ColinR
Well-Known Member
well not quite but if the proposed legislation due to come into effect on 1 April 2012 then it will become extremely difficult. The proposal is that red diesel can only be used in UK waters so before setting off across the channel you would have to drain the tank and fill with white diesel. Have a look at this:
HMRC Announcement on the use of Red Diesel in Private Pleasure Craft
On 21st February, the HMRC issued draft legislation to take effect from 1st April, 2012, which HMRC describes as follows:-
“The measure provides that red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft can only be used in UK waters. All purchasers of red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft will be required to sign a declaration to that effect. All purchasers will be made aware that if they travel outside UK waters they will be subject to the restrictions and prohibitions of other Member States”.
The background to this is that the European Commission has challenged the UK practice of allowing the use of red diesel to propel private pleasure craft despite the condition that full duty is paid. This proposed legislation is an attempt to reduce the likelihood of such litigation. As it stands, this measure should have no impact on members sailing in UK waters only, but it will be prejudicial to those members wishing to sail outside of UK waters, and creates considerable practical problems.
HMRC have indicated that they are prepared to consider comments on the draft legislation from all interested parties by no later than 11th March, 2012.
Comments to HMRC should be sent by email using the link envirotax.bst which can be accessed only via the HMRC web site at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/drafts/rebated-pp-crafts.htm , or by post to:
Transport Taxes Team
HM Revenue & Customs
Room 1/37
100 Parliament Street
London SW1A 2BQ
Your letters will have more impact if you use your own words, but you may wish to consider the following key points:
i) White diesel is not currently available from the vast majority of marine suppliers in harbours and marinas. It is not feasible to install a second tank and pump for white diesel in many of these locations. Where it is feasible, the proposed timescale is not sufficient to make the necessary changes in time.
ii) White diesel currently available in the UK contains bio-fuel. It has previously been accepted that such bio-fuel can have a seriously detrimental effect on some marine engines. It is known to make worse the problems of `bugs’ in tanks causing blocked filters, break-down to acids leading to engine equipment damage and leakage from fuel component seals, all of which represent significant additional safety risks to boat owners using UK white diesel.
iii) In the light of the above points, many owners wishing to sail outside of UK waters will be faced with the only alternative of having to purchase red diesel and having to make, knowingly, a false declaration. This is totally unacceptable.
iv) The measure is also likely to deter foreign boat owners from coming to the UK since, when refuelling here, they will be asked to declare that the fuel will only be used in UK waters, which is patently not the case.
HMRC Announcement on the use of Red Diesel in Private Pleasure Craft
On 21st February, the HMRC issued draft legislation to take effect from 1st April, 2012, which HMRC describes as follows:-
“The measure provides that red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft can only be used in UK waters. All purchasers of red diesel for use as fuel for propelling private pleasure craft will be required to sign a declaration to that effect. All purchasers will be made aware that if they travel outside UK waters they will be subject to the restrictions and prohibitions of other Member States”.
The background to this is that the European Commission has challenged the UK practice of allowing the use of red diesel to propel private pleasure craft despite the condition that full duty is paid. This proposed legislation is an attempt to reduce the likelihood of such litigation. As it stands, this measure should have no impact on members sailing in UK waters only, but it will be prejudicial to those members wishing to sail outside of UK waters, and creates considerable practical problems.
HMRC have indicated that they are prepared to consider comments on the draft legislation from all interested parties by no later than 11th March, 2012.
Comments to HMRC should be sent by email using the link envirotax.bst which can be accessed only via the HMRC web site at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/drafts/rebated-pp-crafts.htm , or by post to:
Transport Taxes Team
HM Revenue & Customs
Room 1/37
100 Parliament Street
London SW1A 2BQ
Your letters will have more impact if you use your own words, but you may wish to consider the following key points:
i) White diesel is not currently available from the vast majority of marine suppliers in harbours and marinas. It is not feasible to install a second tank and pump for white diesel in many of these locations. Where it is feasible, the proposed timescale is not sufficient to make the necessary changes in time.
ii) White diesel currently available in the UK contains bio-fuel. It has previously been accepted that such bio-fuel can have a seriously detrimental effect on some marine engines. It is known to make worse the problems of `bugs’ in tanks causing blocked filters, break-down to acids leading to engine equipment damage and leakage from fuel component seals, all of which represent significant additional safety risks to boat owners using UK white diesel.
iii) In the light of the above points, many owners wishing to sail outside of UK waters will be faced with the only alternative of having to purchase red diesel and having to make, knowingly, a false declaration. This is totally unacceptable.
iv) The measure is also likely to deter foreign boat owners from coming to the UK since, when refuelling here, they will be asked to declare that the fuel will only be used in UK waters, which is patently not the case.
