevant point of 
use along the agro -value chain. E.g. farm level agriculture water e.g. for irrigation or aquaculture may 
be of lower standard than water used for final processing of agro -produce ;   
b) Quality of non -water inputs shall  conform to relevant international / ISO criteria & scores and with 
those specified by the National Standards Bodies & in relevant code of practice in the country ;  
26 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 c) Products must undergo relevant testing to ascertain quality aspects of nutritional value, to xicology 
testing and related & ancillary parameters as specified by the National Standards Bodies & in relevant 
code of practice in the country ;  
d) Ergonomics & safety of equipment, buildings etc. must fulfill the set criteria in respective. Safety 
standards  for site activities shall follow those specified in the National Standards Bodies & in relevant 
code of practice in the country ; and  
e) For final products, where applicable, packaging must be hygienic. Labeling must be legible and cover 
key aspects like shel f-life, nutritional values and related & ancillary parameters as specified by the 
National Standards Bodies & in relevant code of practice in the country .      
Indicators  
Inputs – water is a critical input not adequately covered in the preceding sections. Other critical non -water 
inputs e.g. fertilizer, seeds, technologies etc., are covered under the “environment compliance” and “health & 
organic compliance” sections.     
6.3.1  Water management  
Principle: To maintain or enhance the quality and quantity of s urface and ground water resources, and respect 
prior formal or customary water rights.  
6.3.1.1  Water rights  
Criterion: Operators shall respect the existing water rights of local and indigenous communities.  
Indicators  
6.3.1.1.1  Evidence that the operation( s) do not negatively affect (i.e. reduce and/or alter in quality or 
quantity) the water supply to communities which rely on the same water resource(s). This usually includes 
objective evidence:  
a) identifying the communities which rely on the same water reso urce(s) as operation(s);  
b) analyzing the water supply to communities which rely on the same water resource(s);  
c) analyzing whether the water supply to communities which rely on the same water resource(s) is 
affected in quality or quantity by operation(s);  and  
d) ensuring use of water for  operations shall not be at the expense of the water needed by the 
communities that rely on the same water source(s) for subsistence.  
6.3.1.1.2  Evidence of evaluation of the actual and potential impacts of operation(s) on the a vailability of 
water resource(s) within the local community.  
6.3.1.1.3  If the screening exercise indicated any significant potential impacts of operations on water 
availability within the local community and ecosystems, the operator provides objective evi dence 
demonstrating that a water rights impact assessment has been completed and any actual or potential negative 
impacts of operation(s) on the availability of water resource(s) within the local community have been 
mitigated.  
6.3.1.1.4  Evidence demonstra ting continuous monitoring of the actual and potential impacts of bioenergy 
operation(s) on the availability of water resource(s) within the local community.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  27 
 
