This Opinion proposes to update the applicable environmental protection requirements for the certification of products in Regulations (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) No 748/2012.

Article 9(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/1087, sets out the essential requirements for environmental protection that refer to the requirements contained in Volumes I, II and III of Annex 16 ‘Environmental Protection’ to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

On 20 March 2023, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council adopted new amendments to these volumes for the continuous improvement of the environmental protection standards and recommended practices (SARPs).

The proposed regulatory material amends Article 9(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 to refer to these new amendments. The proposed updates to Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 ensure the implementation of these amendments for the certification of products and clarify the applicable procedures for the environmental compatibility of the products.

The proposed regulatory material is expected to provide a level playing field for all stakeholders in the aviation market.

The objective is to maintain a high uniform level of environmental protection and to contribute to European policies on climate change, air quality and noise reduction.