Jet A-1 is one of the most documentation-intensive commodities in international trade. Aviation fuel is safety-critical — contamination or off-spec product can cause catastrophic aircraft failures. As a result, the industry demands a complete, traceable document trail for every transaction.
Complete Jet A-1 Document Checklist
Pre-Trade Documents (Initiation Phase)
| Document | Issued by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ICPO | Buyer | Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order — binding buyer commitment specifying grade (Jet A-1), volume, price basis, delivery terms, payment instrument |
| FCO / RWA | Seller | Full Corporate Offer or Ready Willing and Able letter confirming product availability and storage terminal details |
| SPA | Both | Sales and Purchase Agreement — full contract including specification, tolerance, inspection terms, price formula, force majeure |
| Refinery Allocation Letter | Seller / Refinery | Confirms the specific cargo is allocated from a named refinery (critical for first transactions) |
Payment Documents
| Document | SWIFT Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLC (Documentary Letter of Credit) | MT700 | Primary payment method — triggered by presentation of compliant shipping documents |
| SBLC (Standby LC) | MT760 | Payment guarantee — drawn only if buyer defaults. Common for first-time transactions |
| TT Confirmation | MT103 | Telegraphic transfer confirmation for pre-agreed payment terms with established counterparties |
Quality & Inspection Documents
| Document | Standard | Why Required |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Quality (CoQ) | DEF STAN 91-091 / ASTM D1655 | Confirms fuel meets all aviation specification parameters |
| JFTOT Test Report | ASTM D3241 | Thermal stability test — mandatory for aviation use. 260°C, no failure |
| Antistatic Additive Certificate | DEF STAN 91-091 §5.5 | Confirms Stadis 450 or approved equivalent additive at correct concentration |
| Certificate of Quantity (Ullage Report) | SGS / Intertek | Independent measurement of loaded volume in metric tonnes and litres |
| Density Certificate | SGS / Intertek | Density at 15°C for volume/weight conversion calculations |
| Water and Sediment Report | ASTM D1796 | Confirms absence of free water and particulate contamination |
Shipping and Title Documents
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading (BL) | Ship captain / carrier | Title transfer document — proof of loading and carrier's receipt |
| Certificate of Origin | Seller / Chamber of Commerce | Country of origin — required for import duty and customs clearance |
| Commercial Invoice | Seller | Payment trigger — specifies price, volume, delivery terms, bank details |
| Packing List / Cargo Manifest | Seller / Carrier | Cargo details for customs authorities |
| Insurance Certificate | Insurance broker | Required under CIF terms — marine cargo insurance covering loaded value + 10% |
Additional Documents for Into-Plane / Hydrant Delivery
When Jet A-1 is delivered directly into aircraft (hydrant service), additional certifications are required:
- Aviation Authority Approval — CAAC (China), CAA (UK), EASA, or relevant authority
- Fuelling Company Approval — certification of the fuelling operator
- Fuelling Equipment Certificate — calibration certificates for bowsers and hydrant carts
- Chain of Custody Document — tracing the fuel from refinery through every pipeline, tank, and vehicle to the aircraft
- Density at Ambient Temperature — for accurate into-aircraft quantity measurement
Chain of Custody — Why It Matters
Unlike diesel or bunker fuel, Jet A-1 must maintain an unbroken chain of custody from refinery to wing. Any gap in documentation can disqualify the fuel from aviation use, regardless of actual quality. The chain of custody tracks:
- Refinery production batch and test results
- Pipeline or tanker transport record
- Storage terminal receipt and testing
- Vessel loading and transit
- Receiving terminal testing on delivery
- Re-testing before into-plane delivery
Comparing Jet A-1 vs EN590 Documentation Requirements
| Document | Jet A-1 | EN590 |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Quality | Required | Required |
| JFTOT Test Report | Mandatory | Not applicable |
| Antistatic Certificate | Mandatory | Not required |
| Chain of Custody | Mandatory (into-plane) | Not required |
| Aviation Authority Approval | Required (into-plane) | Not applicable |
| Refinery Allocation Letter | Strongly recommended | Sometimes requested |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What documents are required for Jet A-1 trade?
A complete Jet A-1 transaction requires: (1) ICPO from buyer; (2) FCO/RWA from seller; (3) Sales and Purchase Agreement; (4) SBLC or DLC payment instrument; (5) Certificate of Quality confirming DEF STAN 91-091 or ASTM D1655 Grade A-1 compliance; (6) Certificate of Quantity (ullage report); (7) Certificate of Origin; (8) Bill of Lading; (9) JFTOT test results; (10) Antistatic additive certificate; (11) Commercial Invoice; (12) Aviation Authority Approval (for delivered-to-aircraft transactions).
- What is a Certificate of Quality for Jet A-1?
A Jet A-1 Certificate of Quality (CoQ) is issued by an approved independent laboratory (SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas) confirming the fuel meets all parameters specified in DEF STAN 91-091 or ASTM D1655 Grade A-1 — including freeze point (-47°C max), flash point (38°C min), thermal stability (JFTOT 260°C), density (775–840 kg/m³), and sulphur content (0.30% max).
- What is JFTOT and why is it required for Jet A-1?
JFTOT (Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester) is a standardised test measuring the thermal stability of aviation fuel at 260°C. It assesses how much deposit forms in fuel system components when the fuel is heated. It is a mandatory test in DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655 — any failure disqualifies the fuel from aviation use.
- Does Jet A-1 require more documentation than EN590?
Yes, significantly more. Jet A-1 requires mandatory JFTOT results, antistatic additive certification, aviation authority approval (for hydrant/into-plane delivery), and often a chain of custody document tracing the fuel from refinery through every transfer point. Aviation fuel contamination can be fatal — zero documentation shortcuts are acceptable.