Summary

The Alternative Fuel Labelling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 brings the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive 2014/94/EU into force across the UK.

Unless otherwise stated, the 2019 regulations will be effective from 1 April 2020.

What will be introduced?

Greenhouse gas emissions reporting by motor fuel suppliers

On 22 March 2019, the 2019 regulations will amend the Motor Fuel (Road Vehicle and Mobile Machinery) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations 2012.

This amendment allows manufacturers of fuel for use in road vehicles and mobile machinery to claim greenhouse gas credits for upstream emissions reductions during 2019. This was previously only possible for the 2020 calendar year.

Upstream emissions reductions are those made prior to the refining of processing of raw materials. The credits may be applied against the greenhouse gas emissions reduction obligation on fuel for use by road vehicles and mobile machinery.

Alternative fuel labelling requirements

Schedule 1 will apply standardised labelling requirements for three types of motor vehicle fuel in the UK, summarised in the table below. The letter “X” states the maximum percentage of alternative fuel additive present, as applicable.

Fuel	Symbol
Petrol-type fuels containing ethanol	“EX” within a circle
Diesel-type fuels containing Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)	“BX” within a square
Paraffinic diesel-type fuels	“XTL” within a square
Hydrogen gas	“H2” within a diamond
Liquified petroleum gas (LPG)	“LPG” within a diamond
Compressed natural gas or methane	“CNG” within a diamond
Liquefied natural gas or methane	“LNG” within a diamond

Full details of labels required are presented in Schedule 1. Additional requirements for dispensers of petrol and diesel type fuels are stated under Schedule 2.

Labelling of vehicles

Motor vehicles manufactured after 1 April 2020 will need to be labelled with the applicable symbol(s) above. The symbol(s) must also be communicated in the user manual and by persons offering vehicles for sale or lease.

Labelling of public refuelling equipment

From 1 September 2019 operators of public refuelling points must place the respective symbols on fuel dispensers, the nozzle and payment or selection equipment (if separate).

Enforcement

Where non-compliances are found, civil sanctions may be applied via compliance notices or financial penalties.

Enforcement authorities have powers to request information via a notice, enter premises with a warrant and to undertake inspections or removal of items.

Background

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive 2014/94/EU applied minimum standards on alternative fuel infrastructure. EU Member States are required to implement national policies to support the introduction and extension of alternative fuel infrastructure.

The Motor Fuel (Road Vehicle and Mobile Machinery) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations 2012, as amended introduced upstream emissions reductions, as a way for fuel suppliers to partially offset greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the production and use of transport fuels.

Fuel suppliers can purchase upstream emissions reduction credits generated from reducing emissions during oil and gas production and then redeem the emissions equivalent of those credits against their greenhouse gas emissions obligations in the respective calendar year. 

 

 

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