Overview & FAQs
The Implementation Framework (IRF) overview
This presentation introduces the POCG, IRF and NDPE, explains what the IRF is, how the IRF tool works and the benefits for using it.
NDPE IRF Frequently Asked Questions
(Last updated on Oct 2026)
From what it stands for to why it’s needed. Here’s a collection of FAQs to provide you answers at a glance:
WHAT DOES NDPE-IRF STAND FOR?
No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation Implementation Reporting Framework.
WHAT ARE NDPE COMMITMENTS?
In the palm oil sector, many companies and NGOs have focused on addressing the most urgent sustainability issues by committing to sourcing from oil palm plantations where there is no deforestation, no expansion on peatland and no exploitation of workers or local people. This is often abbreviated to NDPE (no deforestation, peat or exploitation).
Achieving NDPE is an ongoing process to understand what is needed to achieve it, as well as a commitment to track progress, identify where action is needed, and work to implement the necessary changes and improvements.
No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) (Proforest)
WHAT IS THE IRF?
The Implementation Reporting Framework is a monitoring and reporting tool for palm companies that provides a shared and consistent view of progress towards No Deforestation, No development on Peat & No Exploitation (NDPE) commitments. The IRF creates a universal language for palm supply chain companies to individually and collectively communicate requirements, monitor progress, identify gaps and drive improvement towards meeting these commitments.
There are three different tools available under the IRF: the D&P IRF - covering NDP commitments - which is available publicly, the Land IRF, and the Labour IRF – both which cover No Exploitation commitments - which are available through the POCG members portal.
WHY IS THE IRF NEEDED?
There are almost 2,000 palm oil mills around the world, and most companies using palm oil have several hundred in their supply base. Certification has been a very important tool to demonstrate delivery of NDPE commitments, but the majority of mills are not yet certified so there was an urgent need to have a common approach to understanding and monitoring progress of uncertified mills towards fully meeting NDPE. This allows companies throughout the supply chain to track progress with meeting their own commitments, but also – and crucially importantly – it allows actions to be planned and implemented to support mills which are not yet delivering on NDPE commitments.
WHO IS THE IRF FOR?
Companies at all stages across the palm oil supply chain – producers, refiners, traders, manufacturers and retailers - can use the IRF for monitoring and reporting their progress towards their NDPE commitments.
WHAT IS IRF V6.0?
IRF V6.0 is the latest version of the D&P IRF, officially released in January 2026. IRF V6.0 provides updated guidance, definitions, reporting templates, and assessment criteria to help companies report on:
· progress towards NDP implementation;
· traceability levels within their supply chains;
· supplier engagement activities; and
· outcomes related to deforestation and peat commitments.
IRF V6.0 is the only version of the NDP IRF to be used for reporting progress on NDP commitments for 2025 volumes onward.
WHAT IS THE REPORTING TIMELINE(S)?
The POCG does not prescribe a mandatory reporting timeline, however the POCG and IRF guidelines recommend yearly reporting, with first aggregators compiling IRF data in the first quarter of a given calendar year referring to the previous year's supply and mill information. For example, IRF data shared in March 2026 would refer to 2025 supply and mill information. Each data aggregator must decide their own reporting timeline based on their Business to Business (B2B) agreements.