Proposed SME/RME European assessments from September 1

Platts has reviewed requests from participants in the European biodiesel market and is now proposing to introduce the assessments of biodiesel grades Soy Methyl Ester (SME) and Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME) from September 1, 2010.

The new SME assessment will reflect product that conforms to EN 14214, with maximum Iodine at 135g/100g and minimum Cetane of 47 and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) set at minus 3 degrees Celsius maximum year round. The RME assessed will conform to EN 14214 with CFPP set at minus 12 degrees Celsius maximum year round.

Biodiesel blended with any non-bio additives will not be included in the assessment, with the exception of the BHT anti-oxidant. The assessment would exclude tax refunds or other rebates. Platts' assessment reflects material congruent with German biomass law. The RME assessment will reflect material with maximum water content of 300 ppm, while the SME assessment will reflect material with maximum water content of 400 ppm. The assessments reflect barges of 1,000-3,000 mt, FOB ARA basis Rotterdam, loading 10-25 days from date of publication with prices normalized to the mid-point of this range.

Please direct any feedback or queries to Ilana Djelal at ilana_djelal@platts.com or Isis Almeida, email isis_almeida@platts.com, copy petchems@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com by July 31, 2010.