Red Diesel in France

[Sailfree]

For those that don't know me I help organise the annual Scuttlebutt Cherbourg Cruise. In doing this last year I met a very helpful lady, Magali Hamon at Port Chantereyne Marina, Cherbourg.

Magali does not represent French customs but sent me the following information to be helpful and encourage UK based boats to visit France. Trust you find this informal (but local) advice helpful.

INFORMATION ON THE USE OF RED DIESEL IN FRANCE


Following the debate in the UK around the use of red diesel outside
British waters, we would like to hereby confirm that the French
authority will continue to accept the use of red diesel bought in the
UK in recreational craft provided it can be shown that the full duty
has been paid.
To this extent, we suggest that boat owners keep a record of their
red diesel receipts on board. As an example to prove this point, early
April this year, a 60ft motor yacht visiting Port Chantereyne was
boarded by French customs, who accepted the use of red diesel on
board as they were presented with the relevant receipt.
According to our local authorities, there is therefore no new
regulation regarding the use of red diesel in France and therefore
there is absolutely no restriction for British vessels to visit France.
Should you have any question about the use of red diesel in Cherbourg, please feel
free to contact Magali HAMON at Port Chantereyne.
Tel: +33 (0)6 87 71 09 41 | Email: magali.hamon@ville-cherbourg.fr.
www.portchantereyne.fr

 

[snowleopard]

Well done. As you're so good at it, perhaps you'd like to sort out the Belgians next

 

[Sailfree]

Well done. As you're so good at it, perhaps you'd like to sort out the Belgians next

Unfortunately I am not that good Sorry!

 

[awol]

Are you sure it's not a bluff to lull les rosbifs into a false sense of security and when they have enough boats parked to make it worth their while, they will pounce and fine anyone that can't produce receipts and a valid SSR or Part 1?

 

[Sailfree]

I doubt it.
Most marinas in France are owned by the local council eg Cherbourg and they wish to promote Tourism. While not having direct control over the Duoanes I believe they have influence.

 

[Blueboatman]

Thanks for posting clear, unequivocal and good news there

I think the Belge are just bolshy cos we invented Poirot first

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for posting clear, unequivocal and good news there

I think the Belge are just bolshy cos we invented Poirot first

will you navigate to France with Mercator projection

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Following the debate in the UK around the use of red diesel outside
British waters, we would like to hereby confirm that the French
authority will continue to accept the use of red diesel bought in the
UK in recreational craft provided it can be shown that the full duty
has been paid.

So basically it's ok to got here as long as you are willing to pay over the odds for your fuel!

I personally shall pass on the delights of French marinas this year then.

 

[Sailfree]

As with the other thread on necessay paperwork for France the number of UK boats inspected is very small.

Lets see how this develops I am sure most formites will quickly post if they are stopped and fined.

 

[sailorman]

So basically it's ok to got here as long as you are willing to pay over the odds for your fuel!

I personally shall pass on the delights of French marinas this year then.

French fuel will be similar to our red in price, we are the ones being ripped off over here road & boat
Sons inlaws just came over on the ferry diesel £1.18 i think he paid before boarding the ferry

 

[maby]

So basically it's ok to got here as long as you are willing to pay over the odds for your fuel!

I personally shall pass on the delights of French marinas this year then.

I was tempted to ask if anyone had enquired about the meaning of "full duty paid" in this context. Do they mean that we must show a receipt indicating that the fuel was declared as 100% propulsion? I have been doing this since the start of what we laughingly call "Spring" - though I suspect that I have burned a good 40% of the last tank in the Webasto!

 

[Sailfree]

Been e mailing Magali and explained probs of only 5l of white diesel allowed in boot of car and that marinas will not stock two colours of diesel.

Magali replied why don't marina's just stock white at full tax and people claim back tax from government if they are entitled to it. I assume that is the system in France.

Fishing boats and Commercial craft can claim back 100% and pleasure boats 40%.

You may not like it but it may be the only way Belgium and Dutch boats will be able to visit England and vice versa!