RATS & Red - Good news at long last

Im not sure this deals with the issue of traces of red still present from historical use. I don't use red at all now but I know that a chemical analysis of my tank would show that it used to have red in it. I don't have receipts for fuel bought years ago.
 
Im not sure this deals with the issue of traces of red still present from historical use. I don't use red at all now but I know that a chemical analysis of my tank would show that it used to have red in it. I don't have receipts for fuel bought years ago.

A receipt to show that your last fill up had full duty on it would be sufficient. This has been the formal rule for years, but other states don't bother. You just have to demonstrate that the fuel in your tank has had duty paid on it.
 
I coasted Belgium last year. I got boarded in one of the ports. They didn't ask about diesel. I sensed they wanted to know if I was crossing to Blighty? No no, next port Calais or Boulogne. They were more relaxed.

It seems to me that people smuggling, smuggling and terrorism is the issue.

ps. I will have had traces of red diesel in the tank.
 
This is good news for UK based boats with red diesel only available.

The comment about it being 100% tax paid on the last purchase is easily satisfied. Just partially fill the tank as usual and then on the last quarter pay 100% tax on it. If any official see the last purchase receipt, it will show 100% tax and complies with the spirit of the law. It certainly does not apply to the whole tank.

Finally a question. What is happening to those unfortunately caught by the overzealous officials in Belgium and fined? Did they pay and get refunded or was the financial demand cancelled?
 
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