Diesel EN590 (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel) describes the physical properties that all automotive diesel fuel must meet if it is to be sold in the across the globe. Since 2007 this is called Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel as the former function of sulphur as a lubricant is absent (and needs to be replaced by additives). Automotive diesel has national variants but the usual variants traded are EN560 and EN590 which are specified sulfur diesel (ULSD) is fuel with substantially lower sulfur content. Since 2006, almost all of the petroleum based diesel fuel available
The move to lower sulfur content allows for the application of advanced emissions control technologies that substantially lower the harmful emission from diesel combustion. Testing by engine manufacturers and regulatory bodies have found the use of emissions control devices in conjunction with ULSD can reduce the exhaust output of ozone precursors and particulate matter to near zero levels.
In 1993 the European Union began mandating the reduction of diesel sulfur content and implementing modern ULSD specifications in 1999. The United States started phasing in ULSD requirements for highway vehicles in 2006, with implementation for off highway applications, such as locomotive and marine fuel, beginning in 2007.
Diesel EN590 for diesel has been around for almost 20 years. However fuel, like most products, is subject to a process of continuous development and that development includes responding to legislation. The standard has been amended many times since . It had been introduced along with the emission . With each of its revisions EN590 had been adapted to lower the Sulphur content of diesel fuel.
The quality of diesel fuels is specified by the EN590 standard. While these specifications not are mandatory, they are observed by all fuel suppliers in . It is intended for application in diesel engines. Diesel motor fuel quality meets the requirements of Standard EN590.