 
 6.3.1.1.5  Evidence that the use of the water resource(s) for operation(s) is not legitimately dis puted by 
stakeholders who rely on the same water resource(s).  
6.3.1.1.6  Evidence that the use of the water resource(s) for operation(s) has been agreed with free, prior 
and informed consent by stakeholders who rely on the same water resource(s).  
6.3.1.1. 7 Evidence that the use of the water resource(s) for operation(s) has been consulted with water 
regulatory authorities, local water experts, community members, and indigenous peoples which relate to 
and/or rely on the same water resource(s) to:  
a) identify a ll stakeholders who rely on the same water resource(s);  
b) identify formal water rights relating to the same water resource(s);  
c) identify customary water rights relating to the same water resource(s);  
d) evaluate the actual and potential impacts of operation(s ) on the same water resource(s);  
e) evaluate and identify measures to fully mitigate the actual and potential impacts of operation(s) on the 
same water resource(s);  
f) evaluate and identify measures to fully protect the formal or customary water rights to the same water 
resource(s) and to prevent infringement and/or compromising of such rights;  
g) ensure that the formal or customary water rights to the same water resource(s) are only modified 
based on Free, Prior and Informed Consent of stakeholders relating to a nd/or relying on the same 
water resource(s);  
h) ensure that there is priority to human consumption (indicator); and  
i) evaluate and identify measures to continuously monitor and ensure comprehensive implementation of 
the requirements detailed above (a – h).  
6.3.1.1.8  Evidence that the outcomes and agreements resulting from the consultation process detailed 
under the preceding indicator are comprehensively and fully implemented.  
6.3.1.1.9  Supporting documents of water rights and permissions on overall process and irrigation water 
withdrawal.  
6.3.1.2  Water management plan  
Criterion: Water resources are managed at the local and/or site level to protect water quality and quantity over 
time and taking the watershed into account.  
Indicators  
6.3.1.2.1  The source, qu antity and quality of water withdrawal are identified.  
6.3.1.2.2  Evidence demonstrating that valid abstraction licences or permits have been obtained.  
6.3.1.2.3  The operator has developed and implemented a water management plan that includes 
measurements a nd monitoring.  
6.3.1.2.4  The operator has implemented measures to address the impacts of water withdrawal on the 
quality of water resources.   
28 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.3.1.2.5  The operator has implemented measures to address the availability of surface or groundwater 
resources in water -scarce countries.  
6.3.1.2.6  The operator’s water management plan addresses riparian areas and other areas which receive 
direct water run -off from the area of operation.  
6.3.1.2.7  Evidence that the water management plan is available to the public unle ss this is limited by 
national law or international agreements on intellectual property.  
6.3.1.2.8  Evidence that the water management plan is consistent with local conditions of rainfall, water 
storage, water distribution and water treatment.  
6.3.1.2.9  Evidence demonstrating that the water management plan is consistent with any other regional or 
local water management plans.  
6.3.1.2.10  Evidence that any negative impacts resulting directly or indirectly from the operation(s) on the 
water resources of the neighbouring areas are mitigated fully.  
6.3.1.2.11  Evidence that the water management plan is reviewed and revised periodically (i.e. at least 
annually) to assess its effectiveness at achieving its stated objectives.  
6.3.1.2.12  Evidence that best practic es measures for reusing or recycling of waste water have been 
identified and are implemented over time.  
6.3.1.2.13  Evidence that the water management plan uses solutions that lower the risk for impaired water 
quality.  
6.3.1.2.14  Evidence that the water m anagement plan uses solutions that lower the risk for exhaustion and 
overuse of regional water resources.  
6.3.1.2.15  Evidence that the water management plan contains measures to protect water courses and 
wetlands, including maintaining and restoring appro priate riparian buffer zones.  
6.3.1.2.16  Evidence demonstrating that the water management plan contains measures to optimize the use, 
handling, storage and disposal of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fuels and other chemicals from an 
environmental pe rspective.  
6.3.1.2.17  Evidence demonstrating that the water management plan contains measures to avoid depletion of 
surface or groundwater resources beyond replenishment capacities.  
6.3.1.2.18  Evidence demonstrating that the water management plan contain s measures to contribute to the 
enhancement or maintaining of the quality of surface or groundwater resources.  
6.3.1.2.19  The operator has identified the quantity and quality of final effluents to the receiving water body or 
treatment plant.  
6.3.1.2.20  Where freshwater intensive operations are established in drought prone areas or where irrigated 
crops are used in drought prone areas, the operator provides objective evidence demonstrating that best 
available practices are used, and that measures are implem ented to mitigate changes in water quantity and 
quality.  
6.3.1.2.21  In drought -prone areas, irrigation is not used unless the operator can demonstrate the existence 
of implemented mitigation measures that ensure the level of water resources used remains s table.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  29 
 
 
 6.3.1.2.22  Evidence that the use of water from natural water bodies does not result in a permanent change 
in its natural course or change the physical, chemical or biological equilibrium the water body had before the 
operation(s) started.  
6.3.1.2. 23 Evidence that efficiency of water use has improved over time through implementation measures 
to conserve water.  
6.3.1.2.24  Evidence that critical aquifer recharge areas, replenishment capacities of local water tables, 
watercourses, and ecosystem needs have been identified and evaluated.  
6.3.1.2.25  Evidence that any potential negative impacts of bioenergy operation(s) on local water tables, 
watercourses, and ecosystem needs have been mitigated.  
6.3.1.2.26  Evidence that the use and share of water resour ces has been agreed upon with local experts and 
the community, and that all water user committees have been consulted.  
6.3.1.3  Water quality  
Criterion: Sources can be surface, ground or recycled. Project operations shall contribute to the enhancement 
or maintaining of the quality of both surface and groundwater resources. Quality parameters to focus include 
physical (colour, turbidity, odour / test, temperature); chemical (salinity/TDS 2, pH, BOD 3, dissolved oxygen, 
bacteriological composition (total bacter ia, coliform, e -coli & salmonella sp).  
Indicators  
6.3.1.3.1  Evidence that bio -energy is not produced or processed in critical aquifer recharge areas, without 
official authorization from relevant legal authorities.  
6.3.1.3.2  Evidence of availability of bes t practices to maintain or enhance the quality of water resources to 
their optimal level are implemented in the bio -energy operations to ensure sustained water supply, ecosystem 
functioning and ecological services.  
6.3.1.3.3  Evidence that sufficient precau tions have been taken to contain effluents from the bio -energy 
operation(s) and prevent contamination of water resources. This includes treatment and/or recycling of waste 
water and the establishment of buffer zones between the operation site and surface o r ground water 
resources.  
6.3.1.3.3  Evidence that emergency plans and measures are in place, known and implemented in the 
operation(s) in case accidental contamination of water resources is identified.  
6.3.1.3.4  For bio -energy operations where degradatio n of water resources existed before said operation 
was accepted, the bio -energy operator provides objective evidence of mitigation measures to be implemented 
to reverse the degradation of water resources and that the bio -energy operator has taken part in p rojects to 
improve water quality at the watershed level.  
6.3.1.3.5  Evidence that waste water or runoff with organic or mineral contaminants are treated, recycled or 
properly disposed of.  
                                                      
