EN590 diesel 10ppm is the most widely traded refined fuel in the international market — and one of the most misunderstood by first-time buyers. This guide explains what the grade actually is, what "10ppm" means, and how to make sure the product you are being offered is the real thing.
What EN590 means
EN590 is the European standard, published by CEN, that defines the physical and chemical requirements for automotive diesel sold across Europe. When a seller offers "EN590", they are claiming the fuel meets that standard. The "10ppm" suffix refers to sulphur content: a maximum of 10 parts per million of sulphur, which classifies it as ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). Lower sulphur means cleaner combustion, less engine wear and compliance with modern emissions rules.
Key specification at a glance
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | max 10 mg/kg (10 ppm) | ISO 20846 |
| Cetane number | min 51 | ISO 5165 |
| Density @ 15°C | 820–845 kg/m³ | ISO 12185 |
| Flash point | above 55°C | ISO 2719 |
| Viscosity @ 40°C | 2.00–4.50 mm²/s | ISO 3104 |
The full commercial specification we work to is listed on our EN590 diesel 10ppm product page.
Why 10ppm matters to buyers
Sulphur is the headline number for a reason. Markets that mandate ULSD will not accept higher-sulphur diesel, so a "10ppm" claim is a gating requirement, not a nicety. It also affects price: genuine 10ppm ULSD trades at a premium to higher-sulphur grades, which is exactly why offers priced far below the market should be treated with suspicion.
EN590, gasoil and D2 — same thing?
Not quite. "Gasoil 10ppm" is generally used interchangeably with EN590 ULSD, but "D2" is a legacy GOST term that does not map cleanly onto the EN590 standard. If a counterparty uses these terms loosely, ask for the exact specification. We break down the overlap in EN590 vs D2 gasoil.
Buying EN590 safely
The single most important protection is independent inspection: quantity and quality confirmed by SGS or Intertek on the actual parcel, against a written specification. Combine that with a documented CIF/FOB procedure and KYC on both sides, and refuse any deal that requires upfront "verification" fees. Our step-by-step walkthrough is in how to buy EN590 internationally.
Frequently asked questions
Is EN590 10ppm the same as ULSD?
Yes. 10ppm sulphur is the defining threshold for ultra-low-sulphur diesel. EN590 10ppm and ULSD 10ppm describe the same grade.
What is a normal minimum order?
Minimums are contract- and logistics-dependent. Share your target volume and destination and we will confirm feasibility on the contact page.