Biofuel quota

Updated: 18.12.2018

Author: Tim Sternkopf

Since 1 January 2009, the target of substitution of fossil fuels with biofuels amounts to 5.75 %, measured by the total fossil petrol or diesel introduced or used in the federal territory (§5 para. 1 Fuel Order).

Eligible technologies

Subject to the obligation are only biofuels.

Biofuels

The substitution obligation of fossil fuels with biofuels is technology-neutral. The type of biofuel and of its production technology for the meeting of targets is arbitrary.

Amount

Amount of quota and period of application

Since 1 January 2009, the substitution target amounts to 5.75 %, measured by the total fossil petrol or diesel introduced or used in the federal territory. To meet the overall target, at least a 3.4 % share of biofuels or other renewable fuel must be introduced or used in order to substitute fossil petrol and a share of 6.3 % to substitute fossil diesel (§ 5 para. 1 Fuel Order). As of 2020, the substitution target is 8.45% (§ 5 para. 2 Fuel Order).

Adjustment of quotas

The quotas can be subject to further legal amendments.

Fees and penalty charges

If biofuels do not comply with the specifications stated in § 3 Fuel Order or do not meet the substitution obligation, they may not be released for free circulation.

Addressees

The parties obliged to substitute are those who introduce or export petrol or diesel to Austria for the first time, unless in the fuel tank of a vehicle (§ 2 para. 10 Fuel Order).

Procedure

Process flow

The party obliged to substitute must provide every year proof of the quantities of biofuels and other renewable fuels as well as of petrol and diesel fuel introduced or used by it. This proof for the period of one calendar year must arrive on 1 May at the latest of the following year at the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism (BMNT) (§ 20 Fuel Order).

Competent authority

Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism (BMNT)

Distribution of costs

Consumers

The costs are borne by the consumers.

Distribution mechanism

The obliged companies pass on the costs arising from the quota obligation to the consumers by adding a surcharge to their fuel.

Austria

Further information

Basic information on legal sources