The Petroleum Refining Regulation in Brazil and the ISO 14000 Standard: Can the Volunteer Become Compulsory?

Firstly, the main regulatory characteristics of the Brazilian petroleum and natural gas industry are presented, with emphasis in the oil refining segment. Secondly, it is stood out the binomial “technical standards” versus “regulation acts.” It is worth to point out that the last ones are compulsory and they can be written considering technical standards as a basis. Finally, it is outlined the Brazilian Petroleum National Agency strategy for elaboration of refinery regulations, focusing on the adopted prescriptions for environment damage prevention and protection.