Government proposal to supplement EU alternative fuels distribution regulation circulated for comments

The Ministry of Transport and Communications is inviting comments on the government proposal for a new act on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure for transport. The deadline for submitting comments is 10 April 2024.

 The draft government proposal is based on the EU Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), which requires additional national regulation. The reform of the legislation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package adopted by the European Commission on 14 July 2021.
 
The purpose of AFIR is to ensure the availability and interoperability of alternative fuels infrastructure within the EU, as well as to ensure that users have access to comprehensive information and user-friendly payment options.

Aimed at ensuring effective implementation of AFIR  

The draft government proposal is aimed at ensuring the effective national implementation of AFIR and bringing the national legal situation into line with EU legislation. 
 
The draft proposal proposes a new act on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure for transport. The new act would provide for a national authority supervising the requirements of AFIR and possible administrative sanctions.
 
The supervision and possible sanctions would apply to the availability of recharging or refuelling on an ad hoc basis, payment methods, pricing and price display, technical features of the infrastructure and certain information to be presented to users. According to the draft proposal, compliance with the obligations under AFIR would be supervised by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency.  
 
AFIR repeals the current Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, which has been nationally implemented by the Act on the Distribution of Alternative Fuels for Transport. Consequently, the draft proposal seeks to repeal the act in question.
 
In addition, the references to outdated legislation in the Act on Environmental and Energy Efficiency Requirements for Vehicle and Transport Service Procurements and the Act on Equipping Buildings with Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Charging Point Capabilities and Automation and Control Systems would be updated with references to AFIR.  
 
As an EU regulation, AFIR is directly applicable legislation in all Member States. AFIR will apply as of 13 April 2024. 

Next steps 

Comments on the government proposal can be submitted until 10 April 2024. All organisations and private individuals may submit comments at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. 
 
After the consultation process, the preparations will continue by public officials as part of their regular duties.
 
AFIR will apply as of 13 April 2024.

Inquiries

Laura Rantanen, Senior Specialist, laura.rantanen(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 175
 
Emmi Simonen, Senior Specialist, emmi.simonen(at)gov.fi, tel. + 358 295 342 108