The Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, No. 272 (as amended)

The Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 are designed to regulate the amount of sulphur in various liquid fuels used within Northern Ireland. The legislation is aimed at reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), which is a significant air pollutant contributing to acid rain and respiratory problems in humans.

Purpose:

‍The primary purpose of these regulations is to minimize environmental and health impacts by limiting the sulphur content in fuels. By setting strict limits on sulphur levels, the regulations aim to reduce air pollution and its associated risks, aligning with broader EU directives on fuel quality.

Requirements:

1. Sulphur Limits: The regulations set specific maximum sulphur content levels for different types of fuels. For instance, gas oils (including diesel) must not contain more than 10 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram of fuel, and heavier fuel oils are limited to 1% sulphur by mass.
2. Quality Assurance: Fuel suppliers must ensure that their products meet the stipulated sulphur limits at the point of delivery. They are required to conduct regular sampling and testing to verify compliance.
3. Documentation and Reporting: Suppliers must maintain detailed records of the sulphur content in the fuels they supply, including test results and product conformity declarations. These records must be kept for at least two years and be available for inspection by regulatory authorities.
4. Notification: Fuel suppliers are required to notify the competent authority before placing a fuel on the market that does not comply with the sulphur content specifications, explaining the reasons and conditions.

Who They Apply To:

• Fuel Producers and Importers: Companies that refine, import, or produce liquid fuels for use in Northern Ireland must comply with these regulations.
• Fuel Distributors and Suppliers: Those involved in the distribution and supply of fuels directly to consumers or businesses in Northern Ireland must ensure that their products meet the required sulphur limits.
• Large Combustion Plant Operators: Operators of large combustion plants, which use significant quantities of these fuels, must ensure that the fuel they use complies with the sulphur content limits to reduce SO2 emissions.

The Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 thus serve to protect the environment and public health by enforcing stricter sulphur limits in liquid fuels, promoting cleaner air through better fuel standards.

The Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 establish specific evidence requirements to ensure that fuel suppliers comply with sulphur content standards. These requirements are critical for enforcing the regulations and for monitoring the quality of fuels supplied in the market. Here’s a summary of these evidence requirements:

1. Testing and Analysis Records:
   • Fuel suppliers must regularly test the sulphur content of their fuels to ensure compliance with the specified limits. They must maintain records of these tests, including details of the methodology used, the results, and the date of testing.
2. Conformity Certificates:
   • Suppliers are required to provide conformity certificates for each batch of fuel, confirming that the fuel meets the regulatory requirements regarding sulphur content. These certificates must be available for inspection by the regulatory authorities.
3. Supply Chain Documentation:
   • Documentation tracing the supply chain of the fuels, from production or importation to delivery, must be kept. This includes information on the origin of the fuel, the refining process, and any treatments applied to reduce sulphur content.
4. Record Retention:
   • All relevant documents, including test results, conformity certificates, and supply chain records, must be retained for at least two years. This duration supports compliance checks and facilitates investigations if non-compliance issues arise.
5. Notification Records:
   • In cases where a non-compliant fuel is supplied, suppliers must notify the competent authorities, providing detailed explanations and conditions under which the non-compliance occurred. Records of such notifications are to be kept as evidence of compliance with the notification requirements.

These evidence requirements are designed to create a transparent and traceable compliance system, ensuring that all liquid fuels sold or used in Northern Ireland meet the strict sulphur content limits set out by the regulations. This system helps protect the environment and public health by minimizing sulphur dioxide emissions.