EN590 Diesel: Specs, Suppliers and How to Buy Safely (2026)
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EN590 diesel: specs, suppliers and how to buy safely
EN590 is the European standard for road diesel. EN590 10ppm means the diesel contains no more than 10 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram. It’s traded in large volumes worldwide, which also makes it a favourite of scammers. This guide covers the specs, the rules in West Africa, how real deals are structured, and how to protect yourself.
At a glance
- Standard
- EN 590, the European automotive diesel specification
- Sulphur
- 10 mg/kg (10ppm) maximum
- West Africa limit
- 50ppm under the ECOWAS fuel roadmap, enforced by NMDPRA in Nigeria
- Buy through Wigmore
- EN590 10ppm listing on Wigmore Wholesale
Key EN590 specifications
| Property | EN590 limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | 10 mg/kg max | Lower emissions; protects modern engines |
| Cetane number | 51 min | How easily the fuel ignites |
| Density at 15°C | 820 to 845 kg/m³ | Energy content and pricing per tonne |
| Flash point | Above 55°C | Safe storage and handling |
| Water | 200 mg/kg max | Water damages injectors and tanks |
Always ask for a recent test certificate from an independent inspector such as SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas, and check it matches the batch you’re buying.
Diesel rules in Nigeria
ECOWAS countries agreed a 50ppm sulphur limit for diesel under the Afri-5 fuel roadmap, endorsed in 2020. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) enforces it on imports, and extended it to local refineries from the end of 2024. EN590 at 10ppm comfortably meets that limit. Since 2024, the Dangote refinery has also supplied diesel to the local market, which has changed how much Nigeria imports.
How a genuine EN590 deal works
Agree specs, quantity and delivery terms
Volume, port, delivery window and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, or delivered into tank) are fixed in writing.
Verify the product
An independent inspector tests the product and confirms quantity in the tank or vessel before money changes hands.
Pay through a bank instrument
Large deals are paid by documentary letter of credit or against shipping documents, not cash upfront to a broker.
Check documents on arrival
Bill of lading, certificate of quality and certificate of quantity should match. For imports into Nigeria, the receiving depot and NMDPRA permits must be in place.
If you’re buying for a fleet, factory or generator site in Nigeria, a reliable local supply often beats a cargo deal on price once you add shipping, duties and storage. Talk to our commodities team before you commit.
Common questions
What does EN590 10ppm mean?
Is EN590 allowed in Nigeria?
How do I verify an EN590 seller?
What is the minimum order for EN590?
Why are there so many EN590 scams?
Buying diesel or other commodities?
Talk to our trade desk about sourcing, inspection and delivery.
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