What Is EN590 Diesel?
EN590 (written EN 590, or BS EN 590 in the UK) is the European standard that sets the quality of diesel fuel for road vehicles. It covers sulphur, cetane, density, cold-weather behaviour, lubricity and more. Any diesel sold at a European filling station must meet it.
What does EN590 10ppm mean?
"10ppm" means a maximum of 10 parts per million (10 mg/kg) of sulphur. That very low sulphur level protects modern engines and exhaust after-treatment systems and cuts emissions. When traders say "diesel fuel EN590", they almost always mean this 10ppm grade.
Biodiesel in EN590
EN590 allows up to 7% FAME (fatty acid methyl ester, a type of biodiesel) by volume, often called B7. Buyers should state whether they need FAME-free diesel or accept up to B7, because it affects price and suitability.
What Is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)?
Ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is diesel with a maximum of 15 ppm sulphur, the standard for on-road diesel in the United States since 2006 under EPA rules. In the US it is specified under ASTM D975 as grade No. 2-D S15.
So what is ULSD diesel compared with EN590? Both are ultra-low sulphur road diesels. EN590 10ppm is slightly stricter on sulphur (10 ppm versus 15 ppm) and has its own limits for cetane, density and polycyclic aromatics. A US ULSD cargo does not automatically meet EN590, and EN590 does not automatically meet every ASTM D975 requirement, so the contract must name the exact standard.
EN590 Specifications Buyers Check
The table shows the main limits in EN 590. Always check the current edition named in your contract, plus the climate class or grade for cold-weather performance.
| Property | EN 590 limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | Max 10.0 mg/kg | Engine and after-treatment protection |
| Cetane number | Min 51.0 | Ignition quality and smooth running |
| Cetane index | Min 46.0 | Back-up ignition quality check |
| Density at 15°C | 820.0–845.0 kg/m³ | Identity check and volume-to-weight conversion |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | Max 8.0% by mass | Emissions and soot |
| Flash point | Above 55°C | Safe storage and handling |
| Viscosity at 40°C | 2.00–4.50 mm²/s | Injection and pump lubrication |
| FAME content | Max 7.0% by volume | Biodiesel share (B7) |
| Lubricity (HFRR at 60°C) | Max 460 µm | Protects fuel pumps |
| Water | Max 200 mg/kg | Corrosion and microbial growth |
| Distillation, 95% recovered | Max 360°C | Fuel is not too heavy |
| Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) | Set by grade or climate class | Fuel must flow in winter |
Summary of key EN 590 limits for guidance. Contracts should name the edition, grade or climate class and test methods.
Diesel Fuel Grades Compared
Diesel grades are often confused in offers. Here is how the common ones compare:
| Grade | Max sulphur | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| EN590 10ppm | 10 ppm | Road diesel in Europe and many import markets |
| ULSD (ASTM D975 No. 2-D S15) | 15 ppm | On-road diesel in the United States |
| Gasoil 50 ppm / 500 ppm | 50 or 500 ppm | Road or industrial diesel in some African, Asian and Middle East markets |
| Gasoil 0.1% (1,000 ppm) | 0.10% | Heating, industry and off-road use |
| Marine gas oil (MGO) | 0.10% or 0.50% | Ships, see our bunkering guide |
EN590 vs Red Diesel: What's the Difference?
In the UK, red diesel is gas oil with a red marker dye that carries a lower rate of fuel duty. Since 1 April 2022 most businesses lost the right to use it; it remains allowed for uses such as agriculture, horticulture, fish farming, rail and some heating. Red diesel vs regular diesel is therefore mainly a tax and permitted-use difference, not a different quality standard. Using red diesel in a road vehicle is illegal in the UK.
For international traders, the lesson is to separate quality (EN 590) from local tax rules. Ask the buyer how the fuel will be used before you quote.
How EN590 Diesel Is Priced
EN590 cargoes in Europe are priced against benchmarks such as the ICE Low Sulphur Gasoil futures contract and Platts or Argus assessments for 10ppm diesel, for example CIF Northwest Europe or FOB Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp. In the US, ULSD is linked to the NYMEX NY Harbor ULSD futures.
Europe quotes in US dollars per metric tonne; the US quotes in cents per gallon. One tonne of EN590 is roughly 1,180 to 1,220 litres, or about 7.45 barrels, depending on density. Physical deals normally use a formula: the benchmark average over agreed days plus or minus a premium for location, quality and freight.
Realistic margins
Intermediaries in real diesel deals usually earn a small commission per tonne or per barrel, agreed in writing with the party that pays it. Offers promising tens of dollars per tonne in commission on huge monthly volumes are a warning sign.
How an EN590 Deal Works
Every step below has its own paperwork, explained in our fuel trade documents guide.
- Buyer profile and enquiry. Company details, product spec (EN590 10ppm, FAME-free or B7), quantity, port, Incoterms and timing.
