Fuels exported from the Netherlands to countries outside the EU, including many West African countries, have been demonstrably of better quality since April 2023. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) implemented measures aimed at improving the quality of automotive fuels. In an evaluation, the inspectorate examined the overall effects. Especially the concentrations of sulfur and benzene in fuels have significantly decreased.
In 2018, the ILT discovered that automotive fuels with high levels of harmful substances were being exported from the Netherlands to West Africa. In 2022, the inspectorate published a policy rule establishing limits for harmful substances such as sulfur, benzene, and manganese. The goal: to contribute to a cleaner environment and protect public health, even outside the European Union.
In 2023, the ILT examined the first results. The policy rule has now been fully evaluated. The Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) will send the evaluation to the House of Representatives.
Positive Effects in West Africa
The quality of fuels exported to West Africa has noticeably improved since the introduction of the rule. Quality certificates show that the concentrations of particularly sulfur and benzene in the export fuels have been significantly reduced. The ILT notes that West African countries have been paying high prices for low-quality fuels for years. The introduction of stricter regulations has contributed to a fairer relationship between price and quality delivered.
Bypassing Rules
Not all companies act in the spirit of the rule. In particular, traders based in Switzerland are trying to circumvent the rules by producing fuel in other countries or mixing it with other harmful substances. In some cases, fuel is exported as a semi-finished product to add substances outside the Netherlands that are contrary to the purpose of the regulations. According to the ILT, these practices undermine the intended societal effect and are contrary to the duty of care. The inspectorate will therefore continue to monitor actively. The ILT will also bring the practices of traders based in Switzerland to the attention of the National Contact Point (NCP) for OECD guidelines and the government in Switzerland.
Level Playing Field
The export of gasoline to West Africa has decreased, partly due to reduced demand from Nigeria and shifts within the market. Also, in Nigeria, the standards have gradually become stricter, especially since the largest refinery in Africa started operations in 2024, designed to produce clean fuels. The decline in gasoline exports from the Netherlands to West Africa has been partly offset by exports to other regions. Initially, some production shifted to Belgium, but since September 2024, the same quality rules for fuel exports apply there as well. This has created a level playing field within the ARA area (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp). The ILT is coordinating its oversight with Belgian colleagues.
During an event organized by the Benelux Union together with UNEP earlier this year, other European countries were called upon to follow the Belgian and Dutch example. A European approach was also discussed at the Energy Council of European ministers of Economic Affairs late last year.
Proposal: Convert Policy Rule into Legislation
Based on the evaluation and the agreements within the Benelux Union, converting the policy rule into binding legislation, such as a General Administrative Measure (AMvB), would be a good next step. This would give the specifications a solid legal basis and allow the ILTs experiences with oversight of the duty of care to be incorporated. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is currently exploring this step.