2 Total dissolved solids  
3 Biochemical oxygen demand   
30 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.3.1.3.6  Where the screening exercise has triggered the need for a  Water Assessment, the bio -energy 
operator provides objective evidence that studies have been conducted to determine the optimal water quality 
level required to sustain the system, taking into account local, climatic, hydrologic and ecologic conditions.  
6.3.1.4  Fresh water supply  
Criterion: The agriculture management shall be aimed at the insurance of freshwater supply and quality for 
sustainable food production and sustainable rural development.  
Indicators  
6.3.1.4.1  Efficiency and productivity of agricult ural water use for better utilization of limited water resources 
has to increase.  
6.3.1.4.2  Monitoring of the irrigation performance.  
6.3.1.4.3  Proper disposal of sewage and waste from the farm and human settlements and of manure 
produces by intensive life  stock breeding.  
6.3.1.4.4  Water quality has to be monitored on biological, physical and chemical quality.  
6.3.1.4.5  Measures have to be taken to minimize soil run -off and sedimentation.  
6.3.1.4.6  Irrigation has to be planned in a long term program.  
6.3.1. 4.7 Long term strategies and implementation program have to be developed on water use under 
scarce conditions.  
6.3.1.4.8  Waste water re -use has to be part of the agriculture management system.  
6.3.1.5  Products  
Products must undergo relevant testing to asce rtain quality aspects of nutritional value, toxicology testing and 
related & ancillary parameters as specified internationally by the WHO and by the National Standards Bodies 
& in relevant code of practice in the country.  
For final products, where applica ble, packaging must be hygienic. Labeling must be legible and cover key 
aspects like shelf -life, nutritional values and related & ancillary parameters as specified internationally and by 
the National Standards Bodies & in relevant code of practice in the c ountry.  
6.3.1.6  Processes  
Ergonomics & safety of equipment, buildings etc. must fulfill the set criteria in respective Safety standards for 
site activities shall follow those specified in the National Standards Bodies & in relevant code of practice in the 
country     
6.3.1.6.1  Evidence that conditions of safety and health at the work place are in consistent compliance with 
the provisions of ILO convention 155 and 184.  
6.3.1.6.2  Producers and their employees demonstrate an awareness and understanding of hea lth and 
safety matters.  
6.3.1.6.3  Relevant health and safety risks are identified, procedures are developed to address these risks 
by employers, and these are monitored.  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  31 
 
