In the latest of a series of recommendations on trade protection measures that were first put in place by the European Commission, the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has suggested that countervailing duties on Indonesian biodiesel should be maintained. It has also recommended updating the product description to exclude sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The proposed new definition of the goods is: “Fatty-acid mono-alkylesters or paraffinic gasoils obtained from synthesis or hydrotreatment of non-fossil origin in pure form or as included in a blend, excluding sustainable aviation fuel, in pure form or as included in a blend.”
More information is included in TRA’s Statement of Essential Facts on the measures. It explains that countervailing duties are designed to counteract government subsidies that cause material injury to domestic industries.
The TRA was asked to examine existing countervailing duties and consider the product scope of the current duties. Having considered whether the measures are still appropriate for the UK market, the TRA has recommended that the existing countervailing duties rates, which range from 8–18%, be kept in place.
However, before this goes before the Trade Secretary, the TRA is required to give interested parties the opportunity to submit comments on its findings. This can be done online through the Trade Remedies Service and the deadline for submission is 8 January 2026.
