The Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations implement Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 13 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Council Directive 93/12/EEC (“the Directive”). They revoke and replace the Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 1994 (“the 1994 Regulations”).

Part I of the Regulations provides for preliminary matters, including citation and commencement (regulation 1) and general interpretation (regulation 2).

Part II of the Regulations lays down requirements as to the composition and content of motor fuel. Regulation 3 specifies these requirements by reference to Annexes I to IV of the Directive. Certain of these requirements vary according to the time of year when motor fuel is distributed or sold.

Both the distribution and sale of non-complying motor fuel are prohibited (regulations 4 and 5). One of the effects of these provisions is to prohibit the distribution and sale of leaded petrol generally.

Regulation 6 provides for certain exemptions from these provisions. In particular, an exemption is provided for leaded petrol which is distributed and sold in accordance with Part III of the Regulations (regulation 6(2)(b)).

Regulation 7 enables the Secretary of State to grant exemptions to specified persons or classes of person in accordance with Articles 3(5), 4(3) and 7 of the Directive.

Part III of the Regulations provides for leaded petrol permits. Regulation 9 provides for leaded petrol permits generally and enables the Secretary of State to issue leaded petrol permits which authorise the distribution and sale of the annual leaded petrol allocation. Regulation 10 provides for the grant of these permits.

Leaded petrol permits may be varied (regulation 11), revoked (regulation 12) or surrendered (regulation 13). Certain duties are imposed on the Secretary of State where surrender or revocation takes place (regulations 14 and 15). Provision is made for appeals (regulation 16).

Part IV of the Regulations deal with supplemental matters and revocations. Regulation 17 provides for evidence of the results of tests to be given by certificate in proceedings in Scotland and regulation 18 revokes the 1994 Regulations.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from Vehicle, Environment and Taxation Division, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Zone 2/03, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR (telephone: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]). A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

Copies of the British Standard Specifications 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 Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (telephone: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]).