Recovery of petrol vapours during storage

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 94/63/EC – the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

It aims to reduce emissions from volatile organic compounds due to evaporation of petrol in the fuel storage and distribution chain.

KEY POINTS

This directive covers to the operations, installations, vehicles and vessels used for storage, loading and transport of petrol from one terminal to another or from a terminal to a service station.
The directive lays down harmonised technical specifications for the design and use of:
- storage installations at terminals;
- equipment for loading and unloading mobile containers at terminals;
- mobile containers;
- equipment for loading into storage installations at service stations.
Transitional periods are laid down for implementing these specifications.
EU countries may maintain or require more stringent measures than those laid down in the directive throughout their territory or in geographical areas where it is established that such measures are necessary for the protection of human health or the environment.
The directive provides a procedure for adapting the Annexes to technical progress.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 20 January 1995. EU countries had to incorporate it into national law by 31 December 1995.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

‘Petrol Storage & Distribution’ on the European Commission's website.

MAIN DOCUMENT

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/63/EC of 20 December 1994 on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations (OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, pp. 24-33)

Successive amendments to Directive 94/63/EC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.