EU Co-processing Regulation
Overview Summary
The EU Co-processing Regulation establishes the methodology for determining the renewable (bio‑based) share of fuels produced via co‑processing, in which biomass and fossil feedstocks are processed together in a common refinery. It establishes rules for calculating biofuel and biogas content using mass‑balance and 14C methods and ensures harmonised sustainability accounting.
Scope of Coverage
The EU Co-processing Regulation impacts oil refineries, fuel production and biofuel and biogas value chains, particularly where biomass (e.g., vegetable oils, tall oil, pyrolysis oil) and fossil crude streams are jointly processed into:
– Diesel
– Jet fuel, gasoline
– Marine fuels
– Heating oil
– Propane,
– Other refined products.
It also applies to the co‑processing of bio‑based and non‑bio waste feedstocks.
Affected Entities
The EU Co-processing Regulation covers:
– Refineries
– Fuel producers
– Biofuel and biogas producers
– Bio-feedstock suppliers
– Certification bodies (e.g., ISCC)
– Market operators participating in RED‑compliant renewable fuel supply chains
Applicability & Compliance Timeline
June 2023 → Adopted in June 2023 and
18 August 2023 → Entered into force, applicable under RED II/III for all co‑processed fuels counting towards renewable energy targets.
Ongoing compliance requires continuous monitoring, periodic 14C testing and adherence to sustainability and GHG‑calculation requirements.
What This Means for Companies
Companies must implement robust mass‑balance systems, conduct 14C testing where required and provide traceable documentation proving the renewable share of co‑processed fuels. MCS helps establish compliant data collection, sustainability evidence chains and verification‑ready methodologies, ensuring operators meet RED III sustainability thresholds and accurately report renewable content.
Status
Active
Key Links
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1640 (EUR‑Lex): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2023/1640/oj/eng
ISCC Co‑processing Q&A: https://www.iscc-system.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Co-Processing_Questions_And_Answers_-Document.pdf