Fuel markersought to stopborder crime

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

Working in partnership, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK and the Revenue Commissioners in ROI 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 revenue authorities in both countries was signed in May 2012. This set a framework for the project to identify an improved marker for use by both countries.

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, 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.”

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’s 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.”

The UK and the ROI revenue authorities published a joint ‘Invitation to Make Submissions’ (IMS) on June 28, which set out details of how this process will run. Details of the IMS can be found here.