India expands aviation fuel definition to include ethanol blends
ATF suppliers must certify fuels to IS 17081 before supply or risk seizure
Change
India's Ministry of Petroleum amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel Order, 2001 to expand ATF's definition to ethanol and synthetic-hydrocarbon blends, invoking search-and-seizure powers.
Why it matters
ATF suppliers must certify fuels to IS 17081 before market supply. The amended order invokes search-and-seizure enforcement under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, effective on gazette publication. Non-compliant shipments risk seizure under the new powers.
Implications
- — Refiners and aviation fuel suppliers in India must attach IS 1571 or IS 17081 test certification to every ATF shipment immediately — shipments without the required certification face enforcement action including search and seizure under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
- — Airlines' fuel procurement teams and airport fuelling operators must accept deliveries only from suppliers who provide IS 1571/IS 17081 certification before arrival — accepting uncertified deliveries will expose the operator to enforcement action under the amended ATF order.
Who is affected
- — Refiners and aviation fuel suppliers in India
- — Airlines' fuel procurement teams and airport fuelling operators
What to watch
- — Effective: 2027 — 1% sustainable aviation fuel blend target for international flights; aligns with CORSIA mandatory compliance starting 2027
- — Effective: 2028 — 2% sustainable aviation fuel blend target for international flights
- — Effective: 2030 — 5% sustainable aviation fuel blend target for international flights