Can I use red diesel outside UK?

[uk_vette]

Hello all,

I use a big 4x4, and I am having a second fuel tank fitted.
The original tank is 90 liters, and the extra tank will be 100 liters.
All fully mounted and secure, but not connected to the original tank.
I will have two 3 way valves, which can be independantly switched.
One for supply to engine, and 1 for return to tank.
At no time will red go into original tank.

What are the implications of using red, while not in UK.
ie, taking 100 liters of red in the additional tank for use abroard?

vette

edited for spelling.

Edited by uk_vette on Thursday 23 February 10:33

Edited by uk_vette on Thursday 23 February 10:35

[SystemParanoia]

you can use it in the uk if you hide that 2nd fuel cap

[tbc]

SystemParanoia said:

you can use it in the uk if you hide that 2nd fuel cap

i remember someone telling me they worked at a garage and some woman brought in a monte carlo replica Mini her husband did some rallying in

he said he just put the fuel in and as she drove off it was pouring out the back

Her husband had added another fuel tank but had taken it out when he wasn't rallying

[McHaggis]

You can probably use it outside of the UK.

But problem is getting it there.

I see 2 problems... 1)exporting fuel that hasn't had the duty paid on it and 2)how you store it to get it there:


4.3 Can I store rebated oil in auxiliary (belly) tanks on a vehicle or trailer?

Yes, but only in fuel tanks not capable of connection to the engine used to propel the vehicle (unless it is an excepted vehicle). The standard running tank(s), whether connected or disconnected, must contain only fully duty paid fuel. Rebated gas oil must not be taken into the standard running tanks or auxiliary tanks fitted to vehicles or trailers except where these tanks are solely and permanently connected to the auxiliary machinery (for example, refrigeration motors). All other tanks on a vehicle, trailer or bulk carrier whether directly connected to the propelling engine or not, will be considered to be part of the road fuel system. Dual fuel systems are not permitted, even where they can connect to a power take off to switch the tanks.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/do...

[angusfaldo]

McHaggis said:

You can probably use it outside of the UK.

I would disagree.

Red diesel is untaxed. The tax applies to road-use fuel. Every European country has a similar domestic excise tax, only difference is the tax rate. As your red diesel is untaxed you can't use it on UK roads. Similarly you can't use untaxed fuel in other EU countries.

Take it somewhere they have a different regime and you might be ok.

Big question is, how do other countries mark untaxed road fuel and how would they know your red diesel is tax free?

[McHaggis]

Good question.

I meant that if you could get red diesel to the country and were consuming it - you are right - you would be subject to any checks that country wanted to perform, as presumably you need to conform to their tax and fuel standards?

A quick google shows that aside from tractors, it is illegal in France as well - and when you buy it there you need to sign for it (apparently)

[aw51 121565]

Watching Customs (about the Irish 'border control') shows that it's illegal to use 'red' diesel in Eire as well. It looked green, actually, but - regardless - if duty hasn't been paid on said fuel it's illegal to use on the road in Eire.

[AlexiusG55]

I know the Dutch have a history of being very strict on red diesel in boat fuel tanks- as of a few years ago pleasure boats can't use untaxed diesel for propulsion, but in the UK there's a 60/40 duty split for sailing boats and you can IIRC still fill up with red diesel if you pay duty on 60% of it (the other 40% is considered to be used for heating, running instruments, and other non-taxable purposes).
British sailors have still run into trouble across the Channel, though...

[BorkFactor]

aw51 121565 said:

Watching Customs (about the Irish 'border control') shows that it's illegal to use 'red' diesel in Eire as well. It looked green, actually, but - regardless - if duty hasn't been paid on said fuel it's illegal to use on the road in Eire.

I believe you get "green" diesel as well, same as red, but green. Must be used in other countries, I have never heard of it being used in the UK.