Fines for red diesel temporarily on hold

U

K boats which had abandoned plans to go to Belgium now have until September to cruise without fear of being fined for having red diesel in their tanks, reports the Cruising Association (CA).

Four UK boats were each fined r500 this summer when they entered Nieuwpoort with red diesel aboard. The CA’s Regulations and Technical Services (RATS) group, which worked continuously with Belgian authorities over the issue of UK boats allegedly contravening EU rules regarding red diesel, said their contact in Nieuwpoort could give no explanation of the sudden customs action.

They have now confirmed that RATS advice, agreed with them three years ago, would be honoured. The Belgian Ambassador to the UK told the CA that Belgium will suspend fines for boats found to be carrying red diesel, until the issue has been discussed by the EU Committee on Excise Duty on 18 September.

Following reports that yachts visiting Belgium were tested for red diesel in tanks and fined if any traces were found, even if receipts were provided, and were inspected for paperwork including Schengen crew lists, RATS wrote to the Belgian Ambassador in London and Belgian Customs in Brussels to ask for an explanation.

The CA now recommends that anyone planning to visit Belgian ports should carry receipts for all diesel purchased in the past two years, a Schengen crew list, and a printout of the Belgian Ambassador’s email, which is online at www.theca.org.uk.