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Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979

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Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 24 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

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Changes and effects yet to be applied to :

  • s. 6(1) amended by 1998 c. 36 s. 6(1)(a)(3)
  • s. 6(1) repealed in part by 1998 c. 36 s. 6(1)(b)s. 6(3) 165 Sch. 27 Pt. 1(2) Note
  • s. 6(2) replaced (by s.006(2) (2AA)(2AB)) by 1998 c. 36 s. 6(2)(3)
  • s. 6AB(1) words repealed by 2002 c. 23 Sch. 40 Pt. 1
  • s. 11(6) inserted by 2002 c. 23 Sch. 2 para. 3
  • s. 13(1)(a) words substituted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(a) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(b).)
  • s. 13(1)(b) words substituted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(b)(ii) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(b)(ii) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(c).)
  • s. 13(1A) words inserted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(3)(a)(ii) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(3)(a)(ii) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(d).)
  • s. 13(3)(a) words inserted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(5)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(5)(a) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(f).)
  • s. 13(3)(b) words substituted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(5)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(5)(b) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(f).)
  • s. 13(4) words inserted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(6) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(6) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(g).)
  • s. 13(6)(a) words substituted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(7)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(7)(a) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(h).)
  • s. 14E omitted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 14 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 14 was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(i).)
  • s. 14F omitted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 15 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 15 was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(j).)
  • s. 24(3A) omitted by 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 6 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 11 para. 6 was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(k).)

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

  • s. 6AB(6)-(8) substituted for s. 6AB(6) by 2002 c. 23 Sch. 2 para. 7(2)
  • s. 12(2ZA) inserted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 5(1)(c) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 5(1)(c) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(a).)
  • s. 13(2)(a) words in s. 13(2) renumbered as s. 13(2)(a) by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(4)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(4)(a) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(e).)
  • s. 13(2)(b) and words words substituted by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 6(4)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 21 para. 6(4)(b) was repealed on 24.2.2022 by virtue of 2022 c. 3 Sch. 11 para. 10(e).)
  • s. 14B(1)(ia) omitted by virtue of 2021 c. 26, Sch. 21 para. 11(3)(aa) (as inserted) (cond.) by 2021 c. 26 Sch. 21 para. 11(3)(aa)para. 11(5)(b)

SCHEDULES

F1SCHEDULE 1U.K. EXCEPTED VEHICLES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Section 27(1)

[F2SCHEDULE 1AU.K.Excepted machines

Textual Amendments

1U.K.Any vehicle, vessel, machine or appliance of one of the following descriptions is an “excepted machine” for the purposes of this Act.

Agricultural vehicleU.K.

2(1)An agricultural vehicle at a time when it is used for—U.K.

(a)purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture or forestry,

(b)cutting verges bordering public roads,

(c)cutting hedges or trees bordering public roads or bordering verges which border public roads, or

(d)clearing or otherwise dealing with frost, ice, snow or flooding,

including when it is going to or from the place where it is to be or has been used for any of those purposes.

[F3(2)An agricultural vehicle that is primarily kept for use within sub-paragraph (1) at a time when it is used for any other purpose on private land where it is ordinarily kept.]

(3)An agricultural vehicle kept and used on a golf course or on land maintained by a community amateur sports club.

(4)An agricultural vehicle used in any other circumstances provided—

(a)it is not being used on a public road, and

(b)it uses fuel gas for fuel.

(5)In this paragraph, “an agricultural vehicle” means—

(a)a tractor;

(b)a vehicle designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads which—

(i)has a revenue weight not exceeding 1,000 kilograms, and

(ii)is designed and constructed to seat only the driver;

(c)any vehicle that is an exempt vehicle for the purposes of paragraph 20A of Schedule 2 to [F4the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (vehicles used between different parts of land)];

[F5(d)any other vehicle that is used for the conveyance of machinery that is built into or permanently attached to the vehicle, provided that the machinery is used in the processing or handling of agricultural, horticultural, piscicultural or forestry produce or materials.]

Special vehiclesU.K.

3(1)A special vehicle at a time when it is used—U.K.

(a)for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture or forestry, including when it is going to or from the place where it is to be or has been used for such purposes, F6...

(b)on a golf course or on land maintained by a community amateur sports club [F7, or

(c)to go to, or from, a golf course or land maintained by a community amateur sports club to be used, or after being used, on the golf course or land.]

(2)A special vehicle used in any other circumstances provided it uses fuel gas for fuel.

