Compliance for the Performance-based Measurement System (PBMS)
EPA developed the Performance-based Measurement System (PBMS) to establish criteria for the qualification of test methods used to measure the chemical and physical properties of motor vehicle fuels regulated by EPA’s motor vehicle fuels program.
Overview of Regulatory Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2016, PBMS is required for refiners, importers and testing laboratories that demonstrate compliance with EPA’s gasoline and diesel fuel motor vehicle fuels programs. The regulatory standards for PBMS – also referred to as the “Performance-based Analytical Test Method Approach” (PBATMA) – can be found in the electronic Code of Federal Regulations:
- 40 CFR Section 80.47 (Performance-based Analytical Test Method Approach.)
- 40 CFR Section 80.584 (What are the precision and accuracy criteria for approval of test methods for determining the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel, NRLM diesel fuel, and ECA marine fuel?)
- 40 CFR Section 80.585 (What is the process for approval of a test method for determining the sulfur content of diesel or ECA marine fuel?)
Compliance Help Tools
Compliance with PBMS is based on the following standards:
- Voluntary consensus-based standards body (VCSB) means a domestic or international organization that plans, develops, establishes, or coordinates voluntary consensus standards using agreed-upon procedures.
- Non-voluntary consensus-based standards body (non-VCSB) means a domestic or international regulated party that has developed a proprietary analytical test method that has not been adopted by a VCSB organization.
The following materials were developed to help organizations comply with regulations.
| Standard Type | Program | Example Spreadsheet and Instructions | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCSB | Diesel | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for aromatics content in diesel fuel | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for aromatics content in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for benzene in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Diesel | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for sulfur in diesel fuel | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for distillation temperatures in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Diesel | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for sulfur in marine ECA fuel | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for olefin content in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for oxygen and oxygenate in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for RVP in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Butane | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for sulfur in butane | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| VCSB | Gasoline | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for sulfur in gasoline | Retain all materials for proper recordkeeping and in preparation for any potential EPA audits. |
| Non-VCSB | All | Test method spreadsheet and instructions for Non-VCSB submissions (requires EPA approval) |
Use this spreadsheet and instructions if a proprietary testing method is used and then submit to EPA for approval. |