On September 5, ANP’s Board approved the implementation of a pilot project that will allow the Agency’s inspectors to use a prototype device for in-field verification of fuel quality at gas stations. The main focus will be identifying possible non-conformities related to the biodiesel content in diesel B (currently specified at 15%) and the irregular addition of methanol in hydrated ethanol and gasoline C.

The prototype was developed by Meta Globaltech, which approached ANP to propose a partnership for testing the equipment. The company will provide the product along with technical support and training services at no cost to the Agency. In return, ANP will share test result data with the company, while ensuring the confidentiality of the gas stations where tests are conducted.

Considering the pilot project’s testing nature, ANP will not issue fines or impose closures on gas stations based on field results at this stage. However, fuels flagged as non-compliant will be collected for laboratory analysis, and if irregularities are confirmed, subsequent enforcement action will be taken by the Agency.

Once tested and validated, the equipment will enable inspectors to adopt precautionary measures during field inspections, such as the immediate interdiction of irregular products until the economic agent proves their removal—whether for reprocessing, donation, or destruction. This is not possible when irregularities are only identified later through laboratory testing, as the inspected product may no longer be available at the establishment when inspectors return.

The initiative represents another step in ANP’s modernization efforts, seeking to strengthen inspection activities and combat fuel fraud more effectively.

The pilot project is expected to last 180 days and may be extended for an equal period.

If successful, the equipment may be incorporated into ANP’s inspection operations. This would follow the same path as the spectrophotometer (FTIR model), which, after validation of its methodology by the Agency, is now widely used in field inspections to measure biodiesel content in diesel and detect methanol in fuels.

In the event of future acquisition of the equipment by ANP, a public call for bids will be launched in accordance with Brazil’s Public Procurement Law, ensuring broad participation from other companies with compatible technology.

This pilot project also highlights ANP’s commitment to working collaboratively with the market to test and validate new equipment and technologies, bringing solutions and innovations to the Agency’s activities — such as modernizing fuel supply inspection.