Guidelines

Procedures

Following procedures in a fuel transaction is critical to ensure legitimacy, security, and successful delivery. The fuel trade industry—especially with high-value products like EN590 10ppm diesel—involves multiple stakeholders, large financial sums, and international logistics. Each step, from due diligence to delivery, serves to protect both buyer and seller from fraud, loss, or legal complications.

Standard procedures help verify the credibility of all parties. Documents such as the Letter of Intent (LOI), Soft Corporate Offer (SCO), and Proof of Product (POP) are exchanged to establish mutual interest and capability. Without these, there is a risk of dealing with intermediaries who may not have real access to the product or funds.

Following procedures also ensures that compliance with international laws and environmental regulations is met. For example, shipping documents like the Bill of Lading and Certificate of Origin confirm the product meets agreed specifications and is legally sourced.

Skipping steps—such as bypassing inspection, failing to verify allocations, or rushing payment—can lead to costly mistakes, including non-delivery, substandard fuel, or legal disputes.

Strict adherence to procedures builds trust, ensures compliance, and reduces risk. It separates professional operators from brokers and scammers, especially in markets where fraud is common.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Fuel trading involves high-value, high-risk transactions. Clear, documented procedures ensure transparency, reduce fraud, and protect both buyer and seller by setting expectations for each stage — from initial inquiry to final delivery.

Skipping or altering steps opens the door to misunderstandings, delays, or fraud. For example, issuing POP (Proof of Product) too early can expose the seller to risks, while lack of POF from the buyer wastes time on non-serious inquiries.

Yes, procedures can be adapted based on deal size, partner reputation, or jurisdiction. However, core steps like verification, documentation, and inspection should never be skipped. A customized procedure should still uphold industry best practices.

KYC ensures that all parties involved are legitimate businesses or individuals. It prevents money laundering, sanctions violations, and reputational risks — especially in cross-border transactions where compliance is critical.