EN590 is the European standard specification for automotive diesel fuel (road diesel), published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It is the most-traded petroleum product in European markets and one of the most frequently referenced commodities in international fuel trading.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | EN590 10ppm | EN590 50ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur content (max) | 10 mg/kg (10ppm) | 50 mg/kg (50ppm) |
| Cetane number (min) | 51 | 51 |
| Density at 15°C | 820–845 kg/m³ | 820–845 kg/m³ |
| Flash point (min) | 55°C | 55°C |
| Viscosity at 40°C | 2.0–4.5 mm²/s | 2.0–4.5 mm²/s |
| FAME content (max) | 7.0% v/v (B7) | 7.0% v/v (B7) |
| Standard reference | EN 590:2013+A1:2017 | EN 590:2013+A1:2017 |
How EN590 is Priced
EN590 prices are quoted in two ways in international trade:
- Absolute price: USD per metric tonne ($/MT) or USD per barrel ($/bbl), valid for a specific delivery window and location
- Differential to benchmark: Expressed as ±$/MT to the Platts CIF NWE Cargoes ULSD 10ppm assessment
The Platts benchmark reflects the North West European (NWE) cargo market. Rotterdam is the primary pricing hub, with Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region pricing serving as the reference for continental European supply.
EN590 Trade Fraud — What to Watch For
- Insist on SGS/Intertek inspection at the seller's tank storage — not at point of delivery
- Verify the tank storage terminal directly (Vopak, Koole, Evos have public contact directories)
- A legitimate seller provides a Certificate of Product (CoP) and tank storage agreement before any payment
- Be wary of intermediary chains with 3+ brokers — each step reduces verification certainty
EN590 Standard Trade Flow
- Buyer issues ICPO specifying EN590 10ppm, volume, price basis, delivery terms
- Seller responds with FCO (Full Corporate Offer) or RWA letter
- Parties execute SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement)
- Buyer issues SBLC or DLC via MT760/MT700
- SGS inspection at loading terminal confirms quality and quantity
- Product loaded, Bill of Lading issued, title transfers
- Payment released on presentation of shipping documents
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is EN590?
EN590 is the European standard (EN 590:2013+A1:2017) that specifies the quality requirements for automotive diesel fuel sold in EU/EEA countries. The most common grade is 10ppm (parts per million) sulphur content.
- What is the difference between EN590 10ppm and 50ppm?
EN590 10ppm (ULSD) is the standard for most of Europe. EN590 50ppm is permitted in some applications and regions. The 10ppm grade commands a slight premium and is required for Euro 5/6 vehicles.
- How is EN590 price determined?
EN590 price is typically quoted as a differential (premium or discount) to the Platts CIF NWE Cargoes ULSD 10ppm benchmark, or as an absolute $/MT or $/bbl price for specific delivery locations.
- What documents are needed to trade EN590?
A standard EN590 transaction requires: SGS/Intertek inspection certificate, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Quality (CoQ), Certificate of Quantity (CoQ), Bill of Lading, and commercial invoice.