Asia launches its first homegrown SAF certification scheme

Japan has issued the first certificate under ClassNK SCS, Asia’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certification scheme approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The first certification marks the scheme’s full operational launch and provides Japanese producers with a domestic pathway to demonstrate SAF compliance with CORSIA requirements.

The first certificate was awarded to Japan’s Mokukan no Mori, a Sumitomo Forestry Group company involved in the use of woody biomass resources. The new scheme therefore covers, among other pathways, supply chains using wood-processing residues as feedstock.

ClassNK SCS was approved by ICAO in October 2024 as the world’s third and Asia’s first SAF certification scheme. Its launch allows Japanese companies to obtain certification through domestic bodies under a framework aligned with national laws and business practices, whereas producers previously relied largely on overseas certification schemes.

Certification is a key requirement for SAF to qualify under the international CORSIA framework. For fuel to be recognized as CORSIA Eligible Fuel, relevant participants throughout the supply chain must meet certification requirements. The availability of an Asia-based scheme should make it easier to develop regional SAF production and supply chains.

ClassNK plans to expand its network of certification bodies and develop the scheme as part of SAF certification infrastructure not only in Japan but across Asia. This could support greater supplies of sustainable aviation fuel and broaden the range of feedstocks used in its production.

Tags: Japan, Asia, SAF, aviation fuel