Biofuels Mandates Around the World 2026

December 30, 2025

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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Daily Digest today released its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 65 countries. Get the latest up to the minute new information on the New Mexico and Canada Clean Fuels Standard as well as a section on SAF mandates in the EU, and more. READ MORE

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Beyond the transatlantic core: Emerging SAF mandates in global markets (Carbon Direct)

Excerpt from Carbon Direct: Key takeaways

SAF policy frameworks are emerging outside the EU and UK. Countries across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are advancing SAF mandates and targets.
These SAF markets are generating significant SAF demand. Emerging markets will collectively generate millions of tons of demand by 2030, rivaling European SAF markets.
SAF producers need global visibility to stay competitive. Focusing solely on transatlantic markets may leave untapped value on the table. Monitoring global SAF policy developments enables producers to diversify demand and expand their commercial pipeline.

Global SAF markets are ready for takeoff

Policy momentum for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is no longer concentrated in the US, EU, and UK. Across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, governments are implementing SAF blending mandates and targets on a scale that could soon rival, or even exceed, transatlantic demand.

This signals a critical turning point. As global aviation faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, new SAF markets are laying the regulatory groundwork for scaled deployment. Producers and investors who track these shifts, and act early, can secure strategic footholds, shape in-country partnerships, and diversify their demand base before supply chains lock in.

To date, SAF deployment has been anchored by strong regulatory drivers in the EU and UK along with market incentives in the US. Now, other regions are following suit with policies that could reshape the global SAF landscape.

Established markets: EU and UK SAF mandates set the baseline

The EU and UK SAF mandates are the most advanced and enforceable SAF blending mandates worldwide. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation requires a 6% SAF blend by 2030, including a 0.7% e-SAF¹ sub-target, alongside anti-tankering rules to cut emissions. With restrictions on hydrogenated esters and fatty acids (HEFA)² SAF, the UK goes further, mandating a 9.5% blend by 2030 and a 0.5% Power-to-Liquid (PtL)³ fuel sub-mandate.

SAF Mandates in the EU and UK
Region	Mandate	Sub-targets	Description
EU	6% SAF by 2030	0.7% e-SAF	Anti-tankering rules to reduce unnecessary fuel carriage
UK	9.5% SAF by 2030	0.5% PtL	Restrictions on HEFA to encourage use of advanced feedstocks

Emerging markets: policy momentum is building outside of the EU and UK

Countries across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are introducing blending mandates, emissions-reduction targets, and national SAF roadmaps. While policies vary in scope and maturity, many now include clear timelines, enforcement frameworks, or formal roadmaps that signal real market potential.

Asia-Pacific: SAF mandates gaining momentum

China introduced a 50,000 ton target by 2025 in its 14th Five-Year Plan. Industry leaders expect a 5% SAF mandate by 2030, though it has not yet been announced.
Japan is finalizing a 10% SAF mandate by 2030, covering all departing flights and fuel suppliers, with a minimum 50% lifecycle GHG reduction.
South Korea is considering a 1% mandate by 2027 aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) goals, with further support through incentives and voluntary use programs.
India targets 1% SAF for international flights in 2027, rising to 2% in 2028 and possibly 5% by 2030.
Indonesia proposes a 1% blend by 2027, increasing to 2.5% by 2030, under a formal SAF roadmap.
Malaysia plans a SAF mandate starting at 1% in 2027, scaling to 47% by 2050, though enforcement details are still under consultation.
Singapore has a confirmed 1% target by 2026, with the potential to increase to 3–5% by 2030 pending global SAF developments.
Thailand has set non-binding targets of 1% by 2026, 1-2% by 2030, and up to 8% by 2036, supported by investment incentives.
The Philippines is drafting a SAF roadmap, with readiness assessments and feedstock research underway.
Australia and New Zealand have no binding mandates but are supporting SAF through research, feasibility studies, and public-private initiatives. Australia’s Jet Zero Council has set a non-binding 10% SAF goal by 2030.

Latin America: Binding policies taking shape

Brazil enacted a binding SAF policy in 2024 requiring 1% annual GHG reductions from domestic aviation beginning in 2027, 3% by 2030, and 10% by 2037.
Chile launched a SAF roadmap targeting 50% SAF use by 2050, prioritizing domestic PtL production and leveraging green hydrogen potential.

