Benzene in gasoline regulations

These regulations prohibit the supply of gasoline with a benzene concentration exceeding 1.0% by volume or a benzene emission number exceeding 71 during the summer and 92 during the winter. They also prohibit the sale of gasoline that contains a benzene concentration exceeding 1.5% by volume.

The regulations:

• Benzene in Gasoline Regulations
• The original regulations and later amendments can be found at the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Environmental Registry

The Benzene in Gasoline Regulations include provisions that allow for alternative samples or analysis methods to be used by a primary supplier for reporting purposes. A primary supplier proposing to use an equivalent test methods must provide to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) at least 60 days notice before using the method, a description of the method and evidence that it is equivalent to the reference method. Where the sampling or analysis methods being used at a site have been demonstrated as equivalent methods pursuant to section 6 of the Benzene in Gasoline Regulations, those methods can be also be used for reporting purposes under the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations.

A list of the currently approved alternative sampling or analysis methods can be obtained by contacting Environment and Climate Change Canada at: fuels-carburants@ec.gc.ca. Those proposing to use these methods for reporting under the Benzene in Gasoline Regulations and Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations may refer to that list as evidence of equivalency.

Benzene emissions number calculation spreadsheet:

The model for calculating benzene emission numbers is prescribed in Schedule 1 of the regulations. Environment and Climate Change Canada has developed a calculation spreadsheet for the benzene emissions number. For a copy of the spreadsheet, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada at: fuels-carburants@ec.gc.ca.

Reports:

Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes annual reports about the Benzene in Gasoline Regulations on the Government of Canada's Publications' Webpage. All reports can be found here.

Additional information:

For copies of the reporting forms in PDF or HTML format or if you have any questions in this regard, you may also contact Environment and Climate Change Canada at: fuels-carburants@ec.gc.ca.