Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala advance towards National Interpretation

RSPO certification not only ensures that palm oil is produced sustainably, it also recognizes the diversity of local contexts.

Although RSPO's Principles and Criteria are built on a global framework, different countries face distinct legal, social, cultural, environmental, and productive challenges. It is precisely because of these unique circumstances that the National Interpretation process was created. This initiative adapts the global standards of RSPO certification to the specific realities of each country or region, aligning them with applicable national regulatory frameworks. In this way, local palm oil producers can comply with sustainability criteria without conflicting with national legislation or established cultural and social practices.

National interpretation ensures that RSPO's Principles and Criteria remain relevant and applicable to all members, from smallholders to large companies, while respecting the local and national legal framework and strengthening the palm oil supply chain.

In Latin America specifically, three countries have been advancing processes to adapt and implement RSPO's Principles and Criteria according to their unique contexts: Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Mexico: Leading a Growing Sector

Mexico currently leads the national interpretation process in the region, involving three key palm oil sector organizations: Aniame, Femexpalma, and Comexpalma. Despite the complexity of coordinating efforts, these organizations are working together to harmonize criteria and facilitate certification. This is particularly relevant in a rapidly growing sector, where palm oil derivatives and processed goods are destined for international markets, mainly the United States. The participation of these three entities reflects a collaborative and strategic effort that strengthens the implementation of sustainability standards at the national level.

Colombia: Experience and Progress

Colombia was the pioneer in Latin America in the national interpretation process, starting with the 2013 version of the Principles and Criteria. Since then, the country has made significant progress while facing complex challenges, such as land recovery and legal issues in areas affected by displacement. With the most recent 2024 version of the Principles and Criteria, producers and mills now have guides adapted to the Colombian context, enabling them to meet the criteria and indicators more clearly and effectively. This progress strengthens sustainable practices, generating positive impacts on local communities and the ecosystems where palm oil is produced.

Guatemala: An Inclusive and Participatory Process

In Guatemala, the association Grepalma publicly launched the national interpretation of the 2024 version of the Principles and Criteria in August 2025. This process invites all sector stakeholders to participate, including producers, communities, and social and environmental organizations. The initiative ensures that the standards are adapted to national regulations and reflect the diversity of the Guatemalan palm oil sector. This openness strengthens transparency and collaboration, making Guatemala an example of participatory sustainability and showing how RSPO can bring together multiple stakeholders in building clear and applicable guidelines.

We Invite You to Take Part!

Beyond the progress in Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico, RSPO's national interpretation process is open to all interested parties. Producers, communities, retailers, processors, certification bodies, unions, and civil society organizations are welcome to join the working groups. This participation ensures that the standards are adapted to each national reality, fosters transparency and institutional collaboration, and ensures that the guidelines developed reflect the needs of all sector stakeholders.

Together we can promote the production of more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable palm oil in Latin America.