Brazil to Permit Imports of Used Cooking Oil for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Brazil has announced that it will permit the import of used cooking oil (UCO) as a feedstock for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a move aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to supply lower‑carbon jet fuel and support aviation decarbonisation goals.

Used cooking oil — a by‑product of food preparation widely considered a low‑carbon feedstock — can be refined into SAF and other biofuels. By allowing imports, Brazil expands the range of raw materials available to SAF producers, potentially easing pressure on domestic supply and helping scale up production for both domestic and export markets. 

SAF is a critical tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from commercial aviation because it can **cut lifecycle emissions by up to ~80 %** compared with conventional jet fuel when evaluated on a well‑to‑wake basis. Allowing UCO imports could help Brazil and its airlines meet emerging sustainability targets and regulatory requirements tied to emissions reductions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Authorities are expected to set requirements for traceability and sustainability certification to ensure that imported UCO meets strict environmental criteria, aligning with international SAF standards. SAF production historically faces challenges with feedstock availability, and enabling imports is a strategic step toward making supply more reliable and cost‑effective. 

Industry observers note that expanding permitted feedstocks can attract investment in SAF refining capacity and encourage domestic aviation companies to increase their use of SAF blends. Brazil already has a dynamic biofuels sector focused on ethanol and biodiesel; extending this strength into SAF aligns with broader energy transition policies and could position the country as a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuels. 

The move comes amid global efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector, including international SAF mandates and voluntary commitments by airlines to raise SAF usage. Increased access to feedstocks like UCO plays a key role in scaling production, addressing one of the major bottlenecks in the adoption of low‑carbon aviation fuels.