EWABA members have successfully completed the second UDB pilot

EWABA has been advocating for a proper and timely launch of the Union Database for Biofuels (UDB) to contribute to sustainability and traceability of EU biofuels in order to prevent fraudulent imports.
EWABA members are well advanced in testing the UDB environment with the second technical pilot involving biodiesel producers and waste collectors completed.

EWABA confirmed that all key UDB transactions — from point of origin to final consumption — can be successfully recorded.
No significant technical bugs were found, and the system is functional and will improve over time.

In order to prevent continued fraudulent imports from third countries, the UDB system should become mandatory and the European Commission and Member States shall set a firm deadline for the obligatory use of the UDB.

Without binding milestones, the system will not be adopted effectively in the international supply chain. Prolonging UDB deployment accepts that fraud will continue to be invisible and immune from prosecution, especially in third countries where EU regulators have limited jurisdiction, while legitimate waste and advanced biofuel producers in Europe are forced to close operations due to unfair competition.

While some Member States urge caution, the Commission has restated that the UDB is functional and that full traceability depends on making UDB use mandatory.

The European Commission should coordinate a work programme which includes monitor onboarding rates and agreeing a roadmap for continuous improvement of the UDB. Deadlines should first apply to full liquid biofuel supply chains where the UDB is mature, while UDB pathways for gas, RFNBO, SAF, and marine fuels are still being tested. Integration of some national databases should not delay broader UDB adoption. UDB scope must include the raw material supply chain to prevent creation of fake volumes in the database.

EWABA remains committed to supporting the testing, onboarding of international suppliers and continuous improvement of the UDB over time.
However, EWABA urges the Commission to publish a clear implementation plan — endorsed by Member States and all voluntary schemes — and communicate it to every certified company as soon as possible. Regulators require the UDB to effectively curb international fraud cases. Industry requires certainty. The fight against fraud cannot wait.