Istanbul Convention of 1990 allows vessels using UK red diesel to visit EU27
Marine red diesel is still on sale to leisure vessels in the UK, despite the Government’s plans to phase it out following a judgment from the European Court of Justice.
Now that Britain has left the EU, red diesel will continue to be legal for the propulsion of vessels in the UK until April 2022. However, red diesel in crafts’ engine tanks is not permitted in the EU27 and other countries.
The CA’s Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS) has received information from HMRC that they agree the Istanbul Convention of 1990 allows vessels to make visits to the EU27 and elsewhere without import prohibitions or restrictions on propulsion fuel. This includes visiting craft with UK red marine diesel, or red dye traces, in the engine tank(s).
As a matter of policy, it is not standard practice for HM Government to write to other governments stating how they should implement their own laws, but it is expected of them to implement their laws in accordance with the Convention.
In addition, HMRC points out that the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) to the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU requires a number of EU directives to continue to apply in Northern Ireland, subject to regular affirmation from the Northern Ireland Assembly that the NIP should remain in place. If this affects what fuel private pleasure craft (PPC) in Northern Ireland can use, HMRC will provide an update at the appropriate time.
However, red diesel in crafts’ engine tanks is not permitted in the EU27 and other countries.
The Istanbul Convention of 1990 allows vessels to make visits to the EU27 and elsewhere without import prohibitions or restrictions on propulsion fuel. This includes visiting craft with UK red marine diesel, or red dye traces, in the engine tank(s).
What does this mean please?
I would think this only applies to UK /non EU registered boats
It refers to the EU banning some years ago the use of red diesel for private pleasure craft propulsion in the EU although the EU made concessions to UK boaters, ie no fines for breaking EU law, for its presence in UK engine tanks when the vessel entered the EU.
Now that the UK has left the EU, it simply means that it is understood that a UK craft with red diesel in its engine tanks is able to enter the EU27 and elsewhere without import prohibitions or restrictions on its propulsion fuel under the Istanbul Convention.
Yes: to any vessel with red dyed propulsion diesel on board. For example, reports have been read that US yachts with red engine fuel have entered the EU with no difficulty.