EU Opens SAF HEFA Anti-Dumping Review For US Imports

The European Commission has opened a partial interim review of anti-dumping duties on biodiesel from the United States, focusing solely on whether sustainable aviation fuel made through the HEFA pathway should be excluded from the product scope. The notice was published on 31 July 2026.

The SAF HEFA anti-dumping review creates a potential market opportunity for US producers, EU importers and airlines, but existing duties remain unchanged while the investigation proceeds. Interested parties must request a hearing by 15 August and submit substantive comments by 6 September 2026.

SAF HEFA Product Scope Is Under Formal Investigation

HEFA, or hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, converts oils and fats into renewable fuel. The pathway is widely used for sustainable aviation fuel and is relevant to airlines working towards EU aviation-fuel targets, fuel traders, refiners, feedstock suppliers and airport infrastructure operators.

The Commission’s review is limited to whether SAF HEFA should sit outside the anti-dumping measure covering US biodiesel. It does not suspend or repeal duties. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1861 previously corrected the measure to clarify that SAF HEFA was included, so any exclusion would represent a material scope change.

Importers Should Preserve Evidence While Duties Continue

Businesses seeking exclusion should examine product characteristics, end uses, production routes, customer expectations and competition with biodiesel covered by the measure. Submissions should address the Commission’s legal and market tests with verifiable evidence rather than relying only on sustainability claims.

Airlines and fuel buyers should model both outcomes. An exclusion could improve access to US-origin SAF HEFA and reduce some import costs, while continued inclusion would preserve the current duty exposure. Contracts should therefore address customs classification, duty allocation and price-adjustment mechanisms.

The review is a formal investigation, not a final decision. It should normally conclude within 12 months and no later than 15 months. No later amendment, withdrawal or decision was identified by 3 August 2026.