(3)In this paragraph, a “special vehicle” is a vehicle of any weight but otherwise designed, constructed and used as mentioned in Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.

Unlicensed vehiclesU.K.

4(1)An unlicensed vehicle at a time when it is used—U.K.

(a)for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture or forestry,

(b)on a golf course or on land maintained by a community amateur sports club, or

(c)on land occupied by a travelling fair or travelling circus.

(2)An unlicensed vehicle used in any other circumstances provided it uses fuel gas for fuel.

(3)In this paragraph, “unlicensed vehicle” means a vehicle that is—

(a)unlicensed for the purposes of section 22(1D) of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994,

(b)kept by a person who has complied with such requirements relating to the vehicle as are prescribed for the time being in regulations under that section, and

(c)not used or kept on a public road.

Trains etcU.K.

5U.K.Any vehicle designed to be operated on a railway within the meaning of section 67(1) of the Transport and Works Act 1992.

Vessels [F8etc] U.K.

Textual Amendments

6(1)Any vessel other than a vessel F9... that is a private pleasure craft.U.K.

(2)Any machine or appliance that is permanently on a vessel within sub-paragraph (1).

(3)Any machine or appliance that is permanently on a private pleasure craft F10..., but that draws fuel from a supply other than the supply from which the engine provided for propelling the private pleasure craft draws fuel.

[F11(4)A tractor or gear owned by a charity and used by it for the purpose of launching or hauling in a lifeboat owned by it.]

Mowing machinesU.K.

7U.K.A machine designed only for mowing grass at a time when it is used on—

(a)land maintained for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture or forestry;

(b)a golf course or on land maintained by a community amateur sports club;

(c)land occupied by a travelling fair or travelling circus.

Other machines or appliancesU.K.

8(1)A machine or appliance that is not a vehicle or vessel at a time when it is used—U.K.

(a)for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture [F12, arboriculture] or forestry;

[F13(aa)for any purpose on land where it is kept and used for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture or forestry;]

(b)on a golf course or on land maintained by a community amateur sports club;

(c)to operate or maintain equipment in a travelling fair or travelling circus;

(d)[F14primarily] for heating, or to generate electricity, for premises that are not used for commercial purposes;

[F15(e)for heating [F16for any premises] provided that it uses kerosene for fuel.]

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(d), caravans used for the accommodation of those who travel with a travelling fair or travelling circus are to be treated as premises that are not used for commercial purposes.

[F17(3)The Commissioners may publish a notice making provision for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(d) about the meaning of—

(a)“primarily”, and

(b)“used for commercial purposes”.]

InterpretationU.K.

9(1)In this Schedule—U.K.

  • caravan” has the meaning given by section 29(1) of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960;

  • community amateur sports club” has the meaning given by section 658 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010;

  • fair” means a fair consisting wholly or principally of the provision of amusements;

  • fuel gas” means any substance which would be road fuel gas within the meaning given by section 5(1) if it were for use as fuel in a road vehicle;

  • golf course” includes driving range (whether or not on the site of a golf course).

(2)In this Schedule, references to a vehicle being used—

(a)on a golf course, or

(b)on land maintained by a community amateur sports club,

include references, when two parts of the golf course or land are on either side of a road, to the vehicle going between the two parts by the shortest practicable route.

(3)In this Schedule, a fair or circus is a travelling fair or circus if—

(a)it is provided or operated wholly or principally by persons who travel from place to place for the purpose of providing or operating fairs or circuses, F18...

[F19(b)it is fully dismantled at least once a year, and]

[F20(c)the persons who provide or operate it are able to demonstrate that, when the fair or circus is dismantled, it is capable of being transported to another location.]]

Section 17(7).

SCHEDULE 2U.K. MEANING OF “HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE” FOR PURPOSES OF RELIEF UNDER SECTION 17

In section 17 of this Act “horticultural produce” means—

(a)fruit;

(b)vegetables of a kind grown for human consumption, including fungi, but not including maincrop potatoes or peas grown for seed, for harvesting dry or for vining;

(c)flowers, pot plants and decorative foliage;

(d)herbs;

(e)seeds other than pea seeds, and bulbs and other material, being seeds, bulbs or material for sowing or planting for the production of—

(i)fruit,

(ii)vegetables falling within paragraph (b) above,

(iii)flowers, plants or foliage falling within paragraph (c) above, or

(iv)herbs,

or for reproduction of the seeds, bulbs or other material planted; or

(f)trees and shrubs, other than trees grown for the purpose of afforestation;

but does not include hops.

