Documents and guidance

The documents below provide advice on how to submit an application to the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) and the type of evidence required to demonstrate compliance. Please ensure you have read the relevant guidance documents fully before starting your BSL application.

Document Name	Description	Date of Publication	Version Number
Supplier Type Overview	This gives definitions of the different BSL supplier types and should be read first before applying to the BSL.	27.07.2018	1.1
Self-Supplier Factsheet	This gives further clarification on the difference between a Self-Supplier and a Producer-Trader.	17.07.2018	1.3
Applications and Audit Guidance	This gives an overview of the application process that suppliers will need to complete to register on the BSL and the audit process following authorisation. This should be read thoroughly before any new application is started.	30.04.2019	1.9
Application User Guide for Self-Suppliers	A user guide to assist Self-Suppliers through the website and submitting an application	10.10.2018	1.0
Application User Guide for Producers and Producer-Traders	A user guide to assist Producer and Producer-Traders through the website and submitting an application	10.10.2018	1.0
Application User Guide for Traders	A user guide to assist Traders through the website and submitting an application	10.10.2018	1.0
Land Criteria Guidance	This gives more detail about the land criteria element of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) requirements. This should be read by all Producers, Traders and Producer-Traders. Self-Suppliers do not have to provide land criteria evidence.	09.12.2020	2.0
Land Criteria Evidence	This gives more detail about the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the land criteria element of the RHI requirements. This should be read by all Producers, Traders and Producer-Traders. Self-Suppliers do not have to provide land criteria evidence.	11.12.2020	2.0
UK Risk Based Regional Assessment (RBRA) template	This template can be used to demonstrate compliance with the land criteria element of the RHI requirements. It should be completed by those suppliers who source 100% of their raw materials from within the UK but are not Category A compliant or do not have a valid Felling Licence and Management Plan covering 100% of their raw materials.	02.10.2020	1.3
Mass Balance and Bespoke RBRA Guidance	This gives more detail about the bespoke RBRA process for those suppliers sourcing their raw materials from outside of the UK and not covered by Category A land criteria evidence.	09.04.2015	1.0
Mass Balance Template	This template should be completed and submitted alongside the bespoke RBRA document.	10.10.2016	1.0
BSL Supplier Q&A	This gives answers to some of the more frequently asked questions by suppliers about the BSL scheme.	17.01.2017	2.1
RHI Participant Q&A	This gives answers to some of the more frequently asked questions by RHI participants about the BSL scheme.	05.10.2015	1.6
Branding Guidelines	This explains how the BSL Mark and BSL Authorised Mark should be used.	02.04.2015	1.1
BSL Advisory Panel Members	Final List of BSL Advisory Panel Members	10.06.2020	2.4
BSL Advisory Panel Full Terms of Reference BSL Advisory Panel meeting 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15	Decisions and Actions reports	20.01.2017 19.05.2017 28.07.2017 01.11.2017 01.02.2018 02.05.2018 01.08.2018 05.11.2018 05.02.2019 01.05.2019 01.08.2019 07.02.2020 04.05.2020 22.07.2020 21.10.2020	1.0
How to pay User Guide for BSL Suppliers	User guide to assist suppliers with completing quarterly returns and/or membership fee(s)	30.01.2020	1.0
Final BSL charges and consultation feedback report	This sets out the BSL fees that will be applicable from 1 January 2017 and contains feedback on the charging consultation.	15.11.2016	1.0
BSL charges - Questions and answers document	This gives answers to some of the frequently asked questions by suppliers and new applicants on the BSL fees. Please note that VAT is applied on top of the fees	03.01.2017	1.1
Tonnage Fee Guidance	Guidance for BSL suppliers on how tonnage fees are calculated	01.04.2017	1.0

External guidance documents

There are a number of documents that sit outside of the BSL that may be of interest to BSL suppliers.

Document Name	Description	Date of Publication
UK Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity	This sets out how the land criteria element will apply to those generating heat from woody biomass under the RHI.	10.02.2014
Woodfuel Advice Note	This provides further guidance, particularly around the land criteria element for those producing heat from woodfuel.	22.12.2014
Risk Based Regional Assessment - A Checklist	This gives more detail on the bespoke RBRA element of the land criteria requirement.	22.12.2014
UK Solid and Gaseous Biomass Carbon Calculator (B2C2) Download	Access to version 2.0 of the UK Solid and Gaseous Biomass Carbon Calculator	03.02.2020
UK Solid and Gaseous Biomass Carbon Calculator Guidance	This details how to use the B2C2 calculator, which sits outside of the BSL application system. Whilst this guidance is developed predominately for use under the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme, it is still relevant for BSL suppliers looking to use the B2C2 to demonstrate their compliance with the RHI sustainability requirements.	January 2015

News

This section provides regular updates on changes to the BSL.

28.10.2020

BSL Newsletter Issue 8

To download a copy of the newsletter, please click here.

05.10.2020

Please be advised that the UK Risk Based Regional Assessment (RBRA) Template has been updated to v1.3. The updates include formatting amendments and updated Forestry Commission statistics. The new template (v1.3) has been published on the Documents and guidance page of the BSL website and can also be found here.

From 05.10.20, all new BSL applications will be required to include completion and submission of v1.3 of the RBRA.

Please email bslhelpdesk@gemserv.com if you have any questions.

29.07.2020

BSL Newsletter Issue 7

To download a copy of the newsletter, please click here.

15.07.20

Following guidance issued by the Government, it has been decided to conduct only desk-based audits until further advice is provided. To download a copy of our desk-based audit sheet, please click the attachment: Preparing for BSL Desk-Based Audit.

25.06.20

The BSL Advisory Panel Terms of Reference has been updated to v1.1. The full document can be found on the Documents and guidance page.

10.06.20 COVID-19 - Enquiry 2- Impacts on Biomass Supply Chains

BSL issued a survey in April 2020 to all BSL suppliers to assess the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on Biomass supply chains. On 28th May 2020, a second round to the survey was issued to ask for further feedback on the ongoing impacts.

The survey is now closed and the responses will be analysed, to be shared with the Government and industry trade associations. We greatly appreciate your feedback.

30.04.2020

BSL Newsletter Issue 6

To download a copy of the newsletter, please click here.

22.04.2020

COVID-19 - Impacts on Biomass Supply Chains

BSL is becoming aware of a number of instances where the actions associated with controlling the Coronavirus outbreak are impacting demand and biomass supply chains. We are keen to receive our members' feedback on the depth and reach of the impact across the industry and issued a survey in April 2020.

This is now closed, however a follow-up enquiry will be issued in May and we would be grateful for as many responses as possible.

The information provided will be anonymised and summarised, and shared with Government and industry trade associations, to inform any future actions they may take to support the industry. We will review the responses regularly to monitor the situation. We thank you for your help.

31.01.2020

BSL Newsletter Issue 5