 
 6.3.1.6.4  Potentially hazardous tasks are only carried out by capable and competent pe ople who do not 
face specific health risks.  
6.3.1.6.5  Evidence demonstrating that workers are skilled in the implementation of their prescribed 
activities and jobs to minimize health and safety risks and the risk of work related accidents.  
6.3.1.6.6  The o perator has a health and safety policy in place, which applies to all workers, including 
contractors, and out growers.   
6.3.1.6.7  Evidence demonstrating that procedures and measures addressing emergencies and accidents 
are in place, fully implemented, con tinuously monitored and improved, and apply to all workers engaged in the 
operations of the participating operator.  
6.3.1.6.8  Evidence demonstrating that all workers understand the operators’ accident and emergency 
prevention, preparedness and response ar rangements and measures.  
6.3.1.6.9  The operator maintains, and reviews periodically records of all work -related accidents, incidents 
and diseases and adjusts its accident and emergency procedures to minimize the risk of work -related 
accidents.  
6.3.1.6.10  Evidence demonstrating that first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and spill and operator contamination 
response material are available in sufficient quantity (i.e. readily available and accessible to workers) and 
quality (i.e. current and periodically servi ced and appropriate to address the associated hazards and risks) at 
all sites including mobile facilities and that workers are knowledgeable of such equipment and its use.  
6.3.1.6.11  Evidence demonstrating that all workers (including subcontractors) are p rovided with and 
regularly use personal protective equipment to protect them from all occupational health and safety hazards 
associated with their respective jobs.  
6.3.1.6.12  Evidence that there is a system of warnings followed by legally -permitted sancti ons for workers 
that do not apply safety requirements.  
6.3.1.6.13  Objective evidence of a work and safety plan demonstrating that all workers (including 
subcontractors) are:  
a) trained, knowledgeable and regularly using protecti ve equipment and installations ; 
b) trained and knowledgeable in interpretation of labels, markings, signs, and other safety releva nt audio 
and/or visual signals;  
c) trained and knowledgeable about work -related health and safety risks and preventative measures for 
minimizing  the risk to healt h and safety;  
d) trained and knowledgeable about work -related risks to  the environment and/or society;   
e) trained and knowledgeable about ac cident and emergency procedures;   
f) trained and knowledgeable about correct application, transport, storage and handling of  hazardous 
substances and waste;  and  
g) trained and knowledgeable about all other aspects of the operation(s) of the participating operator that 
pose occupational health and safety risks or risks to the environment and/or to society.   
32 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.3.1.6.14  In operation (s) other than small operations the operator provides objective evidence 
demonstrating that specially trained and equipped teams have been established to respond to accidents and 
emergencies without delay.  
6.3.1.6.15  Evidence demonstrating that all worker s have access to clean sanitary facilities and potable 
(drinking) water.  
6.3.1.6.16  Evidence that any living quarters and infrastructure for sleeping, for sanitary facilities (e.g. 
toilet/latrines, showers, etc.) and facilities for storing, preparing and distributing of food provided to workers 
are designed, built and regularly maintained to meet the basic needs of the personnel and their families, and 
comply with legal requirements, and ensure safe and healthy conditions.  
6.3.1.6.17  Workers engaged in th e operation(s) of the operator confirm that housing provided by the 
operator is in good structural condition, is maintained sufficiently and offers sufficient privacy, sanitary, health, 
and safety conditions.  
6.3.1.6.18  Evidence that the management does h old regular two -way communication meetings with their 
employees where issues related to worker health, safety and welfare can be discussed openly.  
6.3.1.7  Waste and pollution management  
Principle : To ensure the responsible management of wastes and polluta nts. 
Criterion : The operator shall identify and document all elements of waste and pollutants generated by the 
enterprise. The operator shall develop and implement an integrated waste management programme based on 
the concept of the waste management hierar chy, that is: avoidance, reuse, recycling and reprocessing, waste 
treatment and waste disposal, and ensuring proper management of unavoidable pollution and waste, 
especially as regards the disposal of obsolete pesticides and chemicals.  
Indicator  
The operat or shall classify all the wastes and pollutants generated by the enterprise and adopt best practices 
for each class. To the extent possible restrain from the use of open waste dumps and open -air burning of 
waste.  
6.4 Compliance and Enforcement  
6.4.1  Enforcement & compliance monitoring shall be in accordance with the existing structure & processes 
of the National Standards Regulator in the country.  
6.4.2  Where the National Standards Regulator perceives a need for additional enforcement layers, then 
added actions includ ing stakeholder training & use of barcoding systems as primary pre -requisites  can be 
included . In such a case, the following additional actions are also recommended;  
6.4.2.1  Enforcement: shall be fostered through ICT / barcode technology. Re levant country ICT tools 
from EBAFOSA stakeholders will be used to monitor compliance and effect a token payment where 
applicable.  
6.4.2.2  Enforcement shall have 2 components - a human component entailing training & physical 
evaluation and an ICT component  entailing payment & bar -code tracking to check against counterfeiting. 
Certified products will receive a quality mark stamped on the package. This mark will contain a barcode. 
Tracking will be achieved by feeding this barcode into a mobile system which ev aluates genuine & 
counterfeits.      DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  33 
 