F21 SCHEDULE 2AU.K. Mixing of rebated oil

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21Sch. 2A repealed (with effect in accordance with s. 9(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 9(3), Sch. 42 Pt. 1(1)

Section 21(1).

SCHEDULE 3U.K. SUBJECTS FOR REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 21

Part IU.K. hydrocarbon oil

1U.K.Prohibiting the production of hydrocarbon oil or any description of hydrocarbon oil except by a person holding a licence.

2U.K.[F22Specifying the circumstances in which any such licence may be surrendered or revoked]

Textual Amendments

3U.K.Regulating the production, storage and warehousing of hydrocarbon oil or any description of hydrocarbon oil and the removal of any such oil to or from premises used for the production of any such oil.

4U.K.Prohibiting the refining of hydrocarbon oil elsewhere than in a refinery.

5U.K.Prohibiting the incorporation of gas in hydrocarbon oil elsewhere than in a refinery.

6U.K.Regulating the use and storage of hydrocarbon oil in a refinery.

7U.K.Regulating or prohibiting the removal to a refinery of hydrocarbon oil in respect of which any rebate has been allowed.

8U.K.Regulating the removal of imported hydrocarbon oil to a refinery without payment of the excise duty on such oil.

9U.K.Making provision for securing payment of the excise duty on any imported hydrocarbon oil received into a refinery.

10U.K.Relieving from the excise duty chargeable on hydrocarbon oil produced in the United Kingdom any such oil intended for exportation or shipment as stores.

F2310A U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23Sch. 3 para. 10A omitted (1.11.2008) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 6 paras. 7, 21

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

10B F24U.K.Conferring power to require information relating to the supply or use of aviation gasoline to be given by producers, dealers and users.

Textual Amendments

F24Sch. 3 Pt. I paras. 10A-C inserted by Finance Act 1992 (c. 39), s. 4(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

10C F25U.K.Requiring producers and users of and dealers in aviation gasoline to keep and produce records relating to aviation gasoline.

Textual Amendments

F25Sch. 3 Pt. I paras. 10A-C inserted by Finance Act 1992 (c. 39), s. 4(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

11U.K.Generally for securing and collecting the excise duty chargeable on hydrocarbon oil . . . F26.

F27Part IIU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Sch. 3 Pt. II repealed (1.12.1995) by 1993 c. 34, ss. 11(5), 213, Sch. 23 Pt.I; S.I. 1995/2715, art. 2

Part IIIU.K. road fuel gas

17U.K.Prohibiting the production of gas, and dealing in gas on which the excise duty has not been paid, except by persons holding a licence.

18U.K.[F29Specifying the circumstances in which any such licence may be surrendered or revoked].

Textual Amendments

19U.K.Regulating the production, dealing in, storage and warehousing of gas and the removal of gas to and from premises used therefor.

20U.K.Requiring containers for gas to be marked in the manner prescribed by the regulations.

21U.K.Conferring power to require information relating to the supply or use of gas and containers for gas to be given by producers of and dealers in gas, and by the person owning or possessing or for the time being in charge of any road vehicle which is constructed or adapted to use gas as fuel.

22U.K.Requiring a person owning or possessing a road vehicle which is constructed or adapted to use gas as fuel to keep such accounts and records in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations, and to preserve such books and documents relating to the supply of gas to or by him, or the use of gas by him, for such period as may be so prescribed.

23U.K.Requiring the production of books or documents relating to the supply or use of gas or the use of any road vehicle.

24U.K.Authorising the entry and inspection of premises (other than private dwelling-houses) and the examination of road vehicles, and authorising, or requiring the giving of facilities for, the inspection of gas found on any premises entered or on or in any road vehicle.

25U.K.Generally for securing and collecting the excise duty.

In this Part of this Schedule “the excise duty” means the excise duty chargeable under section 8 of this Act on gas, and “gas” means road fuel gas.

Section 24(1).

SCHEDULE 4U.K. SUBJECTS FOR REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 24

As to grant of relief . . . F30U.K.

Textual Amendments

F30Words repealed by Finance Act 1981 (c. 35, SIF 40:1), s. 139(6), Sch. 19 Pt. III Note 4 (by Note 4 it is provided that the repeal has effect in relation to oil used on or after 1.1.1982)

1U.K.Regulating the approval of persons for purposes of section 9(1) or (4) or 14(1) of this Act, whether individually or by reference to a class, and whether in relation to particular descriptions of oil or generally; enabling approval to be granted subject to conditions and providing for the conditions to be varied, or the approval revoked, for reasonable cause.

