The FOSFA acceptable list is FOSFA’s List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes. It names the products a tank may have carried before it loads vegetable oils, animal fats or oleochemicals under a contract that uses this list. If a previous cargo is not on the list, the tank is rejected.
This guide explains what is on the list, the rules for earlier cargoes, and how it compares with the EU, Codex and NIOP lists.
What Is the FOSFA Acceptable List?
The FOSFA acceptable list is a positive list of previous cargoes allowed in a tank before an oil or fat cargo. The current edition was revised and took effect on 1 September 2025.
It applies only when the FOSFA contract includes the optional acceptable-list clause (AS9). Without that clause, FOSFA contracts use the banned list instead.
The version in force on the bill of lading date applies.
What Is on the FOSFA Acceptable List?
The FOSFA acceptable list covers oils and fats, fatty acids and alcohols, common solvents, glycols, some acids, fertiliser solutions and many food products. Each entry has synonyms, and some have grade conditions.
| Group | Examples on the list |
|---|---|
| Oils, fats and waxes | Animal, marine, vegetable and algal oils and fats; acid oils; fatty acid distillates; mono-alkyl fatty acid esters; edible-grade white mineral oil and paraffin wax |
| Fatty acids | Lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acid and others |
| Fatty alcohols | Natural fatty alcohols such as lauryl, cetyl and stearyl alcohol; synthetic C9–C15 alcohols |
| Alcohols | Methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, iso-butanol, 2-ethylhexanol |
| Ketones, esters and ethers | Acetone, MEK, MIBK, ethyl acetate, butyl acetates, MTBE, ETBE |
| Hydrocarbons | n-Hexane, n-heptane, pentane, cyclohexane, limonene |
| Glycols and polyols | Propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerine, sorbitol |
| Acids and inorganics | Acetic, formic, lactic, citric, phosphoric, sulphuric and nitric acid; caustic soda; caustic potash |
| Fertiliser solutions | Urea, urea ammonium nitrate solution, ammonium sulphate solution, calcium ammonium nitrate |
| Food and beverages | Molasses, glucose, honey, fruit juices, wine, dairy products, liquid eggs, vinegar, potable water |
This is a summary. Always check the exact entry and its conditions in the official FOSFA document.
Which Conditions Apply to Acceptable List Entries?
Several entries on the FOSFA acceptable list are allowed only in a certain grade or form. A product that looks acceptable by name can still fail on its grade.
- Excluded oils: cashew nut shell oil, tall oil and jatropha oil are excluded from the general oils and fats entry.
- Ethanol: denatured ethanol is acceptable unless the denaturant is on the banned list.
- White mineral oil and paraffin wax: edible grade only.
- Benzyl alcohol: pharmaceutical and reagent grades only.
- Epoxidised soyabean oil: minimum 7% oxirane oxygen.
- Potable water: acceptable only where the cargo before it is also on the list.
What Are the Rules for Earlier Cargoes?
The immediate previous cargo must be on the acceptable list. Checks then work back to the first qualifying cargo, one that filled at least 60% of the tank. Extra limits apply to leaded products, EDC and styrene.
- Leaded products: none of the last three cargoes may be leaded, in any tank.
- Immediate previous cargo: must be on the acceptable list, whatever the quantity.
- Qualifying cargo: if the last cargo filled less than 60% of the tank, earlier cargoes are checked until one reaches 60%.
- EDC and styrene monomer: not in the last three cargoes in organic coated tanks; not the last cargo in stainless steel or inorganic coated tanks.
The tank-coating table for these rules is on the FOSFA banned list page.
How Does the FOSFA Acceptable List Compare With EU, Codex and NIOP Lists?
FOSFA, the EU, Codex and the US NIOP each publish acceptable previous cargo lists. They are similar but not identical, so the contract and the destination decide which one applies.
| List | Who issues it | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| FOSFA acceptable list | FOSFA International | FOSFA contracts with the AS9 clause |
| EU acceptable list | European Union, Regulation (EU) No 579/2014 | Oils and fats imported into the EU; EU1 clause for oils to be processed, EU2 for oils not further processed |
| Codex acceptable list | Codex Alimentarius, CAC/RCP 36-1987 | Reference list in the Codex code of practice for edible oils in bulk |
| NIOP lists 1 and 2 | National Institute of Oilseed Products (USA) | US trade; list 1 for oils that may or may not be processed further, list 2 for oils that will be processed |
| China lists | Chinese authorities (AQSIQ Announcement 80) | Imports to China; last cargo on the acceptable list, two before it not on the banned list |
The EU list is the strictest common case, because the EU2 clause covers oils that go straight to food use without refining.
What Is the Difference Between the Acceptable List and the Banned List?
The acceptable list allows only the products it names, while the banned list forbids only the products it names. A tank that passes the banned list may still fail the acceptable list.
For example, a product that is on neither list passes a banned-list check but fails an acceptable-list check. Shipowners therefore need to know which list the charter and the sale contract use.
What Documents Prove a Tank Meets the Acceptable List?
The ship proves compliance with a previous-cargo declaration for each tank, cleaning records and a tank inspection certificate from an independent superintendent. These go with the cargo documents.
- Previous-cargo declaration: the last three cargoes in each tank, with dates and quantities.
- Cleaning records: cleaning method, chemicals used and the date completed.
- Tank inspection certificate: issued by the surveyor who passed the tanks before loading.
What Do Inspectors Check Before Loading Oils and Fats?
A cargo superintendent checks the previous cargoes against the contract’s list, plus the tank coating and condition. Tanks, lines and heating coils must be clean, dry and odour-free. Tanks that fail are cleaned again or left empty.
Most vegetable oils are carried in chemical tankers as noxious liquid substances under MARPOL Annex II. Cargo records and cleaning entries must therefore match the ship’s Cargo Record Book.
Charterers also review the ship’s vetting inspection record before fixing it for edible oils.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FOSFA acceptable list?
The FOSFA acceptable list is FOSFA’s List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes. When a contract uses it, a tank may load oils or fats only if its previous cargo is on the list.
When does the FOSFA acceptable list apply?
It applies only when the FOSFA contract includes the optional acceptable-list clause AS9. Otherwise FOSFA contracts use the banned list.
Is methanol on the FOSFA acceptable list?
Yes. Methanol is on the FOSFA acceptable list, along with ethanol, iso-propanol and several other alcohols.
Is urea ammonium nitrate solution an acceptable previous cargo?
Yes. Urea and urea ammonium nitrate solution are both on the FOSFA acceptable list.
What is the 60% rule for previous cargoes?
A previous cargo counts as a qualifying cargo only if it filled at least 60% of the tank. If the last cargo was smaller, earlier cargoes are checked until one reaches 60%.
What is the difference between EU1 and EU2?
Both refer to the EU acceptable previous cargo list. EU1 applies to oils that will be processed further, and EU2 to oils that will not be processed, which have stricter conditions.
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy: Programs, Cost and Admission – October 14, 2026
- Bunker Delivery Note (BDN): Contents, MARPOL Rules and Checks – October 11, 2026
- Oil Record Book: Part I and Part II Entries, Rules and PSC Checks – October 11, 2026
