Testing time for fuel fraud

An international search for a new fuel marker to help in the fight against diesel fraud has been announced by revenue authorities in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK).

Millions of euro in revenue are lost each year in Ireland and the UK through fuel laundering - the removal of the chemical markers from low duty diesel - to sell it on as road fuel.

Working in partnership, the Revenue Commissioners and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are seeking submissions aimed at finding a replacement for the current fiscal fuel markers, which are added to fuels with lower duty rates. In response to the continuing threat to revenues, a Memorandum of Understanding between the two revenue authorities was signed in May 2012. This set a framework for the project to identify an improved marker for use by both countries.

Revenue Commissioner Liam Irwin said:

"Fuel laundering and trading in illicit fuel represents a significant threat to the Exchequer and hurts legitimate businesses. We are determined to take every action necessary to stamp out this form of criminality. It is a problem common to both Ireland and the UK and the search for a more resistant marker will be an important element in combating this form of evasion."

Andy Wiggins Oils Policy team leader, HMRC said:

"Although the UK’s current fuel marker is actually one of the better quality markers in use, and not easy to launder out, we are not complacent and appreciate the need to keep one step ahead of fuel launderers. Consequently the search for an even more robust marker capable of foiling 21st Century fuel launderers is essential to ensure that opportunities for fraudsters attempting to exploit fuel supplies are reduced and illicit fuel can be detected."

The Irish and UK revenue authorities published a joint 'Invitation to Make Submissions' (IMS) on 28th June, which set out details of how this process will run. Details of the IMS can be found at: Oil Marker .The IMS was also published in the Official Journal of the European Union this morning (04/07/12).

Revenue would like to advise the public to purchase their diesel from known branded outlets, and where they have any concerns or suspicions about a particular outlet to report these to Revenue or the Irish Petrol Retailers Association.

[Ends 04/07/12]