Brazil considers used cooking oil imports to expand SAF production

Brazilian refineries are planning to import used cooking oil (UCO) to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as domestic collection and traceability systems remain limited. Producers are also attracted by the higher economic value of this feedstock compared to other biofuel inputs.

Currently, UCO imports into Brazil are prohibited, but the government is considering introducing a quota that would allow imports exclusively for SAF production. Market participants expect supplies to come mainly from Asia, the world’s largest UCO producer, if approved.

The country’s UCO sector remains largely unregulated and lacks official data. The industry association Abra has begun structuring the market, focusing on product standards and improving traceability systems.

Feedstock traceability is a key requirement for generating carbon credits under Brazil’s RenovaBio, which applies to SAF as well as biodiesel and ethanol.

At the same time, Brazil is developing alternative feedstocks such as soybean oil, corn oil, and animal fats. Some refineries are already investing in long-term diversification strategies to reduce reliance on UCO.

SAF production in Brazil is expected to expand significantly, with mandatory emissions reduction targets for airlines to be phased in starting in 2027 through increased use of sustainable aviation fuels.