The German Federal Ministry of Transport is planning a levy for airlines that do not comply with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) quotas, according to a draft law made available to the dpa news agency and reported by Reuters.
The German government intends to implement the EU ReFuelEU Aviation regulation into national law. The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates increasing and binding quotas for the use of sustainable aviation fuels across Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation.
Sustainable aviation fuel can be produced from materials such as food waste. Under the regulation, a mandatory SAF blending quota of initially two percent has been required for all flights starting within Europe since 2025. This quota is set to increase to five percent in 2030 and 70 percent in 2050.
Planned levy per tonne for fuel below the prescribed blending quota
The planned levy for fuel below the prescribed quota is 1,332 euros per tonne. The height of the levy is intended to be adjusted regularly according to price developments.
Monitoring and enforcement
The German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) is to be responsible for monitoring the new rules. To manage these new tasks, the LBA is to receive five additional positions.
The LBA could impose fines of up to 50,000 euros for violations such as breaches of reporting and notification obligations.
Industry reaction
The German Federal Association of the Aviation Industry welcomed that the planned law would adhere to the minimum EU requirements rather than creating national special paths. However, the association stated that revenues should be used to promote alternative fuels rather than flowing into the general budget.
The association also expressed that it does not want to pay the fees for administrative acts of the German Federal Aviation Office contained in the draft.
