Guidance document on Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations: outline


Outline of the federal Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations

Section 1: Interpretation

This section provides the definitions that are used in the regulations.


Section 2: Application

Section 2 outlines circumstances where the requirements of the regulations do not apply.


Section 3: Maximum Concentration of Sulphur

This section specifies the maximum level of sulphur in diesel fuel for use in on-road vehicles, off-road engines, vessel engines and locomotive engines. The limits apply to diesel fuel produced, imported or sold.


Section 4: Analysis

This section specifies the reference method for analysis that will be used by Environment Canada and the courts to determine compliance with the compositional requirements of the regulations.


Section 5: Reports

This section specifies that every person who produces or imports diesel fuel shall submit

  • one time registration information (Schedule 2), with updates when there are changes (Schedule 2); and
  • regular reports on diesel fuel volumes and sulphur concentrations (Schedule 1).

This section also specifies that alternative analysis methods that have been demonstrated to be equivalent to the reference test method may be used for reporting the concentration of sulphur in diesel fuel.


Section 6: Records

This section requires importers and producers to keep records on diesel fuel (low-sulphur or regular). These records have to be maintained for a period of five years at the production facility or place of business in Canada of an importer.


Section 7: Repeal

The Diesel Fuel Regulations (limiting sulphur in diesel fuel for use in on-road vehicles to 500 mg/kg) in effect since January 1, 1998 are repealed on the coming into force of the Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations.


Section 8: Coming into Force

The parent Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations came into force on January 1, 2003. The Regulations Amending the Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations come into force on January 1, 2006.


Schedule 1: Report of Sulphur Concentration in Diesel Fuel

This Schedule sets out the information required to be reported under subsection 5(1).


Schedule 2: Report by Producers and Importers of Diesel Fuel

This Schedule sets out the registration information required to be reported under subsection 5(4).

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