The European Commission has outlined a route to regulate the methane emissions of imported fossil fuels beyond 2030, according to a leaked non-paper published by French media outlet Contexte Energie on Oct. 26.

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The informal proposals outline an overview of the relevant provisions, based on principles of "implementability" and aligned with the bloc's goal of curbing global methane emissions, according to the EC.

The non-paper presents three phases of implementation, with the first phase expected by 2026.

This first phase includes the creation of a methane transparency database (MTD), and the publication of methane intensity profiles for EU countries as well as oil, gas and coal exporters.

It also includes the establishment of a global methane emitter monitoring tool by 2026, which would provide information on the magnitude, recurrence and location of high methane-emitting sources.

By 2028, the EC would then impose an obligation on importers to "demonstrate the competent authority of the Member State where the fossil energy enters the EU market", alongside independent verification of the methane reduction.

Further to this, the commission would adopt a delegated act setting out a methodology for calculating the methane intensity of upstream oil, gas and coal production, the non-paper said.

Importers would then be required to report the verified methane intensities of companies they import from, with this information subsequently published in the MTD.

Ultimately, the commission would then apply an obligation on imports to meet a certain level of methane intensity performance by 2030.

"Failure to comply shall be disincentivized, taking security of supply considerations into account," the EC said.

The non-paper is a basis for discussion, with the EC reserving the right to modify its draft proposals.

S&P Global Commodity Insights attempted to contact the European Commission for comment, but it was not immediately available for comment.