Is a Jet A1 offer real? How to check before you sign
By the Vanguard Verify desk · Published 2026-10-25 · Updated 2026-10-25
Short answer: a Jet A1 offer is only credible if you can independently confirm the seller company, the product's specification and origin, the storage terminal, and an inspection you appoint yourself — all before you pay any fee. Large monthly volumes on 12-month contracts offered through chains of intermediaries are the most common pattern in offers that never deliver.
Aviation turbine fuel is a tightly controlled product. Jet A-1 is normally supplied to recognised specifications such as DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655, and it moves through a documented quality chain from refinery to terminal to airport. Unsolicited offers that skip that chain deserve close scrutiny. Several terminal operators publish warnings that their names and documents are used in fraudulent fuel offers — VTTI is one example linked below.
Steps to check a Jet A1 offer
- Identify the actual seller. Get the full legal name, registration number and country, then confirm it in the official company registry. Check for an LEI at GLEIF. See is this company real?
- Ask where the product is. A named refinery or a named storage terminal and tank. Contact that terminal through its official website — not through the seller — and ask whether it will confirm a storage agreement with the named company.
- Check the spec sheet. It should reference a real specification (DEF STAN 91-091 or ASTM D1655) and a dated test certificate tied to a batch. Vague labels with no batch number are a warning.
- Appoint your own inspector. Use an inspection company you contract directly, and verify any existing report with the inspector itself. See how to verify an SGS report.
- Use bank-to-bank payment. A documentary LC (UCP 600) where payment depends on compliant shipping and quality documents protects both sides.
- Read the contract before any procedure. The SPA should name the seller, origin, specification, quantity tolerance, Incoterms 2020 rule, inspection, and dispute forum.
Red flags
- You must pay for "dip test", "tank storage", "injection" or "document" fees before seeing product.
- The seller asks the buyer for an ICPO plus bank details, then a POF, before showing any POP. The buyer gives POF; the seller gives POP.
- Procedure jumps straight to "TTT" or "TTO" with no named terminal you can contact.
- Documents carry a terminal or refinery's name but the contact emails use free webmail.
- The seller says it is a "mandate" of a refinery but cannot show a written, verifiable mandate.
- Price is well below published market levels with no explanation.
Similar patterns appear in diesel offers — see is an EN590 offer real?
This page is general information, not legal or trading advice.
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FAQ
What specification should Jet A1 meet?
Jet A-1 is commonly supplied to DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655. A genuine certificate of quality references a specification and a batch.
Should I pay a dip test fee?
Treat any request to pay fees before you have a signed contract, verified seller and your own inspection as a serious warning sign.
Who provides proof of product?
The seller. The buyer provides proof of funds; the seller provides proof of product.
Vanguard Verify is run by Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, Licence 14282. This answer is general information, not legal or financial advice.