Processed fuel oil 
 
Quality Protocol 
 
Processed Fuel Oil (PFO) 
 
 
End of waste criteria for the production and use of processed 
fuel oil from waste lubricating oils 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Processed fuel oil 
 
 
This Quality Protocol was funded by  Defra and the Welsh Assembly 
Government (WAG) as a business resource efficiency activity. It 
was developed by the Environment  Agency and WRAP (Waste & 
Resources Action Programme) in consultation with Defra, WAG, 
industry and other regulatory stakeholders. The Quality Protocol is 
applicable in both England and Wale s. It sets out end of waste 
criteria for the production and use of processed fuel oil from waste 
lubricating oils. 
 
             
Contents
                                                                                         Page  
 Foreword 1 
 
1. Introduction 3 
 2. Producing processed fuel oil fr om waste lubricating oils 8 
 3. Providing evidence of complian ce with the Quality Protocol 9  
 4.  Use of processed fuel oil 11 
 
Appendix A 
Definitions          1 2  
 
Appendix B 
Acceptable input types       1 5  
 
Appendix C 
Standards and specifications to wh ich this Quality Protocol  
applies                  1 7  
 
 
 Processed fuel oil 
Foreword 
 
 
Background 
 
 
Uncertainty over the point at which wa ste has been fully recovered and ceases 
to be waste within the meani ng of Article 1(1)(a) of  the EU Waste Framework 
Directive (2006/12/EC) has inhibited the development and marketing of 
materials produced from waste which could be used beneficially without 
damaging human health and the environment. In some cases, this uncertainty 
has also inhibited the recovery and recycl ing of waste and its diversion from 
landfill.  Interpretation of EU legislation is ultima tely a matter for the courts and there is 
now a substantial body of case law on the interpreta tion of the definition of 
waste in Article 1(1)(a) of the Wast e Framework Directiv e. Drawing on the 
principles established in this case law, it is possible to identify the point at 
which certain wastes cease to be wast e and thus when th e Waste Framework 
Directive’s waste management controls no longer apply. This identification is 
the purpose of the Waste Protocols Project.   
 More specifically, depending on the circ umstances of the waste concerned, the 
project seeks to achieve the following outcomes:  
• to produce a Quality Prot ocol identifying the point at which waste, having 
been fully recovered, may be regarded as a non-waste product that can be 
either reused by business or industry, or supplie d into other markets, 
enabling it to be used without the need for waste management controls; 
and/or 
 
• to produce a statement that confirms  to the business community what 
waste management controls they must comply with . 
 
Following the Court of Appeal judgement in OSS Group Ltd v Environment 
Agency (2007) the Court suggested that  Defra and the Environment Agency 
should provide practical guidance for thos e affected on what it referred to as 
“the end of waste test” 1.  
 
The Environment Agency decided that th is guidance should take the form of a 
Quality Protocol, and established a Technical Advisory Group comprising 
relevant industry specialists and Government departments to examine this 
issue fully and provide the basis for su ch guidance.  The methodology used 
                                                      
1 The appeal concerned the limited question ‘...whether a lubricating oil, thus not originally 
used as a fuel, which becomes waste can thereafter be burnt other than as waste…’. The 
conclusion was that, in order for a waste to cease to be waste ‘it should be enough that the 
holder has converted the waste material into a distinct, marketable product, which can be used 
in exactly the same way as an ordinary fuel, and with no worse environmental effects’.   
1 Processed fuel oil 
was to be analogous to that  applied to previous Qua lity Protocols produced by 
the Waste Protocols Project. 
 
What is a Quality Protocol?  
 
A Quality Protocol sets out end of waste criteria for the production and use of a 
product from a specific waste type. Compliance with these criteria is 
considered sufficient to ensure that the fully recovered product may be used 
without undermining the ef fectiveness of the Waste Framework Directive and 
therefore without t he need for waste management controls. In addition, a 
Quality Protocol indicates how comp liance may be demonstrated and points to 
good practice for the use of the fully recovered product. 
 The Quality Protocol further  aims to provide increased market confidence in 
the quality of products m ade from waste and so encourage greater recovery 
and recycling.  
 
   
 
     
 
 
   
 
     
 
    
 
    
 
  
 
2 Processed fuel oil 
1. Introduction 
 
 
1.1 What is this Quality Protocol? 
 
1.1.1 This Quality Protocol has been developed by WRAP (Waste and 
Resources Action Programme)  and the Environment Agency  in 
consultation with industry and ot her regulatory stakeholders. It is 
applicable in both England and Wales.  
 