 
 6.4.2.3  The training element will be based on Innovative Volunteerism, where EBAFOSA country 
leadership will mobilize volunteers, who will work with relevant ICT actors to train a group of volunteers on the 
standard & r equirements for compliance. Trained volunteers will then train potential end -users on compliance 
requirements and engage in validating applicants for the standard.  
6.4.2.4  Qualifying end -users will be required to make a token payment for processing the ce rtification. 
After which working with their EBAFOSA National branches, their products will be marketed and linked to 
markets leveraging on the standard. The amount paid by a stakeholder is ploughed back to support the 
volunteers, support the IT system & pa y relevant National Bureau of Standards fees.  
6.4.2.5  Payment to be ICT enabled where relevant country ICT tools operated by EBAFOSA 
stakeholders will be used to process payments.       
6.4.2.6  Tracking of compliance to be through ICT / barcodes where rel evant country ICT tools operated 
by EBAFOSA stakeholders will be used.   
6.4.2.7  Stakeholder capacity building / training: shall be conducted through online, face -to-face class -
room based and hands on training as applicable.  
6.4.2.8  National Bureau of Stan dards working with EBAFOSA National leadership & stakeholders shall 
be responsible for issuance of compliance certifications / marks of quality.   
6.4.2.9  All relevant additional compliance rules & regulations specified by National Standards Regulators 
shall apply for this guide.     
6.4.3  Additional evaluation requirements   
6.4.3.1  Handling and segregation of certified products  
Principle: To ensure the integrity of certified products throughout the phases of handling, storage, processing 
and transport.  
6.4.3.2  Handling of certified products  
Criterion: The operator shall keep records of all inputs, sales and deliveries and have up -to-date certificates 
from each supplier. If certified ingredients are imported, the operator shall have transaction certificate s for 
each consignment he/she has received, or some other method of proving traceability.  
Indicators  
6.4.3.2.1  The integrity of certified products shall be ensured throughout the phases of post -harvest 
handling, storage, processing and transport.  
6.4.3.2.2  All certified products shall be clearly identifiable as certified.  
6.4.3.2.3  The operator shall ensure that certified products do not come into contact with chemical cleaning 
materials and methods.  
6.4.3.2.4  In cases where the operator is not the actual producer of the product the operator shall 
endeavour to source goods and services ethically from suppliers whose practices are consistent with this 
guide . Written contractual arrangements shall be put in place in accordance with existing national and/or 
international laws. The contract shall include but not limited to; mutually agreed payment terms and arbitration 
conditions.   
34 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 6.4.3.2.5  The operator shall ensure that relevant market information, quality specification, pricing 
information is shared with all contracted value chain actors  
6.4.3.3  Segregation of certified and uncertified products  
Criterion: The operator shall establish a system for avoiding the mixing of certified products with non -certified 
products in its facilities, including harvesting, han dling, storage, processing and packaging of products, as well 
as transportation.  
Indicators  
6.4.3.3.1  All transactions involving certified products are recorded.  
6.4.3.3.2  Products leaving the farm are duly identified and accompanied with the relevant do cumentation 
indicating a certified farm as origin.  
6.4.3.3.3  Evidence of a system for separation  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  35 
 
 
 Annex A  
(normative)   
 
IEC Standards applicable to off -grid electrification   
Technology  Description  Reference (IEC)  
Solar  Panels  IEC 61215  
IEC 61646  
Char ge controllers  IEC 62509  
IEC 62109 -1 
IEC 62109 -3 
IEC 62093  
IEC CISPR 11  
IEC 61000 -4 
PV GAP, PVRS6A “Charge 
controllers for photovoltaic 
stand -alone systems with a 
nominal voltage below 50V” 
accepted for use in the IECEE 
PV scheme.  
Inverters  IEC 61683  
IEC 62109  
IEC 62093  
IEC CISPR 11  
IEC 61000 -4 
PV GAP, PVRS 8A “Inverters 
for photo -voltaic stand -alone 
systems.”  
Balance of System (BOS) 
components and minor 
equipment  IEC 60669 -1 
IEC 60227 -1-4 
Pumping systems  IEC 62253 - Photovoltaic 
pumping systems – Design 
qualification and performance  
36 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 measurements  
Wind  Turbine  IEC 61400 -2 
IEC 61400 -11 
IEC 61400 -12 
Micro and pico hydro  Turbines and generator 
(rotating electrical machines)  IEC 60034 – 1 
IEC 61362  
IEC 61366 -1 
IEC 61116 -1992  
Field Acceptance Test for 
Hydraulic performance  
of turbine  IEC 60041: 1991  
Governing system for hydraulic 
turbines  IEC 6030  
Transformers  IS 3156 – 1992  
IS 2705 – 1992  
IS 2026 - 1983  
Inlet valves for hydro power 
stations & systems  IS 7326 – 1902  
Guide for commissioning, 
opera tion and maintenance of 
hydraulic turbines  IEC 60545 (1976 -01) 
Hydraulic turbines, storage 
pumps and pump  
turbines – Model acceptance 
tests  IEC 60041 (1991 -11) 
Hydraulic turbines, storage 
pumps and pump -turbines  IEC 61366 series  
Hydraulic machines – 
Acceptance tests of small 
hydroelectric installations  IEC 62006  
 DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  37 
 
