Hanna Zamazieieva: “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 adopted by the Government was developed by the team of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine to implement the requirements of a number of European Union Directives that define fuel quality standards and requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” noted the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine.
The new Regulation establishes clear rules and requirements for the production, market circulation, labeling, and quality control of fuels with an increased content of biocomponents (biodiesel or bioethanol).
For diesel fuel, this means more than 7% biodiesel, and for gasoline — more than 10%.
The Regulation applies to motor fuels with a significant content of biocomponents:
for gasoline engines — gasolines with a bioethanol content of more than 10% and up to 50% (classes E20, E30, E40, E50);
for diesel engines — diesel fuels with a content of methyl and/or ethyl esters of more than 7% and up to 30% (classes B10, B20, B30).
The Head of the Agency emphasized:
“It is important that the Resolution ‘On Approval of the Technical Regulation on Requirements for Alternative Motor Fuels’ enters into force one year after its publication, which allows sufficient time for proper preparation. At the same time, responsibility for compliance of products with the established standards becomes clear and unambiguous.”
The Regulation will also not apply to fuels used for the state reserve, in the defense sector, or for manufacturers’ internal technological needs, provided that such fuels are 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;
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 defined 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 maximum storage period.
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 designated body or the manufacturer’s internal body;
Serial production assessment — conducted by a designated body and includes production audits, verification of technologies, raw material quality, staff qualifications, control systems, and documentation.
Based on the assessment results, a certificate of conformity valid for two years will be issued. Scheduled audits are also предусмотрені at least once every three months.
Compliance with the Regulation will be monitored by state market surveillance authorities. Economic operators will be obliged to provide technical documentation for inspection at the request of supervisory authorities.
“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 obligations under the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement.
I am grateful to the Government and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko for supporting the changes that lay the foundation for a transparent and stable biofuels market in Ukraine,” Hanna Zamazieieva emphasized.