2U.K.Enabling permission under section 9(1) of this Act to be granted subject to conditions as to the giving of security and otherwise.

[F313U.K.Requiring claims or applications for repayment under section 9(4), 17, F32... F33... 19 or 19A of this Act to be made at such times and in respect of such periods as are prescribed; providing that no such claim or application shall lie where the amount to be paid is less than the prescribed minimum; and preventing, where a claim or application can be made under section 9(4) or 19, the payment of drawback.]

Textual Amendments

F31Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 3 substituted by Finance Act 1981 (c.35, SIF 40:1), s. 6(1)(3)

F32Word in Sch. 4 para. 3 omitted (retrospective to 1.4.2008) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 5 paras. 23(a), 26(b)

F33Words in Sch. 4 para. 3 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 8, ss. 8(2), 205, Sch. 41 Pt. I; S.I. 1996/2536, art. 2

As to mixing of oilU.K.

4U.K.Imposing restrictions on the mixing with other oil of any rebated oil or oil delivered without payment of duty.

As to marking of oilU.K.

5U.K.Requiring as a condition of allowing rebate on, or delivery without payment of duty of, any oil (subject to any exceptions provided by or under the regulations) that there shall have been added to that oil, at such times, in such manner and in such proportions as may be prescribed, one or more prescribed markers, with or without a prescribed colouring substance (not being a prescribed marker), and that a declaration to that effect is furnished.

6U.K.Prescribing the substances which are to be used as markers.

7U.K.Providing that the presence of a marker shall be disregarded if the proportion in which it is present is less than that prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

8U.K.Prohibiting the addition to any oil of any prescribed marker or prescribed colouring substance except in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

9U.K.Prohibiting the removal from any oil of any prescribed marker or prescribed colouring substance.

10U.K.Prohibiting the addition to oil of any substance, not being a prescribed marker, which is calculated to impede the identification of a prescribed marker.

11U.K.Regulating the storage or movement of prescribed markers.

12U.K.Requiring any person who adds a prescribed marker to any oil to keep in such manner and to preserve for such period as may be prescribed such accounts and records in connection with his use of that marker as may be prescribed, and requiring the production of the accounts and records.

13U.K.Requiring, in such circumstances or subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, that any drum, storage tank, delivery pump or other container or outlet which contains any oil in which a prescribed marker is present shall be marked in the prescribed manner to indicate that the oil is not to be used as road fuel or for any other prohibited purpose.

14U.K.Requiring any person who supplies oil in which a prescribed marker is present to deliver to the recipient a document containing a statement in the prescribed form to the effect that the oil is not to be used as road fuel or for any other prohibited purpose.

15U.K.Prohibiting the sale of any oil the colour of which would prevent any prescribed colouring substance from being readily visible if present in the oil.

16U.K.Prohibiting the importation of oil in which any prescribed marker, or any other substance which is calculated to impede the identification of a prescribed marker, is present.

As to control of storage, supply etc. of oil, entry of premises etc.U.K.

17U.K.Regulating the storage or movement of oil.

18U.K.Restricting the supplying of oil in respect of which rebate has been allowed and not repaid or on which excise duty has not been paid.

[F3418AU.K.Prohibiting the use of aviation gasoline otherwise than as a fuel for aircraft.]

F3518BU.K.Prohibiting the taking of aviation gasoline into fuel tanks for engines other than aircraft engines.

19U.K.Requiring a person owning or possessing a [F36vehicle, vessel, machine or appliance] which is constructed or adapted to use heavy oil as fuel to keep such accounts and records in such manner as may be prescribed, and to preserve such books and documents relating to the supply of heavy oil to or by him, or the use of heavy oil by him, for such period as may be prescribed.

Textual Amendments

20U.K.Requiring the production of books or documents relating to the supply or use of oil or the use of any vehicle [F37, vessel, machine or appliance].

Textual Amendments

21[F38(1)]Authorising the entry and inspection of premises [F39(including places of any description, and in particular tents or movable structures, other] than private dwelling-houses) and the examination of vehicles [F40, vessels, machines or appliances ], and authorising, or requiring the giving of facilities for, the inspection of oil found on any premises entered or on or in any vehicle [F41, vessel, machine or appliance ] and the taking of samples of any oil inspected.U.K.

[F42(2)In this paragraph “premises” includes any floating structure.

