The Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and replace the Motor Fuel (Lead Content of Petrol) Regulations 1981 and the Motor Fuel (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations 1976 and their amending regulations.

The Regulations lay down requirements as to the composition and content of motor fuel (regulation 5). The requirements are based on specified paragraphs contained in British Standard Specifications BS 4040:1988, BS EN 228:1993, BS 7800:1992 and BS EN 590:1993 respectively (or their equivalent in accordance with regulation 11) for leaded, unleaded and high octane (super) unleaded petrols and for diesel fuel. The Regulations embrace the requirements with respect to the maximum permitted lead and benzene content of petrol, as specified by Council Directive 85/210/EEC (OJ No L96, 3.1.1985, p. 25.), and the maximum sulphur content of diesel fuel, as specified by Council Directive 93/12/EEC (OJ No L74 27.3.1993, p. 81.), together with other requirements with respect to fuel properties. Certain of these requirements vary according to the time of year when the fuel is distributed or sold.

The distribution of non-complying motor fuel from a refinery or an import terminal and the sale of such fuel by retail at a filling station are prohibited (regulations 6 and 7).

Regulation 8 provides for certain exemptions from these prohibitions and regulation 9 enables the Secretary of State to grant exemptions to specified persons or classes of person.

Provision is made for evidence of the results of tests to be given by certificate in proceedings in Scotland (regulation 10) and regulation 12 contains transitional provisions.

A compliance cost assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Department of Transport, Room C19/07, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1 3EB. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

Copies of the British Standard Specifications and ISO publications referred to in these Regulations may be obtained from any of the outlets operated by the British Standards Institution, or by post from the British Standards Institution at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (Tel No: Milton Keynes (STD 0908) 221166).

Copies of the Institute of Petroleum publications referred to in these Regulations may be obtained from the Institute of Petroleum, 61 Cavendish Street, London W1M 8AR (Tel No: London (STD 071) 467 7100).

Copies of the ASTM publications referred to in these Regulations may be obtained from ASTM European Office, 27/29 Knowl Piece, Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 0SX (Tel No: Hitchin (STD 0462) 437 933).