Subscriber note:Platts to change sustainability clause of NWE ethanol assessments

In light of recent regulatory developments in the European biofuels market and following industry feedback to a proposal published on December 21, Platts will change the sustainability clause reflected in its European fuel ethanol assessments effective February 1, 2013. This methodology change will be reflected in Platts T2 FOB Rotterdam assessment (AAYDT00), also known in the market as the "standard" or "regular" quote, and Platts T2 German spec FOB Rotterdam ethanol assessment (AAVLD00). As of February 1, 2013, Platts will only reflect in its Market on Close price assessment process, fuel ethanol that holds proof of sustainability obtained in the framework of voluntary schemes approved by the EU Commission. There are currently 13 voluntary schemes approved for biofuels certification in Europe, according to the EU Commission's website. Furthermore and upon buyers' request, the seller shall exercise reasonable efforts to provide all necessary documentation for validation of the product batch against Germany's biomass system Nabisy. For methodology details, please contact biofuels@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.