Middle East: Early targets and pilot projects

UAE set a voluntary 1% SAF target by 2031 and aims to produce 700 million liters of SAF annually by 2030. Early pilot projects are underway, including PtL and co-processing facilities.
Turkey has proposed a 1% blend by 2025, increasing to 5% by 2030 for international flights.
Saudi Arabia and Oman are exploring SAF policies, but no mandates or targets have been announced to date.

SAF mandates and targets in Asia Pacific, Latin American, and Middle East countries
Country	Target or mandate*	Description
Approved/confirmed**
Brazil	Mandate	1% GHG reduction in 2027, 3% by 2030, 10% by 2037 (domestic flights)
Singapore	Target	1% by 2026, 3-5% by 2030 non-binding target
Proposed***
Japan	Mandate	10% by 2030 with 50% GHG savings
Malaysia	Mandate	1% by 2027, 47% by 2050
Turkey	Mandate	1% in 2025, 5% by 2030 (international flights)
Indonesia	Mandate	1% by 2027, 2.5% by 2030, 50% by 2060
India	Target	1% in 2027, 2% in 2028, 5% in 2030 non-binding target (international flights)
South Korea	Mandate	1% by 2027 (international flights)
Preliminary or informal target****
China	Target/Mandate	50,000 tonnes SAF by 2025; industry stakeholders are anticipating a mandate of 5% by 2030
Chile	Target	50% by 2050 non-binding target
Australia	Target	≥10% by 2030 non-binding target
Thailand	Target	1% by 2026, 1-2% by 2030, 8% by 2036 non-binding target
UAE	Target	1% by 2031 voluntary target
Under development*****
Oman	-	No mandate/target; SAF policy development ongoing
Philippines	-	No mandate/target; SAF roadmap being drafted
Saudi Arabia	-	No mandate/target; exploring SAF policy
New Zealand	-	No mandate/target; under discussion in emissions reduction planning
* Mandate: a legally binding obligation that compels fuel suppliers and/or airlines to achieve a specified SAF blend or emissions-reduction level, with enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance; Target: a non-binding, aspirational goal set by policymakers to signal desired SAF uptake; it guides industry planning but carries no legal enforcement or penalties if unmet. Approved/confirmed: a legally adopted mandate or finalized government target with a clear start date and specific SAF requirements. Includes binding obligations or formally announced targets that are considered official policy. * Proposed: a mandate or target that has been publicly released in draft form or is undergoing formal consultation but has not yet been legally enacted or finalized. ** Preliminary or informal target: a non-binding, strategic goal announced by a government agency or planning body, often used to guide investment and signal intent, but not yet officially adopted. *** Under development: no specific SAF mandate or target exists yet, but policy design is underway; this includes early-stage efforts such as feasibility studies, roadmap drafting, or regulatory framework planning.

Top 3 strategic opportunities for SAF producers and investors

To capitalize on growing global demand, SAF producers need more than technical readiness: they need visibility into global policy landscapes and a strategy for scaling into new markets.

Here’s how producers can turn these market trends into opportunities:

1. Global policy literacy is now a competitive advantage

With new SAF mandates and targets emerging across multiple continents, understanding timelines and compliance mechanisms is essential. Producers that track these developments closely will be best positioned to secure early offtake agreements and shape market entry strategies aligned with local regulations.

2. A broader base of demand de-risks development

Relying solely on European SAF markets increases exposure to policy delays and regional market saturation. Diversifying across geographies like Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East can reduce project risk and unlock a more resilient commercial pipeline.

3. Local partnerships and certification planning are critical

As countries move toward implementation, they are developing localized frameworks for emissions accounting, sustainability standards, and certification pathways. Early engagement with regulators, airports, and airlines can streamline market access and ensure compliance readiness.

SAF demand – how global mandates stack up to the EU and UK

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Biofuels Mandates Around the World 2026

Global SAF markets are ready for takeoff

Established markets: EU and UK SAF mandates set the baseline

SAF Mandates in the EU and UK

Emerging markets: policy momentum is building outside of the EU and UK

Asia-Pacific: SAF mandates gaining momentum

Latin America: Binding policies taking shape

Middle East: Early targets and pilot projects

SAF mandates and targets in Asia Pacific, Latin American, and Middle East countries

Country

Target or mandate*

Description

Top 3 strategic opportunities for SAF producers and investors

1. Global policy literacy is now a competitive advantage

2. A broader base of demand de-risks development

3. Local partnerships and certification planning are critical

SAF demand – how global mandates stack up to the EU and UK

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