Government Brings SAF Blended Aviation Fuel Under ATF Order

27 Apr 2026 CW Team

SAF comprises specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons similar to ATF and compatible with aircraft engines, and does not alter safety or performance characteristics. Its use follows rigorous testing recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and ASTM International before acceptance. The amendment references Indian Standards IS 1571 and IS 17081 for conformity.

The amendment supports India’s engagement with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which enters its mandatory phase in 2027 and requires international flights to offset emissions above a baseline. The Government has set indicative blending targets for international flights of one per cent in 2027, two per cent in 2028 and five per cent in 2030. SAF that is CORSIA eligible must meet extant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and CORSIA sustainability criteria.

The amendment is described as an enabling provision to operationalise targets, strengthen domestic production capability and align India with global SAF supply chains. It aims to promote a green fuel transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing regulatory clarity to refiners and airlines. International practice includes mandates or incentives in the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Government noted that Japan, Singapore and others have announced varying SAF mandates which inform international practice and supply expectations. The amendment will facilitate market clarity for refiners and airlines and support investment in SAF production and certification frameworks. Implementation will proceed under the ATF Control Order and related standards to ensure fuel quality and sustainability compliance.

The Government has amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 via notification dated 17 April 2026 to bring Aviation Turbine Fuel blended with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) under the ATF Control Order. The measure aligns regulation with changing fuel composition. The amendment expands ATF to include SAF co-processed as per IS 1571 and SAF blended with ATF meeting Indian Standards. SAF comprises specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons similar to ATF and compatible with aircraft engines, and does not alter safety or performance characteristics. Its use follows rigorous testing recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and ASTM International before acceptance. The amendment references Indian Standards IS 1571 and IS 17081 for conformity. The amendment supports India’s engagement with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which enters its mandatory phase in 2027 and requires international flights to offset emissions above a baseline. The Government has set indicative blending targets for international flights of one per cent in 2027, two per cent in 2028 and five per cent in 2030. SAF that is CORSIA eligible must meet extant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and CORSIA sustainability criteria. The amendment is described as an enabling provision to operationalise targets, strengthen domestic production capability and align India with global SAF supply chains. It aims to promote a green fuel transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing regulatory clarity to refiners and airlines. International practice includes mandates or incentives in the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Government noted that Japan, Singapore and others have announced varying SAF mandates which inform international practice and supply expectations. The amendment will facilitate market clarity for refiners and airlines and support investment in SAF production and certification frameworks. Implementation will proceed under the ATF Control Order and related standards to ensure fuel quality and sustainability compliance.

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