1.1.2 This Quality Protocol sets out end of waste criteria  for the production 
and use of processed fuel oil (PFO) from waste lubricating oils  (WLO). If 
these criteria are met, PFO will normally be regarded as having been 
fully recovered and to have ceased to be waste because:  
• it has been converted into a di stinct, marketable product;  
• it can be used in exactly the same way as the relevant virgin 
equivalent; and  
• it can be used with no worse environmental effects than that 
equivalent. 
1.1.3 Producers  and users are not obliged to comply with the Quality Protocol.  
If they do not, the fuel oils they produce will normally be considered to 
be waste and waste management controls  will apply to their handling, 
transport and use. Furthermore, the Waste Incineration Directive will 
apply to their combustion.   
 
1.1.4 Producers of PFO should note that this Quality Protocol does not affect 
the obligation to hold an environmental permit  and comply with all of its 
conditions to store and process waste lubricating oils. 
 1.1.5 Producers of PFO should also note that by producing a fully recovered 
product they may be subject to furt her legal obligations, e.g. the 
registration of substances under REACH
2. 
 
1.2 The purpose of the Quality Protocol 
1.2.1  This Quality Protocol has four main purposes: 
 
                                                      
2 Waste is exempted from REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisati on and Restriction of 
Chemicals) (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) as  it is covered by separate waste management 
controls. However, once waste has been fully recovered and ceases to be waste, waste 
management controls cease to apply and REACH may apply instead at that point. Unless specifically exempted (e.g. because a substance has already been registered), producers may 
need to register substances recovered from waste and placed back on the market and make 
available appropriate hazard and safety informat ion, for example a suitable safety data sheet. 
 
Further information on REACH is available at  the REACH UK Competent Authority website 
www.hse.gov.uk/reach
 or Helpdesk on 0845 408 9575 or email ukreachca@hse.gov.uk . 
3 Processed fuel oil 
i. to clarify the point at which PFO ceases to be waste and waste 
management controls, including the Waste Incineration Directive’s 
controls, are no longer required; 
ii. to provide users with confi dence that the PFO they purchase 
conforms to an approved standard ; 
iii. to provide users with confidence t hat the PFO  is suitable for use; 
and 
iv. to protect human health and the environment. 
 
1.3 Complying with th e Quality Protocol  
1.3.1  PFO will normally be regarded as having ceased to be waste, and 
therefore no longer subject to wa ste management controls, including the 
Waste Incineration Directiv e’s controls, provided it:  
• requires no further processing before use; 
• has been produced using only those input materials specified in 
Section 2; and 
• meets the requirements of an approved standard (see Section 2). 
 
1.3.2 Producers must demonstrate that these criteria have been met.  They 
will do this in the ways set out in Section 3, which include maintaining 
records. 
 
1.3.3 This Quality Protocol will be ado pted as a technical regulation under 
Technical Standards and Regulations Directive  98/34/EC  as amended3. 
We recognise that there may be codes  of practice or standards which 
apply in European Economic Area (EEA)  states other than the UK 
setting out requirements for the produc tion and use of waste lubricating 
oil-derived fuels. We accept that wa ste lubricating oil-derived fuels may 
cease to be waste provided they have been produced in compliance with: 
 
• a relevant standard or code of prac tice of a national standards body 
or equivalent body of any EEA State; or 
• any relevant international stand ard recognised for use in any EEA 
State; or 
• any relevant technical regulat ion with mandatory or de facto 
mandatory application for marketing or use in any EEA State.  
 
These must provide levels of pr oduct performance and protection of 
human health and the environment which are equivalent to those required in this Quality Protocol. 
 
1.3.4 An outline of the main stages and control mechanisms of the Quality 
Protocol is presented in Figure 1. These are described further in Sections 2 and 3. 
                                                      
3 The Technical Standards and Regulations Directive 98/34/EC seeks to ensure the 
transparency of technical regulations and is  intended to help avoid the creation of new 
technical barriers to trade within the European Community. 
4 Processed fuel oil 
1.4  When Quality Protocol comp liant material may become waste 
 
1.4.1 Producers and users of PFO shou ld note that, even if the Quality 
Protocol is complied with, the ma terial may become waste again and 
subject to waste management contro ls if it is at any stage: 
 
• discarded or disposed of; or 
• stored indefinitely with little prospect of being used. 
 
