Pump Labeling

As part of the Energy Independence Security Act, the Federal Trade Commission was required to publish biodiesel pump labeling requirements. Pumps are required to be labeled to inform consumers about the percentage biodiesel being offered for sale. The rules also cover renewable diesel (also called biomass-based diesel. Pumps selling up to B5 blends require no separate labeling. Figure 5 shows the label for blends between B6 and B20. Although the label indicates the blend is “B-20,” the regulations allow this label to be used for any blend inclusively between B6 and B20. Blends higher than B20 are required to be labeled with the exact blend percentage; for example, a B30 blend will have a pump label stating the blend is B30.

It should be noted that these federal requirements are the minimum necessary at pumps to inform consumers about the blends they are purchasing. Individual states may have requirements that exceed the federal requirements.