Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Detergent Gasoline (40 CFR Part 80, Subpart G) (Reinstatement)

Gasoline combustion results in the formation of engine deposits. The accumulation of deposits, particularly in the orifices of fuel injectors and on intake valves, typically results in increased emissions and reduced engine performance. As fuel injectors replaced carburetors in the 1980's, a number of vehicle manufacturers experienced problems with deposit formation. Detergent additives, which had been available for years to control deposits in carbureted vehicles, were improved to accommodate the new technology. However, their use was voluntary and there were no regulatory standards by which to gauge their effectiveness. Congress recognized the importance of effective detergent additives in minimizing vehicle emissions, and added Section 211(1) in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. It required gasoline to contain detergent additives, effective January 1, 1995, and provided the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to establish specifications for such additives. The regulations at 40 CFR 80 - Subpart G implemented certification requirements for detergents and imposed a variety of recordkeeping and reporting requirements for certain parties involved with detergents, gasoline, or post-refinery component (any gasoline blending stock or any oxygenate that is blended with gasoline subsequent to the gasoline refining process (PRC)). All gasolines must contain certified detergents, with the exception of research, racing, and aviation gasolines.

The latest form for Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Detergent Gasoline (40 CFR Part 80, Subpart G) (Reinstatement) expires 2021-07-31 and can be found here.

Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Detergent Gasoline (Detergent Manufacturer Submissions for Certification)

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Environmental Management - Pollution Prevention and Control