1.4.2 In addition, if Quality Protocol co mpliant materials are mixed with waste 
materials, the resulting mix will be considered to be a waste and subject 
to waste management controls. However,  if Quality Protocol compliant 
materials are mixed with other non-wa ste materials the resulting mix will 
not, as a result of this, be waste. 
 
1.5 Failure to comply wi th the Quality Protocol  
 
1.5.1  Where this Quality Protocol is not complied with, for example the PFO 
does not meet an approved standar d, or the producer cannot 
demonstrate evidence of complia nce, the PFO will normally be 
considered to be waste. In such ci rcumstances, the producer or user 
must comply with the appropriate waste management and Waste Incineration Directive controls for the transportation, storage and use of the PFO and may be committing an offence if they do not do so. 
 1.5.2  Detailed guidanc e on waste management cont rols and the Waste 
Incineration Directive can be obtai ned from the Environment Agency’s 
National Customer Contact Centre on 08708 506 506 or from its website (http://www.environment-agenc y.gov.uk/subjects/waste/
) 
 
1.6  Updating the Quality Protocol 
 
1.6.1 We plan to review and update this document every two years from the 
date of final publication. 
 
1.6.2 However, this document may be subject to change before the review 
dates. Triggers for change could include: 
• pollution incidents; 
• a change in the market; 
• a change in legislation or case law; and 
• a shift in the chemical composit ion or physical properties of waste 
lubricating oil inputs. 
 
1.6.3  This Quality Protocol may be withdrawn if it bec omes apparent that it is 
generally being misapplied and/or misused. 
 
1.7  Importing and exporting Qualit y Protocol compliant material 
 
1.7.1  Producers intending to  export Quality Protocol compliant material should 
be aware that, although the material may cease to be waste in England 
5 Processed fuel oil 
and Wales, the country of destination may take a differe nt view. Under 
the Waste Shipment Regulation (EC/1013/2006), if the competent 
authority in the country of destinati on considers the material to be 
waste, the controls specified in that Regulation will apply to the 
shipment.  
 
1.7.2  Producers intending to  import Quality Protocol compliant materials to 
England and Wales should be aware that  if the country of dispatch 
regards the material as waste t he controls set out in the Waste 
Shipment Regulation will apply to the shipment, even though the 
material may be regarded as having ceased to be waste in England and 
Wales.  
 
1.7.3 As such it is prudent to che ck with the competent authority for the 
country of despatch or destination before importing or exporting PFO. A list of the relevant European compet ent authorities can be found at   
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/s hipments/pdf/list_competent_au
thorities.pdf?lang=_e    
   
6 Processed fuel oil 
Figure 1   Main stages and control m echanisms of the Quality Protocol 
 
PassStart  
1. Input materials  
Apply waste acceptance criteria in accordance 
with permit requirements.
2. Process material 
3. Inspect and test material 
In accordance with approved standard. Reject
Accept
Fail 
 
 
  
  
 
 
4. Quality Protocol compliant product  
5. Produce supply documentation 
 
Despatch from site of production for use in 
designated market sector 
Key 
 Point at which 
material ceases to be waste 
 
 Records 
management 
required 
  
 
7 Processed fuel oil 
 
2. Producing processed fuel oil from waste lubricating oils 
2.1 Regulating the production process 
2.1.1 The process of turning WLO into PFO is classified as a waste recovery 
operation and is subject to the waste management controls in the Waste 
Framework Directive and domestic legi slation. This Q uality Protocol 
does not affect the obligation by producers to hold an environmental 
permit that authorises the stor age and processing of WLO and to 
comply with its conditions. 
2.2 Criteria for producing PFO that has ceased to be waste  
 
2.2.1 To comply with this Quality Protocol PFO must require no further 
processing before use. To do this the criteria outlined in Sections 2.3 
and 2.4 must be met. 
2.3  Input materials 
2.3.1 The PFO must be produced using only those input materials specified in 
Appendix B of this Quality Protocol. 
2.3.2 The waste lubricating oil processor should be mindful of the required 
standard for the processed fuel oil product when accepting waste 
lubricating oil as there will be limitati ons to what the process can achieve 
and therefore accept as feedstock. Appendix B therefor e represents the 
minimum acceptance criteria . 
 
2.4 Processed in accordance with the approved standards  
 2.4.1 The producer must comply with a ll the requirements of the approved 
standards. Appendix C lists the appr oved standards at the time of 
publishing this Quality Protocol. Additional standards may be approved 
by the Environment Agency for inclusion in this Quality Protocol when it 
is reviewed. Standards will be approved only if they contain the important elements set out in Appendix C. 
 2.4.2 Producers should be aw are that the approved st andards are subject to 
regular review and should ensure they comply with the latest version. 
 
