Diesel Fuel

The Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations set maximum limits for sulphur in diesel fuel for use on-road, off-road, in rail (locomotive), vessels, and stationary engines. The current and upcoming maximum sulphur limits and effective dates for production, import and sales of diesel fuel in Canada are summarized in the table below.

Maximum sulphur limits for categories of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel for use in:Regulated ActivitySulphur Limit (mg/kg)Effective Date
Large Vessels (Marine Diesel)Production, import or sales1000June 1, 2014
Large Stationary EnginesProduction, import or sales1000June 1, 2014
Non-large VesselsProduction or import15June 1, 2012
Non-large VesselsSales500October 1, 2007
Non-large VesselsSales15June 1, 2014
Small Stationary EnginesProduction, import or sales15June 1, 2014
Rail (locomotive)Production or import15June 1, 2012
Rail (locomotive)Sales500October 1, 2007
Off-road EnginesProduction, import or sales15Since 2010
On-road VehiclesProduction, import or sales15Since 1998

More on the Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations.

Environment Canada carried out a survey of diesel fuel in 2001 / 2002. Refiners and importers were requested to provide information on the levels of cetane, aromatics and PAHs in both on-road and off-road diesel between July 2001 and December 2002. More on the voluntary survey on diesel fuel quality.