EN590 Diesel Specification — Full Breakdown for International Buyers

Core EN590:2022 parameters

The full standard has 25+ test methods. These are the ones that matter on a commercial CoQ:

• Sulphur content — ≤10 mg/kg (ULSD).
• Cetane number — ≥51.0 (ignition quality).
• Cetane index — ≥46.0.
• Density at 15°C — 820.0 to 845.0 kg/m³.
• Flash point — >55.0°C.
• Water content — ≤200 mg/kg.
• Total contamination — ≤24 mg/kg.
• FAME content — 0% (B0) or up to 7% v/v (B7).
• Distillation: 95% recovered at ≤360°C.
• Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) — grade dependent (Grades A to F for temperate, 0 to 4 for arctic).

EN590 vs D2 — what changes commercially

D2 is the Russian/CIS Gas Oil L-0.2-62 GOST specification, with sulphur up to 0.2% and looser cetane requirements. EN590 trades at a $20–60/MT premium to D2 in most Asian markets because of the emissions compliance.

If your end-use is power generation, heating or off-road equipment, D2 often does the job and saves money. For modern road transport and any market with Euro 4+ emission rules, EN590 is the only safe spec.

B0 vs B7 — the biodiesel question

EN590 allows up to 7% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME, biodiesel) blended in — that's the 'B7' grade ubiquitous at European pumps.

For bulk export to Asia, most refiners load B0 (zero FAME) because biodiesel reduces oxidation stability during long voyages and storage. Always confirm FAME content on the CoQ before nomination.

What to insist on in your SPA

Independent SGS or Intertek inspection at load and discharge ports, at seller's expense at load and buyer's at discharge. Quantity by shore tank with VEF (Vessel Experience Factor) applied. CoQ to certify the full EN590:2022 slate, not a subset.

Quality clause: rejection right if any single parameter falls outside spec, with clear price-adjustment formula for off-spec but salvageable cargo (e.g. cetane 50.0–50.9).

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum sulphur in EN590 diesel?

10 mg/kg (10 ppm). This makes it Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) and the global reference for emission-compliant road diesel.

What is the cetane number requirement for EN590?

Minimum cetane number is 51.0 and minimum cetane index is 46.0 per EN 15195 / EN ISO 4264.

Is EN590 the same as ULSD?

EN590 is the European standard that defines ULSD-grade diesel. US ULSD (ASTM D975-15) has the same 15 ppm sulphur cap (technically slightly looser) but different cetane and density requirements. They're close cousins, not identical twins.

Where can I buy EN590 diesel cargoes for Asia?

Sanyang Petroleum trades EN590 10 ppm and D2 cargoes ex Middle East Gulf, Singapore and ARA load ports, FOB, CIF and DAP into Southeast Asian discharge ports.