The unique identification of fuels on the fuel pumps is of great importance for end users to avoid incorrect fueling and damage and hazards resulting from this.
The European fuel standards do not prescribe a binding identification of fuel specifications at the fuel pump.
In Germany, there is appropriate identification which is governed in the 10th BImschV (German ordinance on immission protection). The following grade identifications must be made clearly visible at fuel pumps and at the fueling station (diameter 85-100 mm).
Identification for spark-ignition engine fuel in Germany
Identification labels for sulfur-free spark-ignition engine fuel as per DIN EN 228 with a maximum oxygen concentration of 2.7 percent by weight and a maximum ethanol content of 5 volume percent. At fuel pumps, a note stating "Contains up to 5 % bioethanol" must additionally be applied in a clearly visible manner.
P00.40-2041-01
P00.40-2042-01
Identification labels for sulfur-free spark-ignition engine fuel as per DIN EN 228 with an oxygen concentration that may exceed 2.7 percent by weight or with an ethanol content that may exceed 5 percent by volume. At fuel pumps, notes stating "Contains up to 10 % bioethanol“ and "Is your vehicle compatible with E10? Obtain information from manufacturer! In case of uncertainty, fill up with premium or Super Plus!" must additionally be attached so they are clearly visible.
P00.40-2043-01
P00.40-2044-01
Identification of diesel fuel in Germany |
Identification label for diesel fuel which meets the specifications of DIN EN 590. At fuel pumps, a note stating "Contains up to 7 % biodiesel" must additionally be applied in a clearly visible manner. |
P00.40-2045-01
Identification of pure fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) in Germany |
Identification label for fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel/B100) for diesel engines which meet the specifications of DIN EN 14214. |
P00.40-2046-01
There is also identification for ethanol (E85), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Identification of vehicle compatibility in Europe
By means of another identification as per EN 16942, upon arrival at the filling station, drivers should be provided with the information that is required to recognize compatibility between vehicle and fuel and to avoid incorrect fueling. This will predictably be implemented by 10/2018 and is binding for all EU member states, EFTA member states, Macedonia and Turkey.
The identification must be applied at the dispensing fuel nozzle and the fuel pump. In the vehicle, the identification label can be found at the inside of the fuel filler flap and in the operator's manual.
The following symbols are defined for that purpose:
Spark-ignition engine fuel with an ethanol content of a maximum of 5, 10 or 85 percent by volume |
P00.40-2047-10
Diesel fuel with a fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) content of a maximum of 7, 10, 20 or 30 percent by volume |
P00.40-2048-10
Identification for pure fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) |
P00.40-2051-01
Identification for pure paraffinic fuel |
P00.40-2049-01
Identification for gaseous fuel: |
Compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen (H2), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). |
P00.40-2050-04