- Seller offer. A price formula, spec sheet, origin and inspection terms, from a seller whose company and title to product can be checked.
- Contract (SPA). Quantity tolerance, delivery window, inspection, payment and governing law.
- Payment security. A documentary letter of credit or standby letter of credit, issued as agreed in the SPA.
- Delivery. By vessel (FOB, CIF, CFR) or in-tank transfer (often called TTT, tank-to-tank), with independent quantity and quality inspection.
- Documents and payment. Bill of lading or tank transfer documents, certificate of quality, certificate of origin and invoice, then payment.
Origin and Sanctions: Check Before You Trade
Since 5 February 2023 the European Union bans imports of Russian refined oil products, including diesel, and G7 countries apply a price cap to Russian products shipped by sea. Many online "EN590 from Russia, CIF Rotterdam" offers ignore this. Sanctions rules change, so always get current legal and compliance advice and ask for verifiable proof of origin.
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) in the United States
In the US, on-road diesel is ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), limited by the EPA to 15 ppm sulfur and sold to the ASTM D975 standard (most often as No. 2 diesel). EN590 10ppm is the European standard and has a tighter 10 ppm sulfur limit, plus its own rules on density, cetane and flash point. So ULSD and EN590 are close, but they are not the same product, and a cargo must match the specification written in the contract.
| Point | US ULSD | EN590 10ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM D975 (No. 2-D S15) | EN 590 |
| Max sulfur | 15 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Main price benchmarks | NY Harbor ULSD futures, US Gulf Coast | ARA / Northwest Europe |
| Typical export route | US Gulf Coast to Latin America and Europe | Within Europe and imports into Europe |
Renewable diesel vs biodiesel
Renewable diesel (also called HVO) is chemically similar to fossil diesel and can be used on its own. Biodiesel (FAME) is blended into diesel in limited amounts, such as B5 or B20. In the US both earn RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard, which affects price and margins.
Use our USGC arbitrage calculator to compare US Gulf Coast diesel export costs with delivered prices.
EN590 and ULSD: Frequently Asked Questions
What is EN590 diesel?
EN590 is the European standard for road diesel fuel. It sets limits for sulphur, cetane, density, cold-weather performance, lubricity and other properties. The most traded grade is EN590 10ppm, with a maximum of 10 mg/kg sulphur.
What does 10ppm mean in EN590 10ppm?
10ppm means a maximum of 10 parts per million, or 10 mg/kg, of sulphur in the diesel. This ultra-low sulphur level protects modern engines and exhaust systems.
What is ultra low sulfur diesel?
Ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is diesel with a maximum of 15 ppm sulphur, the standard for on-road diesel in the United States since 2006, specified as ASTM D975 No. 2-D S15.
Is EN590 the same as ULSD?
They are similar but not identical. Both are ultra-low sulphur road diesels, but EN590 allows 10 ppm sulphur against 15 ppm for US ULSD and has its own limits for cetane, density and aromatics. A contract must name the exact standard.
What are the main diesel fuel grades?
Common grades include EN590 10ppm for road use in Europe, ULSD (15 ppm) in the US, gasoil 50 ppm or 500 ppm in some markets, gasoil 0.1% for heating and industry, and marine gas oil for ships.
What is the difference between red diesel and regular diesel?
In the UK, red diesel is gas oil with a red marker dye and a lower duty rate, allowed only for certain uses such as agriculture. The difference from regular road diesel is mainly tax and permitted use, and using red diesel in road vehicles is illegal.
How is EN590 diesel priced?
EN590 cargoes are priced against benchmarks such as ICE Low Sulphur Gasoil futures and Platts or Argus 10ppm diesel assessments, usually as a benchmark average plus or minus a premium, quoted in US dollars per metric tonne.
What is TTT in EN590 deals?
TTT means tank-to-tank transfer: the diesel moves from the seller’s storage tank to the buyer’s tank at the same terminal, with title transfer and independent inspection. Fake tank documents are common, so always verify with the terminal directly.
Why are cheap EN590 offers usually fake?
EN590 trades close to published benchmark prices. Offers far below the market, with huge monthly volumes and upfront fees, are usually designed to collect money rather than deliver diesel. Real sellers accept verification.
What is the difference between ULSD and EN590?
US ULSD is limited to 15 ppm sulfur under ASTM D975, while EN590 10ppm is the European standard with a 10 ppm limit and its own density, cetane and flash point rules. The contract specification decides which product is delivered.
Is renewable diesel the same as biodiesel?
No. Renewable diesel (HVO) is chemically similar to fossil diesel and can be used on its own. Biodiesel (FAME) is blended in limited amounts, such as B5 or B20.
Where is US diesel exported from?
Most US diesel exports leave from US Gulf Coast refineries and terminals, mainly to Latin America and Europe. NY Harbor and Gulf Coast prices are the main US benchmarks.