(3)Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) enables regulations to be made authorising the examination of the interior of part of a vessel if that part is used as a dwelling.]

Textual Amendments

F38Sch. 4 para. 21 renumbered as Sch. 4 para. 21(1) (29.6.2021 for N.I. for specified purposes, 1.10.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 13(4)(a), 18; S.I. 2021/740, regs. 2, 3 (with reg. 1(2))

F42Sch. 4 para. 21(2)(3) inserted (29.6.2021 for N.I. for specified purposes, 1.10.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 13(4)(c), 18; S.I. 2021/740, regs. 2, 3 (with reg. 1(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

InterpretationU.K.

22U.K.In this Schedule—

  • oil” means hydrocarbon oil;

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under section 24 of this Act;

F43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F43Words in Sch. 4 para. 22 omitted (retrospective to 1.4.2008) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 5 paras. 23(b), 26(b)

Section 24(5).

SCHEDULE 5U.K. SAMPLING

1U.K.The person taking a sample—

(a)if he takes it from a [F44motor vehicle] [F44vehicle or a vessel], shall if practicable do so in the presence of a person appearing to him to be the owner or person for the time being in charge of the vehicle [F45or the vessel];

(b)if he takes the sample on any premises but not from a [F46motor vehicle] [F46vehicle or a vessel], shall if practicable take it in the presence of a person appearing to him to be the occupier of the premises or for the time being in charge of the part of the premises from which it is taken.

Textual Amendments

F44Words in Sch. 5 para. 1(a) substituted (1.10.2021 for N.I.) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 14(2)(a)(i), 18; S.I. 2021/740, reg. 3 (with reg. 1(2))

F45Words in Sch. 5 para. 1(a) inserted (1.10.2021 for N.I.) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 14(2)(a)(ii), 18; S.I. 2021/740, reg. 3 (with reg. 1(2))

F46Words in Sch. 5 para. 1(b) substituted (1.10.2021 for N.I.) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 14(2)(b), 18; S.I. 2021/740, reg. 3 (with reg. 1(2))

2(1)The result of an analysis of a sample shall not be admissible—U.K.

(a)in criminal proceedings under the Customs and Excise Acts 1979; or

(b)on behalf of the Commissioners in any civil proceedings under those Acts,

unless the analysis was made by an authorised analyst and the requirements of paragraph 1 above (where applicable) and of the following provisions of this paragraph have been complied with.

(2)The person taking a sample must at the time have divided it into three parts (including the part to be analysed), marked and sealed or fastened up each part, and—

(a)delivered one part to the person in whose presence the sample was taken in accordance with paragraph 1 above, if he requires it; and

(b)retained one part for future comparison.

(3)Where it was not practicable to comply with the relevant requirements of paragraph 1 above, the person taking the sample must have served notice on the owner or person in charge of the vehicle [F47or the vessel] or, as the case may be, the occupier of the premises informing him that the sample has been taken and that one part of it is available for delivery to him, if he requires it, at such time and place as may be specified in the notice.

Textual Amendments

F47Words in Sch. 5 para. 2(3) inserted (1.10.2021 for N.I.) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 14(3), 18; S.I. 2021/740, reg. 3 (with reg. 1(2))

3(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, in any such proceedings as are mentioned in paragraph 2(1) above a certificate purporting to be signed by an authorised analyst and certifying the presence of any substance in any such sample F48... as may be specified in the certificate shall be evidence, and in Scotland sufficient evidence, of the facts stated in it.U.K.

(2)Without prejudice to the admissibility of the evidence of the analyst (which shall be sufficient in Scotland as well as in England), such a certificate shall not be admissible as evidence—

(a)unless a copy of it has, not less than 7 days before the hearing, been served by the prosecutor or, in the case of civil proceedings, the Commissioners on all other parties to the proceedings; or

(b)if any of those other parties, not less than 3 days before the hearing or within such further time as the court may in special circumstances allow, serves notice on the prosecutor or, as the case may be, the Commissioners requiring the attendance at the hearing of the person by whom the analysis was made.

Textual Amendments

F48Words in Sch. 5 para. 3(1) omitted (retrospective to 1.4.2008) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 5 paras. 24, 26(b)

4(1)Any notice required or authorised to be given under this Schedule shall be in writing.U.K.

(2)Any such notice shall be deemed, unless the contrary is shown, to have been received by a person if it is shown to have been left for him at his last-known residence or place of business in the United Kingdom.

