Fraud management
The ENplus® Management follows up on every misuse of the trademark. You can help us combat fraud by checking the list of ENplus® Producers and Traders on our website to authenticate an ENplus® seal. Our Blacklist will also help you identify known fraudsters. If you suspect a fraud case, you can refer to our online guide on how to detect fraud, and use our online form to flag it to us: How to detect fraud?
→ What is a fraud case for ENplus®?
The ENplus® seal has become an essential selling argument for wood pellet professionals. To guarantee its value, the ENplus® seal and trademark are registered and protected under international law, and their use is mostly limited to certified companies with precise guidelines. The ENplus® management allocates considerable resources in combating trademark fraud.
In all cases, consumers are misled about the quality of their pellets, which may have a severe impact on the maintenance and efficiency of their appliance. On top of it, fraud seriously undermines the efforts of all certified companies for a fair and transparent pellet market.
That is why the ENplus® management is so strongly committed to combating fraud everywhere, and encourages anyone who suspects a fraudulent use of the ENplus® trademark to report it via our online form.
→ What are the most common types of fraud?
The ENplus® Management follows up all infringements and misuses of its certificate, with more than 1500 cases identified since 2014. Here is the split between the main types of fraud:
47%
Irregular use of the ENplus® trademark in marketing operations, such as these:
22%
Product misuses, the fraudulent use of the ENplus® seal on pellet bags, and the second most common type of fraud tackled by ENplus®:
19%
Certificate falsifications:
12%
Other cases, not falling under the categories above.
Last update: May 2024
→ How does ENplus® manage fraud, and what are the risks for fraudsters?
The ENplus® Management has adopted a two-step approach. The first one is to contact the infringing company to try and solve the problem in an amicable manner. In a vast majority of cases no further action is required, as attested by our resolution rate of 63%.
However, some cases remain unsolved after this first step. For these, we enter a second phase, more coercive, whereby fraudulent companies see their name and actions exposed in our public registrar, the Blacklist, pending a final resolution of the case.
Ultimately, ENplus® reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings against fraudsters, in which case they may face charges and penalties.
If the fraudulent company cooperates and applies the requested changes, the case is closed upon signing a Cease and Desist Letter, whereby the company commits to cease misuse and comply with ENplus® rules.
Confidentiality of the reporter maintained throughout the process.
→ What should I do if I suspect fraud but I’m not sure?
If you are unsure whether something qualifies as fraud, find guidance here. In any case, whether you are certain or just have doubts, we encourage you to report any suspicious activity through our online fraud form on our website. Every report helps us maintain the integrity of the ENplus® certification and combat fraudulent activities.
→ How do I verify if a certificate is legitimate?
To verify the legitimacy of a certificate, compare the company name and/or ID number on the certificate with the list of certified companies available on our website. If the details don’t match, look for any signs of alteration – such as distorted, modified information – as this could indicate that the certificate has been tampered.
There have been instances where entities have been blacklisted for misusing the ENplus® certification, which you can check in our Blacklist. If you have any doubts, we strongly recommend reporting the certificate through our online fraud form, so we can assess the situation.
→ Is my fraud report confidential?
Yes, we take confidentiality very seriously. We never disclose the identity of reporters and ensure that all reports are handled discreetly. Our goal is to maintain a fair and trustworthy market for all stakeholders and protecting those who report suspicious activities is a key part of this effort. By submitting a report, you contribute to safeguarding the integrity of the ENplus® certification and preventing fraud.