Diesel Supply
What Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Why Does a Diesel Buyer Need One?
Quick Summary
- Request a batch-specific COA tied to UAE.S 477 before releasing payment.
- Verify any fuel quality testing report with the issuing agency, not a scanned-only copy.
- Confirm tested parameters: sulfur, cetane index, density, flash point, water/sediment, and lubricity.
- FOB and CIF terms under ICC Incoterms 2020 change where quality testing happens.
- Confirm the testing lab’s accreditation status before accepting results.
A Certificate of Analysis is the core fuel-quality testing document, listing measured values for sulfur, density, cetane index, and flash point against the applicable specification.
For 10 PPM Ultra-Low-Sulphur Diesel (EN 590) tested against UAE Standard UAE.S 477 and issued by ESMA-accredited labs, request a COA tied to the specific batch or vessel.
A usable COA should include the following:
- Batch or vessel identification number
- Test date and sampling location (shore tank or vessel tank)
- Test method reference for each parameter (for example, ISO 20884 for sulphur)
- Laboratory name, accreditation reference, and signature
Ojas Fuel Supply Services LLC coordinates COA availability as part of its Diesel Trading and Supply Coordination workflow for supported product batches.
Read on to learn more.
How Can a Buyer Verify a Diesel Quality Report Before Paying?
Independently confirm a fuel quality testing report’s authenticity with the issuing agency, not the seller, and check the report number, sample point, and test date against the cargo details.
A fabricated or altered report is the main fraud risk buyers face before releasing payment.
- Contact the inspection agency via its official website, not the details printed on the report.
- Match the report number and cargo details against the sales contract.
- Confirm the sample came from a shore tank or vessel tank.
- Check that the test date falls within a reasonable window before loading or discharge.
- Request the original signed report for high-value or first-time transactions.
What Tests Are Performed on 10 PPM Diesel and MDO Before Delivery?
Fuel quality testing for 10 PPM diesel covers sulfur, cetane index, density, flash point, water and sediment, viscosity, and lubricity against UAE.S 477 limits.
MDO uses separate marine-fuel parameters. Test methods must be stated on the report, not just the result.
| Property | Limit (10 PPM Diesel) | Test Method |
| Sulphur, total | 10 mg/kg max | ISO 20884, ASTM D5453/D2622/D4294 |
| Cetane index | 50 min | ISO 4264, ASTM D976/D4737 |
| Density @ 15°C | 0.820-0.845 kg/L | ASTM D1298/D4052 |
| Flash point (PMCC) | 65°C min | ISO 2719, ASTM D93 |
| Sediment and water | 0.05 vol % max | ASTM D2709 |
| Viscosity @ 40°C | 2.0-4.5 cSt | ISO 3104, ASTM D445 |
| Lubricity (HFRR) | 460 microns max | ASTM D6079, IP 450 |
These limits come from UAE Standard UAE.S 477 “Diesel (Gas Oil),” issued by ESMA, remained unchanged in the 2020 draft revision ESMA notified to the World Trade Organization.
MDO is tested against separate marine-fuel parameters not covered by this road-diesel standard.
Product availability, pricing, and delivery lead time remain subject to market conditions, product source, destination, and commercial terms agreed upon at the order stage.
What Does Q&Q (Quality and Quantity) Inspection Involve?
Q&Q inspection is fuel quality testing paired with a quantity check, confirming both that fuel meets specifications and that delivered volume matches the contract.
It typically involves tank dip readings, sometimes under a Dip Test Authorization, plus lab sampling at the loading port for FOB terms or the discharge port for CIF terms under ICC Incoterms 2020.
| Incoterm | Where Testing Happens | Who Typically Arranges It |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Loading port, before departure | Buyer, since risk transfers on board |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Discharge port, on arrival | The seller arranges freight; buyer often still nominates the inspector |
Confirm sampling location, timing, and inspector identity in writing before the cargo leaves the loading point, whether it moves through Jebel Ali or Fujairah Port.
Who Is Authorized to Test and Certify Fuel Quality for UAE-Linked Cargoes?
Fuel quality testing for UAE-linked diesel and MDO cargoes is typically carried out by accredited independent inspection bodies, with road-diesel specifications benchmarked against ESMA’s UAE.S 477.
Confirm the lab’s accreditation status rather than relying solely on the seller’s in-house laboratory.
Petroleum trading in the UAE, including import, sale, and supply, requires a Trading Permit under Federal Law No. 14 of 2017 on Trading in Petroleum Products, applicable UAE-wide, including free zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “10 PPM” mean on a diesel certificate?
It means no more than 10 mg of sulfur per kilogram, the ultra-low-sulfur limit under UAE.S 477, mirroring the EN 590 tier referenced in the product name and confirmed through fuel quality testing.
2. Is a Certificate of Analysis the same as a Certificate of Quality?
Both confirm the same fuel quality testing results against a specification, but the issuer can differ: a refinery lab may issue one and an independent agency the other. Specify which document you require before payment.
3. Can a buyer request their own inspector for Q&Q testing?
Yes, buyers can nominate their own inspection agency rather than relying on the seller’s inspector, especially for high-value or first-time transactions agreed upon in the sales contract before loading.
4. What happens if diesel cargo fails its quality test?
Contract terms usually define remedies, such as a price adjustment, partial rejection, or renegotiation. Fix the specification, test methods, and tolerance bands in writing before delivery.
5. Does MDO require different testing than road diesel?
Yes, MDO fuel quality testing uses marine-fuel-specific parameters rather than the UAE.S 477 road-diesel standard. Confirm which specification sheet applies before comparing results.
6. Where does fuel quality testing typically happen for UAE-linked cargoes?
Testing occurs at the loading terminal for FOB shipments or the discharge port for CIF shipments. The Incoterm chosen determines which party arranges and attends testing at Jebel Ali or Fujairah.
Coordinate Your Next Diesel or MDO Order
A fuel quality testing checklist helps only if supply is coordinated with equal discipline.
Ojas Fuel Supply Services LLC coordinates 10 PPM Ultra-Low-Sulphur Diesel (EN 590) and Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) requirements through Jebel Ali Port and Fujairah Port, supporting buyers with documentation such as Certificates of Analysis for supported batches.
Whether you need a recurring diesel supply plan or coordination for a vessel, the process starts with a clear requirement: product, volume, location, and timing.
Request a quote through Bulk Supply Planning to align your checklist with the coordination process, or ask for Marine Fuel Coordination support if your requirement is marine-based.