(3)Any such notice may be given by post, and the letter containing the notice may be sent to the last-known residence or place of business in the United Kingdom of the person to whom it is directed.

(4)Any such notice given to the secretary or clerk of a company or body of persons (incorporated or unincorporated) on behalf of the company or body shall be deemed to have been given to the company or body; and for the purpose of the foregoing provisions of this paragraph any such company or body of persons having an office in the United Kingdom shall be treated as resident at that office or, if it has more then one, at the registered or principal office.

(5)Where any such notice is to be given to any person as the occupier of any land, and it is not practicable after reasonable inquiry to ascertain—

(a)what is the name of any person being the occupier of the land; or

(b)whether or not there is a person being the occupier of the land,

the notice may be addressed to the person concerned by any sufficient description of the capacity in which it is given to him.

(6)In any case to which sub-paragraph (5) above applies, and in any other case where it is not practicable after reasonable inquiry to ascertain an address in the United Kingdom for the service of a notice to be given to a person as being the occupier of any land, the notice shall be deemed to have been received by the person concerned on being left for him on the land, either in the hands of a responsible person or conspicuously affixed to some building or object on the land.

[F49(6A)In sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) “land” includes any floating structure.]

(7)Sub-paragraphs (2) to (6) above shall not affect the validity of any notice duly given otherwise than in accordance with those sub-paragraphs.

Textual Amendments

F49Sch. 5 para. 4(6A) inserted (1.10.2021 for N.I.) by Finance Act 2020 (c. 14), Sch. 11 paras. 14(4), 18; S.I. 2021/740, reg. 3 (with reg. 1(2))

5U.K.In this Schedule “authorised analyst” means—

(a)the Government Chemist or a person acting under his direction;

(b)the Government Chemist for Northern Ireland or a person acting under his direction;

(c)any chemist authorised by the Treasury to make analyses for the purposes of this Schedule; or

(d)any other person appointed as a public analyst or deputy public analyst under—

  • [F50section 27 of the Food Safety Act 1990], or

  • [F51Article 27(1) of the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991].

Textual Amendments

F51Words in Sch. 5 para. 5(d) substituted (N.I.) (21. 5.1991) by S.I. 1991/762, art. 51(1), Sch. 2 para.13; S.R. 1991/175, art. 2(1).

5N.I.In this Schedule “authorised analyst” means—

(a)the Government Chemist or a person acting under his direction;

(b)the Government Chemist for Northern Ireland or a person acting under his direction;

(c)any chemist authorised by the Treasury to make analyses for the purposes of this Schedule; or

(d)any other person appointed as a public analyst or deputy public analyst under—

  • [F57section 27 of the Food Safety Act 1990], or

  • [F58Article 27(1) of the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991].

Textual Amendments

F58Words in Sch. 5 para. 5(d) substituted (N.I.) (21.5.1991) by S.I. 1991/762, art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para.13; S.R. 1991/175, art. 2(1)

6U.K.References in this Schedule to the taking of a sample or to a sample shall be construed respectively as references to the taking of a sample in pursuance of regulations under section [F5220AA or] 24 of this Act and to a sample so taken.

Textual Amendments

7U.K.This Schedule shall have effect in its application to a vehicle [F53, vessel, machine or appliance] of which a person other than the owner is, or is for the time being, entitled to possession as if for references to the owner there were substituted references to the person entitled to possession.

Textual Amendments

Section 28(1).

SCHEDULE 6U.K. CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS

Finance Act 1965 and Finance Act (Northern Ireland) Act 1965U.K.

1U.K.In section 92(2) of the M1Finance Act 1965 and section 14(2) of the M2Finance Act (Northern Ireland) Act 1966 (grants towards duty on bus fuel) for the words “hydrocarbon oil” there shall be substituted the words “ heavy oil ”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28The text of s. 28(1)(2)(5), Sch. 6 paras. 1, 2 and 6, and Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

Transport Act 1968U.K.

F542U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

3, 4, 5.U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F55

Excise Duties (Gas as Road Fuel) Order 1972U.K.

6U.K.In Article 3 of the M3Excise Duties (Gas as Road Fuel) Order 1972 for the words “hydrocarbon oil” there shall be substituted the words “ light oil ”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29The text of s. 28(1)(2)(5), Sch. 6 paras. 1, 2 and 6, and Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

7U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F56

Section 28(2)

SCHEDULE 7U.K. REPEALS

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30The text of s. 28(1)(2)(5), Sch. 6 paras. 1, 2 and 6, and Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

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