How SAF Feedstock Traceability Connects Aviation and ISCC Plus

Under emerging global regulations like the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate and CORSIA, airlines must purchase and claim Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce their compliance obligations. However, for SAF to be recognized by regulators, its lifecycle emissions and feedstock sustainability must be certified under approved international standards.

The Role of Feedstock Certification

A major portion of SAF is produced from bio-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO), animal fats, or agricultural waste. Regulators require strict proof that these feedstocks do not originate from land with high biodiversity or high carbon stock. This is where ISCC Plus certification plays a critical role, verifying the sustainability of SAF feedstocks from the point of origin to the refinery.

Bridging the Supply Chain and Airline Accounting

Feedstock traceability under ISCC Plus provides the necessary chain-of-custody documentation that SAF producers need to generate compliance credits. When airlines claim SAF uplifts in their emissions accounting under EU ETS or CORSIA, they must reference these feedstock sustainability certificates to claim a zero-emission factor. Without certified traceability, the SAF claims are rejected by regulatory verifiers.

A Coordinated Compliance Strategy

For modern operators and fuel suppliers, compliance is no longer just about airline-level accounting—it requires deep visibility into the supply chain. Coordinated strategy spanning feedstock certification (ISCC Plus) and aviation compliance (ETS/CORSIA) is essential to de-risk investments and secure regulatory approvals.