2.5 Additional customer specifications  
 2.5.1 In addition to the criteria set in se ctions 2.3 to 2.4, a customer may also 
request additional requirements for the PFO to meet.  
  
8 Processed fuel oil 
3.  Providing evidence of compliance with the Quality Protocol  
 
3.1 Producers must be able to demonstrate compliance with the 
requirements of this Quality Protocol.   
 
3.2 Some of the specified records ma y already be required as part of the 
producer’s environmental permit conditi ons. This Quality Protocol does 
not affect the obligatio ns on producers to comply with the environmental 
permit conditions and requirement of  the hazardous waste regulations. 
 
3.3 Records management  
3.3.1 Records must be kept of all incoming wastes intended for the purpose of 
producing PFO. As a minimum, a reco rd of each load delivered to site 
must be kept giving: 
• date of receipt; 
• European Waste Catalogue (EWC)  code and description; 
• place of origin (where known); • hazardous waste cons ignment note code; 
• quantity by weight/volume; • description to show that it is su itable for the process (see Section 2); 
• carrier’s name and contact details; • supplier’s name and contact details; and 
• whether the load was accepted. 
 
3.3.2 Testing of PFO must be underta ken in accordance with the approved 
standards as outlined in A ppendix C. Producers should retain records of 
all inspection and testing carried out for compliance with the approved standards. 
 3.3.3 Producers should also retain reco rds of each sale or supply of PFO.  
This supply documentation  must include the following elements: 
• date of supply; 
• customer’s name, contact det ails and nature of business; 
• producer’s name and contact details (including address of 
processing site); 
• intended use (see Section 4); 
• quantity supplied by weight/volume; 
• the approved standard with which the PFO supplied complies; 
• a statement that the PFO was produced in compliance with this 
Quality Protocol; and 
• information on good practice relating to the storage, transportation 
and use of PFO. 
 
3.3.4 These requirements are addition al to any statutory record-keeping 
obligations. However, some records may be used to fulfil both a 
regulatory obligation and evidence of compliance with the Quality 
Protocol. 
 
9 Processed fuel oil 
3.3.5 For the purposes of this Qualit y Protocol the producer must keep and 
retain specified records for a minimum of four years.  
 
   
10 Processed fuel oil 
 
4. Use of processed fuel oil 
 
 
4.1 The purpose of this Qua lity Protocol is to clarif y when fuels derived from 
WLO can cease to be waste.  Any reference to BS2869:2006 or any other 
standard is made only in this context.  This protocol is not guidance on PFO’s suitability for use or indicative of performance in any particular application,  appliance or equipment. 
 4.2 To comply with this protocol t he PFO must comply with the appropriate 
standard in Appendix C. 
4.3 Appendix C dist inguishes between distillate oil (e.g. gas-oil) equivalent  
and residual oil (e.g. heavy fuel oil (HFO))  equivalent. A WLO derived fuel 
that meets all the given cr iteria for a distillate oil equivalent can be sold or 
supplied for use in any application w here virgin oil use is allowed and 
appropriate. 
4.4 A WLO derived fuel that meets all the given criteria for a residual oil 
equivalent can only be sold or suppli ed for use in any application where it 
is a direct substitute fo r a residual oil (e.g. HFO), i.e. it cannot be used 
where the use of HFO is not  allowed or appropriate.  
4.5 Fuels manufactured from waste 
 
4.5.1 PFO is a ‘fuel manufactured from waste’ and its combustion will therefore 
be regulated under Section 1.1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of
 the 
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (EPR). 
11 Processed fuel oil 
 
APPENDIX A: Definitions 
 
 
In this Quality Protocol the word s and phrases below have the following 
meanings. 
 
Term  Description 
Acceptance criteria  Written procedures that set out the process for identifying types and quality of waste which may be accepted as an input to the production process. The process fo r rejecting loads will 
also be included in acceptance criteria. 
Approved standard  The standards listed in Appendix C and any other standard approved by  the Environment 
Agency for inclusion in this Quality Protocol.
 
Distillate oil equivalent  A petroleum distillate product meeting the standard set out in BS2869:2006, Class D fuel 
and the additional parameters set out in 
Appendix C of this Quality Protocol.
 
