Hanna Zamazeeva: “Important changes have finally taken place in Ukraine’s biofuel market — the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a new Technical Regulation on requirements for alternative motor fuels.”
“The Technical Regulation approved by the Government was developed by the team of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine in order to implement the requirements of a number of European Union Directives that define fuel quality standards and greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements,” the Head of the Agency noted.
The new regulation establishes clear rules and requirements for the production, market circulation, labeling, and quality control of fuels with an increased content of bio-components (biodiesel or bioethanol).
For diesel fuel, this means more than 7% biodiesel; for gasoline — more than 10%.
The regulation applies to motor fuels with a significant content of bio-components:
for gasoline engines — gasolines with a bioethanol content of more than 10% and up to 50% (E20, E30, E40, E50 classes);
for diesel engines — diesel fuels with a content of methyl and/or ethyl esters of more than 7% and up to 30% (B10, B20, B30 classes).
The Head of the Agency emphasized:
“Importantly, the Resolution ‘On Approval of the Technical Regulation on Requirements for Alternative Motor Fuels’ enters into force one year after its publication, meaning there is enough time for proper preparation. At the same time, responsibility for product compliance with the established standards becomes clear and unambiguous.”
The regulation will not apply to fuel used for the state reserve, defense purposes, or for internal technological needs of producers, provided such fuel is not placed on the market.
The new Technical Regulation establishes mandatory requirements for:
ensuring fuel compliance with technical requirements at all stages of production, transportation, and storage;
proper fuel labeling in accordance with established designations;
mandatory provision of quality passports and declarations of conformity to consumers upon request;
compliance of quality indicators with the standards set out in the annexes to the regulation;
prohibition of the use of hazardous additives, including lead, phosphorus, iron, and other components that negatively affect the environment or engine performance.
Each batch of fuel placed on the market must be accompanied by a quality passport containing detailed information about the manufacturer, fuel characteristics, test results, and the expiration date.
The regulation provides for a two-level conformity assessment approach:
Batch-by-batch assessment — carried out by the manufacturer or importer with the involvement of a notified body or the manufacturer’s internal body;
Serial production assessment — conducted by a notified body and includes an audit of production, verification of technologies, raw material quality, staff qualifications, control systems, and documentation.
Based on the assessment results, a certificate of conformity will be issued for a period of two years, and scheduled audits are provided for — at least once every three months.
Compliance with the regulation will be monitored by state market surveillance authorities. Business entities will be obliged to provide technical documentation for inspection at the request of supervisory authorities.
“The implementation of this regulation is a step toward a stronger, environmentally responsible market, reduced dependence on imported petroleum products, and consistent fulfillment of Ukraine’s international commitments under the Association Agreement with the EU.
I am grateful to the Government and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko for supporting the changes that lay the foundation for a transparent and stable biofuel market in Ukraine,” Hanna Zamazeeva emphasized.