SAF Registry Global Interoperability
Framework & Principles
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a key lever for aviation decarbonization, expected to account for up to 65% of emissions reductions in 2050.1 However, its supply remains limited and geographically constrained. To address this challenge, the market relies on a book-and-claim approach that separates the physical delivery of SAF from its associated environmental attributes, enabling broader use by SAF stakeholders. The credibility of the book-and-claim approach depends on adherence to key SAF accounting principles,2 including the prevention of double issuance, double counting, and double claiming. As markets expand and multiple SAF registries facilitating book-and-claim operate in parallel, ensuring that environmental attributes are issued and claimed only once across systems has become a critical challenge.
This paper presents the Global Interoperability Framework and Principles (“Framework”) developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO), 4AIR, and 123Carbon and implemented by CADO SAF Registry, Assure SAF Registry, and 123Carbon. It provides a practical approach for enabling interoperability between registries while preserving their autonomy and existing operations.
The Framework focuses on addressing one of the most immediate market risks: double issuance of SAF environmental attributes across registries. By establishing clear mechanisms for cross-registry checks, it ensures that potential overlaps are identified and resolved before attributes are activated in multiple registries.
The organizations and registries that have authored this paper adopted and recommend a decentralized, consortium-based interoperability model. This approach was tested and selected as the most cost-effective, practical, and easy-to-implement solution that allows fast, consensus-based participation by registry providers.
At the operational level, the Framework defines how data is processed, exchanged, and validated across systems through secure, API-based integrations. It defines procedures for identifying and flagging potential duplicates, resolving cases through agreed workflows, and monitoring interoperability performance through shared KPIs. The Framework is underpinned by a set of core collaboration principles, including data integrity, transparency, compatibility, scalability, and mutual accountability. Together, these principles support trusted cooperation among participating registries.
The governance structure complements the operational model, establishing clear rules for decision-making, onboarding of new member registries, dispute resolution, and enforcement. This helps ensure interoperability is managed consistently, transparently, and predictably.
Participation in the Framework offers clear benefits for registries, including enhanced credibility of SAF records, reduced risk of double issuance, and alignment with emerging market expectations and regulatory developments. Early engagement also enables participants to contribute to shaping future standards and practices.
The Framework is designed to be open and inclusive, and additional registries and relevant platforms are encouraged to join, subject to meeting defined requirements. As the initiative grows, the Framework will continue to evolve, expanding its scope beyond issuance and further strengthening the integrity and scalability of the global SAF market.
Read the full Interoperability Framework & Principles whitepaper here.
2 SAF accounting based on robust chain-of-custody approaches