Product overview
EN 590 describes automotive diesel for compression-ignition engines. Its defining limits cover sulphur content, cetane number, density, flash point and cold-flow behaviour. The 10 ppm sulphur variant, often written EN590 10ppm, is the ultra-low-sulphur diesel required for modern engines fitted with exhaust after-treatment systems.
Diesel to this standard is produced by refineries through distillation and hydrotreating, which removes sulphur to the required level. Several cold-flow grades exist so the fuel performs in different climates; the operability class is agreed per shipment according to destination and season.
Typical specifications
| Standard | EN 590 (automotive diesel) |
|---|---|
| Sulphur content | 10 mg/kg max (ULSD) |
| Cetane number | 51 min |
| Density at 15 °C | 820–845 kg/m³ |
| Flash point | above 55 °C |
| Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) | grade and season dependent |
| Water content | 200 mg/kg max |
| Total contamination | 24 mg/kg max |
Indicative typical values shown for orientation only. Exact quality is cargo-dependent and the final contractual specification, as confirmed in the sales agreement and verified by independent inspection, prevails.
Commercial relevance and typical uses
EN590 10ppm is the principal road-transport diesel across Europe and in markets aligned to the Euro specification. It fuels trucks, buses, passenger cars and off-road equipment, and is also used in generators and some industrial applications where a clean distillate is required.
Because it is a widely traded, standardised grade, EN590 moves in large volumes through regional distribution networks. Demand is sensitive to season, with cold-flow properties becoming the key differentiator in winter.
Quality and independent inspection
Before a cargo loads, an independent inspection company draws representative samples and tests them against the agreed EN 590 limits, issuing a certificate of quality. The same inspector gauges shore tanks or vessel compartments to establish the loaded quantity. 3FB coordinates this appointment; firms such as SGS and Intertek are examples of inspectors commonly used in the trade rather than partners of the company.
Retention samples are typically sealed and held so quality can be re-examined if a question arises later. See how independent inspection works.
Shipping and logistics
EN590 is carried in clean petroleum product (CPP) tankers and, over shorter distances, by coaster, barge, rail or road. 3FB trades on FOB terms, where the buyer arranges carriage from the load port, and on CIF terms, where 3FB arranges and pays for freight and insurance to the discharge port. The distinction is set out in our note on FOB versus CIF.
A delivery window is fixed as a laycan. Clean-product cargoes require tanks with compatible prior-cargo history to protect specification, which is considered when nominating a vessel. See shipping and logistics.
Trade documentation
A shipment is supported by the bill of lading (evidence of loading and title), the certificate of origin, the certificate of quality and the certificate of quantity from the independent inspector, and the commercial invoice. Payment is commonly made under a documentary letter of credit against presentation of these documents.
Our references explain the bill of lading and how letters of credit work in oil trading.
Buyer inquiry process
To request an indication, provide the required EN 590 grade and cold-flow class, the volume, the delivery terms (FOB or CIF with the port), the target laycan and the intended payment instrument. The desk reviews feasibility and responds with an indicative offer, subject to confirmation.
All counterparties complete KYC and compliance review before a transaction proceeds to a definitive written agreement. Begin at the trading desk.