TOKYO: The first certification has been issued under ‘ClassNK SCS’*¹, the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certification scheme operated by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). This marks the entry into full-scale operation of ClassNK SCS, which in October 2024 became the first scheme in Asia to be approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The certification was issued by Nippon Kaiji Kentei Quality Assurance Ltd.*² (N3KQA), acting as the certification body, to Kowanomori Co., Ltd. (Kowanomori)*³, a lumber producer.
As a result, SAF-related economic operators now have a new option—demonstrated through an actual certification case—of obtaining SAF certification based on ClassNK SCS from a certification body in a manner suited to regional circumstances. An environment is now in place to support the development of SAF supply chains in each region from a certification standpoint.
Applications for certification under ClassNK SCS are being accepted on an ongoing basis.
Background
In the international aviation sector, the reduction of carbon emissions is required under CORSIA*⁴ (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), implemented by ICAO. SAF can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared with conventional jet fuel. However, for SAF to be recognized as a CORSIA Eligible Fuel (CEF)*⁵, all economic operators subject to certification along the supply chain must obtain certification from a certification body operating under a SAF certification scheme (SCS) approved by ICAO.
Future Outlook
As the first ICAO-approved SAF certification scheme in Asia, ClassNK will continue to expand its network of certification bodies while leading the development of a SAF certification framework in Asia and beyond. Through these efforts, ClassNK will support the development of an international supply chain for CORSIA Eligible Fuel and the expansion of SAF supply, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of the international aviation sector.
SAF-related economic operators considering certification under ClassNK SCS are invited to contact us at the inquiry desk below.
- Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)Business Assurance Division, Green Certification DepartmentTEL: 03-5226-3025E-mail: scs@classnk.or.jp
Notes
*¹ ClassNK SCS (SCS: Sustainable Certification Scheme)
Approved by the Council of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), a specialized agency of the United Nations, in October 2024. It is the world’s third and Asia’s first SAF certification scheme, and commenced operation in August 2025. For more information about ClassNK SCS, please visit our website.
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/authentication/scs
*² Nippon Kaiji Kentei Quality Assurance Ltd. (N3KQA)
An inspection and certification body established in 1993, serving as the certification body for ClassNK SCS.
URL: https://www.nkkkqa.co.jp/
*³ Kowanomori Co., Ltd.
As a member of the Sumitomo Forestry Group, the company is engaged in the effective utilization of woody biomass resources. Alongside its lumber production operations, it promotes the cascade use of wood through the effective utilization of residues generated during the lumber manufacturing process.
URL: https://www.kowanomori.co.jp/#company
*⁴ CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation)
A scheme introduced by ICAO aimed at curbing and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the international aviation sector.
*⁵ Example of the process by which SAF obtains recognition as a CORSIA Eligible Fuel (CEF)
The SCS (and its associated certification bodies) are responsible for certifying the sustainability of an economic operator along the supply chain, from feedstock to the blending point. (PoS (Proof of Sustainability): issued by a certified SAF-related economic operator to its shipment destination.)
About ClassNK
ClassNK is one of the world’s largest international ship classification societies, with a history of more than 120 years and 130 locations worldwide. In the maritime field, it has built trust over many years as a third-party organization that certifies ships and registers the “class” required for insurance coverage. Leveraging this track record, ClassNK is now engaged in supporting decarbonization across a range of fields, including aviation. ClassNK will support your initiatives toward the widespread adoption of SAF from the perspective of certification.
