Regulations: alternative fuel labelling
Guidance for infrastructure operators and motor vehicle manufacturers and dealers.
Overview
Alternative fuel means fuel or power sources which serve, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil oil sources in the energy supply to transport and includes:
- hydrogen
- liquid or gaseous biofuels derived from biomass
- synthetic and paraffinic fuels
- natural gas, including biomethane in gaseous form (compressed natural gas) and liquefied form
- liquefied petroleum gas
Motor vehicles and refuelling points must meet labelling requirements to provide clarity to consumers. Correct labelling facilitates ease of access to alternative fuels for consumers and clearer understanding of their availability. It also reduces dependence on oil and the environmental impact of transport, while contributing to a low carbon economy.
The Alternative Fuel Labelling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 is the underpinning legislation.
What is covered
The regulations set out certain labelling requirements for refuelling points with petrol-type, diesel-type and gaseous-type fuel dispensers, and motor vehicles as defined in section 185(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988(a), the manufacture of which is completed on or after 1 April 2020.
Extent of obligation
Infrastructure operators of refuelling points are responsible for the compliance of fuel dispensers, whether owning the asset or working on behalf of a third party.
The manufacturer of a motor vehicle is responsible for the compliance of each relevant vehicle manufactured.
The motor vehicle dealer is responsible for the compliance of the relevant new motor vehicle offered for sale or lease to consumers.
How to comply
Fuel labelling: refuelling points
An infrastructure operator must ensure that each refuelling point for which it is responsible is labelled with the relevant identifier denoting the category of fuel available at that refuelling point.
- A label showing the relevant identifier must be affixed on the nozzle and on the dispenser, in a durable and easy to read position.
- A label affixed to a dispenser for petrol-type or diesel-type fuel must be in the form described in Schedule 2 of the regulations, and contain the further information.
This requirement came into effect on 1 September 2019.
Fuel labelling: relevant vehicles
- Motor vehicle manufacturers must ensure that each relevant vehicle manufactured and its user manual contain the identifier (and for a vehicle that can use more than one fuel type, all the relevant identifiers) and information in accordance with the regulations.
- The identifier must be affixed in the immediate proximity of the relevant vehicle fuel filler cap or filler flap, in a position giving the user of the vehicle a clear one-to-one relation between fuel and vehicle, in a durable and easy to read position.
- The identifier indicating the fuel type the vehicle can use must be included in the user manual in a way that is easy to obtain and understand by the user of the vehicle.
This requirement came into effect on 1 April 2020.
Fuel labelling: motor vehicle dealers
- The identifier indicating the fuel type the vehicle can use must be available and easy to obtain, and easy to understand by any prospective user of the vehicle. It must be described accurately to a prospective user and not hidden or obscured.
- Any identifier affixed by the motor vehicle manufacturer must be maintained on the vehicle while it is offered for sale or lease.
This requirement came into effect on 1 April 2020.
The role of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
OPSS enforces the regulations in the UK on behalf of the Department for Transport for refuelling points and motor vehicles in relation to labelling specifications.
Our approach to addressing non-compliance by those we regulate is set out in our Enforcement Policy, which should be read alongside guidance on the specific enforcement actions available to us under the regulations, and associated rights to make representations or appeal.
Read our guidance on enforcement actions and associated rights
Where to find out more
- Alternative Fuel Labelling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
- Fuel labelling campaign toolkit: artwork for fuel retailers
Contact us
If you have a specific enquiry about compliance or wish to contact us regarding suspected non-compliance please email OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can contact our helpdesk on 0121 345 1201.
Or in writing to:
Office for Product Safety and Standards
4th Floor Cannon House
18 The Priory Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6BS
United Kingdom
Last updated 30 June 2023 + show all updates
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Link added to new guidance on enforcement actions and associated rights.
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