The RYA has made it clear to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the proposals set out in its consultation documents regarding red diesel in the UK present a real problem for recreational boaters. There is no legal prohibition on the use of red diesel for propelling private pleasure craft in international waters but the proposed amendment to the declaration to be made when buying fuel gives the impression that there is.

RYA logoGus Lewis, Head of Government Affairs, has been working with HMRC to ensure that boaters’ interests are protected in the Government’s negotiations with the European Commission (EC) over the use of duty-paid marked diesel. And the RYA has made it clear that restricting the use of marked ‘red’ diesel to UK waters would not be acceptable. Mr Lewis explains: “There is nothing in the Government’s proposals that would actually make the use of marked ‘red’ diesel for propelling a private pleasure craft outside UK waters unlawful. However, what it is attempting to do is to make recreational boaters sign a declaration, acknowledging a legal situation that doesn’t exist under UK law. We have had a very positive working relationship with HMRC, which has worked hard over the years to accommodate recreational boating interests. However, the RYA cannot support this proposed amendment to the Hydrocarbon Oils Duties Act 1979. I have been in contact with HMRC about the consultation documents and will keep boaters informed of progress”.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.