 
 Annex B   
(normative)   
 
Relevant IEC International Standards for energy storage   
IEC 62933 series - Electrical Energy Storage (EES) systems  
IEC 61056 series - General purpose lead -acid batte ries (valve -regulated types)  
IEC 61427 series - Secondary cells and batteries for photovoltaic energy systems – General requirements and 
methods of test  
IEC 61951 series - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Portable 
sealed rechargeable single cells  
IEC 61959 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Mechanical 
tests for sealed portable secondary cells and batteries  
IEC 61960 - Secondary cells and batteries contain ing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Secondary 
lithium cells and batteries for portable applications  
IEC 62133 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Safety 
requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable 
applications  
IEC 62281 - Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport  
IEC 62282 series - Fuel cell technologies  
IEC 62485 series - Safety requirements for secon dary batteries and battery installations  
IEC 62619 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Safety 
requirements for large format secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications  
IEC 62620  - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid electrolytes – Secondary 
lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications   
38 © UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
 Annex C   
(normative)   
 
Other applicable IEC International Standards relevant for rural 
electrific ation   
Electric cables and installations  
IEC 60227 series - Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750V  
IEC 60287 series - Electric cables  
Safety and environment  
(EMC, classification, fire hazard, circuit breakers,  electric shock, insulation)  
IEC 60068 series - Environmental testing  
IEC 60071 series - Insulation coordination  
IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)  
IEC 60664 series - Insulation coordination for equipment within low -voltage systems  
IEC 60721 series - Classification of environmental conditions  
IEC 61000 series - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)  
IEC 61140 - Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment  
IEC 62262 - Degrees of protect ion provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external 
mechanical impacts (IK code)  
IEC 62305 series - Protection against lightning  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  39 
 
 
 Bibliography  
[1] Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ): FSC Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship. FSC -STD-01-
001 (version 4 -0) EN. 1996  
[2] Global GAP: General Regulations, Part I, General Rules, Version 4.0. 2011  
[3] Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): GSTC Criteria. 2011   
[4] IFOAM Norms, 2012: International Labour Organization (ILO): Forced Labour Convention (No. 29). 
1930  
[5] International Labour Organization (ILO): Forced Labour Convention (No. 29). 1930  
[6] International Labour Organization (ILO): Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to 
Organise Convention (No. 87). 1948  
[7] Interna tional Labour Organization (ILO): Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 
98). 1949  
[8] International Labour Organization (ILO): Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100). 1951  
[9] International Labour Organization (ILO): Abolition of For ced Labour Convention (No. 105). 1957  
[10] International Labour Organization (ILO): Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention 
(No.111). 1958  
[11] International Labour Organization (ILO): Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and Work (No. 
138). 1999  
[12] International Labour Organization (ILO): Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182). 1999  
[13] Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Network: Sustainable Agriculture Standard – Version 2. 
2010  
[14] United Nations Environment Progra mme (UNEP): Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992  
[15] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Rio Declaration on the Environment and 
Development. 1992  
[16] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic 
Pollutants. 2001  
[17] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO): 
Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and 
Pesticides in International Trade. 2004  
[18] United Nation s Environment Programme (UNEP): Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the 
Ozone Layer. 1989  
[19] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992  DUS  2241 : 2019  
© UNBS 2019  – All rights reserved  41 
 
 
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards m ay be marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those li censed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply wi th the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that  standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 DUS 2241 : 2019    
 
ICS 65.020.99 
Price based on nn pages  
© UNBS 2019 – All rights reserved