Other licences

The keeping of petrol must be in accordance with the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014.

Workplace premises

Petroleum Storage certificates are issued for the workplace premises where the petrol is stored and dispensed, with no reference to a person or company.  The certificates do not have an expiry date and remain in force until either prescribed material changes take place or the site ceases to operate for more than 12 months.

The keeper of the fuel must pay an annual fee set by the Health and Safety Fees Regulations.  The fee is calculated according to the maximum litreage of petrol stored at the the site.  The keeper can choose to pay for up to 10 years in advance.

The regulations stipulate that:

• no one under the age of 16 can operate a dispenser on a dispensing premises; and
• the keeper of the petrol cannot supply or allow the supply of petrol to a person under the age of 16 years.

Conditions are not attached to the Petroleum Storage certificate but the site operator is required to comply with the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and any other relevant Health and Safety legislation.

Petroleum Enforcement Authorities (Health and Safety Executive)

The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (legislation.gov.uk) 

Petroleum Storage Certificate

From 1 October 2014 the petrol licensing regime was replaced with a petrol certification scheme. If you are the owner of dispensing premises where petrol is kept you need to hold a Petroleum Storage Certificate (known as a 'Storage Certificate') to comply with the regulations, see the HSE Petroleum Guidance.

Licences that were in place on 1 October 2014 on existing sites remain valid until their expiry date. We will send out renewal applications to all existing sites 1 month prior to the expiry of the current licence.

Certificates don't have an expiry date and remain in force until either, major changes take place, or the site ceases to operate for more than 12 months. A yearly fee is applicable in the chart below.

How do I get a Petroleum Storage Certificate?

The Storage Certificate for your dispensing premises is issued by your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

Apply for a Petroleum Storage Certificate

Complete and return, with fees, a Petroleum Storage application form.

Application form

Guidance notes

Licence Fees

What happens next?

Once we’ve received your application and fee we’ll arrange to carry out an inspection on your proposed premises to make sure they meet the required standards. Your premises will also be subject to routine inspections throughout the term of your Petroleum Certificate.

We will then process your Petroleum Storage Certificate and send it to you.

Petroleum storage conditions

The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2000 control the storage and dispensing of petroleum-spirit.

Petroleum Keepers must meet the conditions attached to their Petroleum Storage Certificate which aims to ensure safety at all sites where petroleum spirit is delivered, stored and dispensed.

Conditions

Domestic and Non-workplace storage

Up to 30 litres

An individual can store up to 30 litres of petrol at home or at non-workplace premises without informing your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

You can store it in:

• suitable portable metal or plastic containers
• one demountable fuel tank
• a combination of the above, as long as no more than 30 litres is kept

The Health and Safety Executive provides more information on Petroleum storage.

Between 30 and 275 litres

An individual can store more than 30 litres, but not more than 275 litres, provided that the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA) has been notified. This can be done by completing and returning a Notification of Storage form.

Storage notification form