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OPIS Biodiesel Pump Decals

FTC enforcement began December 16, 2008 for the labeling of biodiesel and biomass-based diesel pumps. Make sure you have all the proper pump decals to stay FTC compliant and to avoid steep fines of up to $16,000/day! Label your pumps now to limit your liability, educate your customers, and protect your business.

The easy-to-read, blue and black or orange and black decals are 3" wide x 2.5" long. They are made out of a high-quality, weather-resistant material to the exact specifications outlined by the FTC and designed to keep you in compliance and out of trouble!

Biodiesel and Biomass-Based Diesel Pump Decal Q&A

Q: Is there a penalty if I don't have my pumps labeled by December 16, 2008?
A: Yes. The federal government could fine you up to $16,000/day in civil penalties plus any additional costs incurred by your customers that were due to the lack of a proper label.

Q: I'm a biodiesel retailer but I only sell 2-5% biodiesel blends. Do I still need a label on my pump?
A: No, the rule only applies to biodiesel blends of more than 5%.

Q: I sell B8, B10 and B20. Do I need separate labels for each blend?
A: No. Although you can choose to label each blend separately, e.g. "B-20 Biodiesel Blend," you are not required to do so. For blends of more than 5% but not more than 20%, a single label per pump that signifies it as "Biodiesel Blend" with the rest of the required language will suffice.

Q: What if I sell a blend that contains 5% biomass-based diesel and 5% biodiesel, do I need two labels on the pump?
A: No. A fuel blend containing 5% biomass-based diesel and 5% biodiesel does not require any additional labeling because the rule only applies to diesel blends containing more than 5% biodiesel and/or more than 5% biomass-based diesel.

Q: If my blend contains 6% biodiesel and 5% biomass-based diesel, what label should I have?
A: A blend of 6% biodiesel and 5% biomass-based diesel requires a blue label with either "B-6 Biodiesel Blend" or "Biodiesel Blend" in the header and with the text "contains biomass-based diesel or biodiesel in quantities between 5 and 20 percent" below the header. The header of the label does not disclose the presence of biomass-based diesel because it comprises only 5% of the fuel.

Q: If my blend contains 21% biodiesel and 5% biomass-based diesel, what label is required?
A: A blue label with "B-21 Biodiesel Blend" in the header and with the text "contains more than 20 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel" below the header. The header of the label does not disclose the presence of biomass-based diesel because it comprises only 5% of the fuel by volume. Furthermore, because the fuel contains only 5% biomassbased diesel, retailers should not include it for the purposes of determining the specific blend designation.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

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