Solid Fuel challenges continue

Thanks to HAI member, Niall Murray from Topline Tractamotors, for raising the matter of continuing illegal fuel imports from Northern Ireland with his local TD, who in turn asked the question of the Minister of Finance. It’s estimated that the State is losing €300 million annually because of fuel smuggling across the border, the Minister clarified the position as follows:

Solid Fuel Mechanisms have been put in place by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment for control of supplies of solid fuel coming into the State.  Regulations issued by that Department govern the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of solid fuels, require the registration of coal traders and establish higher environmental standards for coal supplied in the State compared with Northern Ireland. Compliance with those Regulations is enforced by local authorities.

In addition, solid fuel (coal and peat) is liable to excise duty in the Republic of Ireland in the form of Solid Fuel Carbon Tax. A person making the first supply of a solid fuel in the State must pay Solid Fuel Carbon Tax on the quantity of solid fuel concerned.  The tax is not payable where the person acquires a quantity of solid fuel and personally accompanies it into the State for that person’s own private consumption.  Unlike mineral oils, EU Law does not require compliance with movement controls for solid fuels for excise duty purposes.  Therefore, no excise movement controls apply to imports of solid fuel from Northern Ireland, whether by private persons for their own consumption or by traders or businesses for commercial purposes.

If this issue affects your business, contact your local TD and tell us about it, call Jim on 01 298 0969 or email.