European Economic Area (EEA)
 The EEA States consist of  the members of the 
EU (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Est onia, Finland, France, 
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxe mbourg, Malta, The 
Netherlands, Poland,  Portugal, Romania, 
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK) together with Iceland, Li echtenstein, Norway 
and Switzerland. Although the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are par t of the UK, they are 
not part of the EU and businesses registered there are subject to different licensing legislation. 
Environment Agency The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. Its job is to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. 
Environmental permit  Environmental permits issued or exemptions registered under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, which came into force on 6 April 2008, or a position adopted by the Environment Agency in accordance with its guidanc e on the regulation 
of low-risk activities.  From 6 April 2008, the following automatically 
12 Processed fuel oil 
became environmental permits: 
• PPC permits issued under the Pollution 
Prevention and Cont rol (England and 
Wales) Regulations 2000 (as amended); 
and 
• Waste Management Licences (WMLs) 
issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended). 
 Exemptions from the need for a Waste Management Licence, registered under Regulation 18 and Schedule 3 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended) will now come under schedule 3 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007.
 
European Waste Catalogue (EWC)  European Waste Catalogue (EWC 2002 and amendments) – comprehensive list of waste codes and descriptions based on waste source and type.
 
Producer(s)  The operators who undertake the production process.
 
Processed fuel oil (PFO)  Waste lubricating oil that has been processed in accordance with this Quality Protocol.
 
Residual oil equivalent  A residual petroleum product meeting the standard set out in BS2869:2006, Class E, F or G fuel and the additional parameters set out in 
Appendix C of this Quality Protocol.
 
Supply documentation   Records of who the processed fuel oil is supplied to, including the documentation accompanying each load or consignment of processed fuel oil.  It will detail the chosen 
standard to which the product complies and states that the process ed fuel oil was produced 
in conformance with this Quality Protocol.
 
Technical Standards and Regulations Directive 98/34/EC  Seeks to ensure the transparency of technical regulations and is intended to help avoid the creation of new techni cal barriers to trade 
within the European Community. 
User(s)  The individuals or organisations that obtain processed fuel oil from a producer complying 
with this Quality Protocol.
 
Waste management 
controls  Controls under legislation that govern the treatment, handling, c ontainment and storage 
of waste.
 
Waste lubricating oil(s) (WLO) Refers to any waste lubricating oil or other oils suitable for recovery as a mineral oil type fuel substitute, as set out in the European Waste Catalogue (attached as Appendix B). 
WRAP (Waste and WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local 
13 Processed fuel oil 
Resources Action 
Programme)  authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.  
 
14 Processed fuel oil 
 
APPENDIX B: Description of waste lubricating oils that are 
acceptable inputs for the production of PFO 
 
 
Waste type 
(EWC 
4Description 
code)
 
Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface 12  
12 01  l and mechanical surface 
12 01 07*  achining oi ls free of halogens (except emulsions 
2 01 19*  Readily bio degradable machining oil 
13  els (except edible oils, and 
12 and 19) 
3 01   Waste hydraulic oils 
inated hydraulic oils 
le hydraulic oils 
3 01 13* Other hydraulic oils 
r and lubricating oils 
 lubricating oils 
3 02 08*  Other engine, gear  and lubricating oils 
1treatment of metal and plastics 
Wastes from shaping and physica
treatment of metals and plastics 
Mineral based m
and solutions) 
12 01 10*  Synthetic machining oils 
1
 
Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fu
those in chapters 05, 
1
 
13 01 10*  Mineral based non-chlor13 01 11*  Synthetic hydraulic oils 13 01 12*  Readily biodegr adab
1 
13 02   Waste engine, gear and lubricating oils 
13 02 05*  Mineral-based non-chlorinated engine, gea
13 02 06*  Synthetic engine, gear and lubricating oils 
13 02 07*  Readily bio degradable engine, gear and
1 
13 03   Waste insulating and heat transmission oils 
3 03 07*  ral-based non-chlorinated insulating and heat transmission 
3 03 09*  Readily bio degradable insulating and heat transmission oils 
3 03 10*  Other insulating and heat transmission oils 
 
                                                     Mine
oils 
13 03 08*  Synthetic insulating and heat transmission oils 
1  1
 
4 Each waste type is assigned a six digit EWC code made up of three, two digit sub-codes. 
Acceptable inputs are only those sp ecific waste types listed, as identified by a full six digit 
EWC code. The first two digit sub-code (EWC chapter) describes the type of process and the 
second two digit sub-code (EWC sub-chapter) desc ribes the industry or sector from which a 
waste type arises. Two and four digit sub-code s are shown for information purposes only. 
 
