Ethanol labelling standard
Fuel suppliers who supply petrol containing ethanol must comply with the ethanol fuel quality information standard (labelling standard). The labelling standard is in place to inform consumers that the fuel they are purchasing contains ethanol.
The Australian Government capped the level of ethanol that can be added to petrol at 10% in July 2003. This was the result of vehicle testing that showed petrol containing ethanol blends of 20% or more may cause engine problems in some older vehicles.
Ethanol label
A requirement to label ethanol blend petrol was introduced in 1 March 2004 and amended in January 2006 to simplify the labelling standard. The current ethanol labelling requirements have been consolidated from the original and amended ethanol labelling standards.
- Ethanol labelling requirements
- Original ethanol labelling standard
- Amended ethanol labelling standard
At service stations
Service stations supplying ethanol blend petrol now have two options for complying with the new labelling standard. Pumps dispensing ethanol blend petrol must clearly display either the exact percentage of ethanol in the blend or that the fuel contains 'up to' a percentage of ethanol.
Both options allow suppliers to use their own corporate livery and include additional information if desired.
The maximum permitted ethanol content in petrol remains capped at 10% volume by volume.
At other places of retail supply
Retail suppliers of ethanol blend petrol other than from a service station have two options for complying with the labelling standard. Buyers must either be provided with a document stating the exact percentage of ethanol in the blend or that the fuel contains 'up to' a percentage of ethanol, and these words should appear on each container of ethanol blend petrol.
The maximum permitted ethanol content in petrol remains capped at 10% volume by volume.
More information
An ethanol labelling information sheet summarising the obligations of fuel suppliers is available and is provided for information only. For a complete understanding of the obligations of fuel suppliers, reference should be made to the ethanol labelling standards and legal advice should be sought if necessary.
An awareness campaign has been launched for suppliers of ethanol blends. Fuel pump labels are also available for fuel suppliers. These labels can be used to advise consumers and use the words 'This fuel contains up to 10% ethanol'. To obtain labels, write to fuel.quality@environment.gov.au telling us your postal address and the number of labels you require.