DRAFT TRAN REPORT CALLS FOR RAPID ROLL-OUT OF EUROPEAN SAF BOOK-AND-CLAIM MECHANISM
This week, the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee has published the draft own-initiative report on a regulatory framework to promote the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), prepared by rapporteur Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew, DE). The draft report calls for the rapid, phased introduction of a voluntary European Book-and-Claim (B&C) mechanism to improve access to SAF and facilitate its efficient distribution across the EU.
Under the proposed mechanism, aircraft operators would be able to purchase SAF regardless of the airport where it is physically supplied and uplifted. Fuel suppliers would issue a transferable SAF ticket as proof of purchase, which could allow the purchasing operator to claim the associated emissions reductions under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
The report proposes a two-stage approach. The first stage would build on existing reporting obligations under ReFuelEU Aviation and the Renewable Energy Directive, including the use of proofs of sustainability as the basis for issuing SAF tickets. The second stage would extend the EU Database (UDB) to aircraft operators and establish a dedicated platform within the UDB for trading SAF tickets. The report stresses that only SAF physically supplied at EU airports should be eligible for the mechanism, while ensuring traceability and preventing double counting. In addition, the European Commission should assess changes to the EU ETS to address competitive distortions affecting European carriers and to review the eligible feedstock base under the Renewable Energy Directive.
CLECAT has contributed to the ongoing discussions and supports the proposed establishment of a voluntary European B&C mechanism that complements the existing ReFuelEU Aviation framework. Such a B&C mechanism would improve the efficient distribution and accessibility of SAF while ensuring robust traceability, avoiding double counting and limiting additional administrative burdens.
The deadline for MEPs to submit amendments to the draft report is 30 September 2026.