How to import EN590 diesel in West Africa:
the complete 2026 guide

Importing EN590 diesel in West Africa is a major commercial opportunity, but it requires a rigorous command of documentary, financial and logistical procedures. This guide walks you through every step, from the required documents through to delivery at your destination port.

1. What is EN590 diesel?

EN590 is the European standard that defines the specifications for road diesel fuel. It is the benchmark fuel for international petroleum transactions between Europe and Africa, recognised and accepted in all West African ports.

Its defining characteristic is its very low sulphur content — 10 ppm maximum — making it a clean fuel that meets the strictest environmental standards. This quality sets it apart from D2 diesel or high-sulphur fuels still used in some regions.

2. West African markets covered

West Africa is one of the most dynamic markets for petroleum product imports. The most active countries are Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The main discharge ports are Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Dakar (Senegal), Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo) and Cotonou (Benin). These ports also serve as transit points for landlocked countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

3. Essential documents

An EN590 transaction requires precise and rigorous documentation. Here are the key documents, on both the buyer's and seller's side:

Buyer's documents

Seller's documents

4. Step-by-step procedure

Here is the standard sequence for an EN590 transaction between a European supplier and a West African buyer:

1. Buyer issues an ICPO or LOI The document specifies the desired quantity (in MT), delivery frequency, destination port and proposed payment terms.
2. Seller submits an FCO The Full Corporate Offer details the price (typically based on Platts ± premium), product specifications, incoterms and transaction conditions.
3. Financial capacity verification The buyer provides a BCL (Bank Comfort Letter) issued by a first-class bank, confirming their ability to finance the transaction. This is the essential qualification step.
4. Signing the SPA contract The Sales & Purchase Agreement definitively binds both parties. It specifies all terms: price, quantity, quality, timelines, penalties and dispute resolution conditions.
5. Issuance of bank guarantee The buyer opens a SBLC (Standby Letter of Credit) or DLC (Documentary Letter of Credit) in favour of the seller. This guarantee secures payment and allows the seller to prepare the cargo.
6. SGS inspection at loading port An accredited independent body (SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas) inspects the cargo at the European port. The report confirms compliance with the contractual EN590 specifications.
7. Loading and issuance of Bill of Lading The cargo is loaded onto the tanker vessel. The Bill of Lading (BL) is issued — this is the title document of ownership of the goods during maritime transport.
8. Delivery and release of payment Upon arrival at the destination port (Abidjan, Dakar, Tema, Lomé or Cotonou), a receiving inspection is carried out. Payment is released after confirmation of delivery compliance.

5. Incoterms: CIF or FOB?

The choice of Incoterm is a strategic decision that determines who bears the costs and risks of transport.

For a West African buyer new to importing, CIF is generally recommended as it simplifies logistics management — the European supplier handles freight and insurance.

6. Mistakes to avoid

The petroleum products market is unfortunately infiltrated by unscrupulous actors. Here are the warning signs to watch for:

7. The role of the petroleum broker

Using a specialist petroleum broker offers several major advantages for a West African importer:

The broker has a network of verified European suppliers and can quickly assess their legitimacy. They master documentary procedures and can immediately detect anomalies in submitted documents. They serve as a neutral intermediary between the parties, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and accelerating the negotiation process.

Finally, an experienced broker understands the logistical realities of West African ports — unloading timelines, local customs procedures, reliable port agents — which represents concrete added value for the buyer.