* indicates that the waste type is considered to be hazardous waste. 
15 Processed fuel oil 
 Waste type 
(EWC code) Description 
13 04   Bilge oils 
13 04 01*  Bilge oils from inland navigation 
13 04 02*  Bilge oils from jetty sewers 
13 04 03*  Bilge oils from other navigation 
 
13 05   Oil/water separator contents 
13 05 02*  Sludges from oil/water separators 
13 05 03*  Interceptor sludges 13 05 06*  Oil from oil/water separators 13 05 08*  Mixtures of wastes from grit chambers and oil/water separators 
 
13 07   Wastes of liquid fuels 
13 07 01*  Fuel oil and diesel 
13 07 03*  Other fuels (including mixtures)  19 Wastes from waste management  facilities, off-site waste 
water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended 
for human consumption and water for industrial use 
19 02 Wastes from physico/chemical  treatments of waste (including 
dechromatation, decyanidation, neutralisation)  
19 02 07* Oil and concentrates from separation 
 
20  Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, 
industrial and institutional wastes) including separately 
collected fractions 
20 01  Separately collected fractions (except 15 01) 
20 01 26*  Oil and fat other t han those mentioned in 20 01 25 
 
  
16 Processed fuel oil 
 
APPENDIX C: Standards and specifications to which this 
protocol applies 
Waste lubricating oil may be processed into a replacement fuel for either 
distillate oil or residual fuel oil.  
 Producers of processed fuel  oil (PFO) must have the facility to analyse the 
PFO for all test parameters
 specified, in UKAS accredi ted laboratories (either 
in-house or by contract laboratories). 
 
Samples must be analysed by producers of  each batch; if additions are made 
to a batch tank then  it becomes a new batch and sh ould be re-analysed. Loads 
should not be despatched until the  supplier’s analysis is known. 
 Where alternative sampli ng and testing regimes ar e submitted by producers 
that can be demonstrated to meet the standards of t he Quality Protocol, these 
will be considered by the Environment Agency on a site by site basis. 
 
C1 Standard for a distillate oil equivalent 
 
The starting-point for a non-waste disti llate oil equivalent fuel is to meet 
the parameters set in the most up to  date version of t he British Standard 
(BS2869:2006) for class D fuels, wit h the exception of viscosity. In 
addition to these parameters the di stillate oil equival ent must also be 
analysed for total halogens expressed as  chlorine, and metals and their 
compounds.  The test methods which should be used and the 
acceptable limits are as detailed in Table 1 below.     
Table 1 Specification for a distillate oil equivalent 
Property 
 Units  Limit (max)Test method 
Total halogens, as Chlorine  mg/kg 5 IP 503 
PCBs  mg/kg 5 IP 462 
Metals  mg/kg   
Mercury  5 IP PM DZ* 
Lead  5  
Nickel  5 
Chromium  5 
Copper  5 
Zinc  5 
Arsenic  5 
Cadmium  5 
Thallium  5 
Antimony  5 
Cobalt  5 
Manganese  5 
Vanadium.  5 IP PM ED* 
* Proposed test methods, the precision of which will be determined before publication 
17 Processed fuel oil 
 
C2 Standard for a residual oil equivalent 
 
The starting-point for a non-waste resi dual oil equivalent is to meet the 
parameters set in the most up to date version of t he British Standard 
(BS2869:2006) for Class E or F or G fuels, with t he exception of 
viscosity. In addition to these parame ters the PFO must also be tested 
for total halogens expressed as  chlorine, and metals and their 
compounds, using standard test methods.  The limit for sulphated ash 
content contained in Tabl e 2 below should be refe rred to rather than that 
contained in the British Standard.  A ll of the additional parameters which 
must be analysed, the test methods and acceptable limit s, are detailed 
in Table 2 below.    
 
Table 2 Specification for a residual oil equivalent  
Property 
 units Limit 
max Test method 
Sulphated ash content  %(m/m) 0.20 IP 550 
Total halogens, as Chlorine  mg/kg 150 IP 503 
PCBs  mg/kg  5 IP 462 
Metals  mg/kg   
Mercury  5 IP PM DZ* 
Lead   25 
Nickel  5  
Chromium  5 
Copper   40  
Zinc   300 
Arsenic  5 
Cadmium  5  
Thallium  5 
Antimony  5 
Cobalt  5 
Manganese  5 
Vanadium  5 IP PM EB* 
* Proposed test methods, the precision of which will be determined before publication 
 
18