European Diesel Fuel specifications
The Euro (II, III, IV etc) specification refers to the emissions from the engine, not the fuel itself. Within the EU, it is likely that all diesel for road going vehicles must now be ULSD (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel). In the UK we can now only buy either ULSD or biodiesel (5% biofuel, 95% mineral fuel) It must meet (or exceed) the following minimum specifications:
The quality of automotive fuels in the European Union is specified by standards developed by the European Standards Organization (CEN). The first set of standards for automotive fuels, ratified by CEN on 16 March 1993, became mandatory in all Member States by September 1993. Three standards cover automotive fuels quality: the EN 590 for diesel fuel, the EN 228 for gasoline, and EN 589 for automotive LPG. The standards are periodically updated to reflect changes in specifications, such as the mandatory reductions in sulfur content.
To provide options for different climates, the EN 590 standard specifies six Temperature Climate Grades of diesel fuel (Grade A...F) which differ in the CFPP value. In addition, there are five Arctic Classes of diesel fuel (Class 0...4) characterized by different properties. Each country shall detail requirements for a summer and winter grade, and may also include intermediate or regional grades as justified by national climate conditions.
Mandatory environmental fuel specifications are introduced by EU Directives. The following are the most important steps in the evolution of EU diesel fuel specifications:
Effective 1994.10, a maximum sulfur limit of 0.2% (wt.) was introduced for all gas oils, including diesel fuel. The minimum cetane number was 49.
1996.10: A maximum sulfur limit of 0.05% (wt.) = 500 ppm for diesel fuel.
2000.01: A maximum sulfur limit of 350 ppm and cetane number of 51 for diesel fuel.
2005.01: A maximum sulfur limit of 50 ppm for diesel fuel. ***8220;Sulfur-free***8221; 10 ppm sulfur diesel fuel must be available for highway vehicles.
2009.01: A maximum sulfur limit of 10 ppm (***8220;sulfur-free***8221
for diesel fuel for highway and non-road vehicles.
If you can get diesel that meets these standards then you're OK. If not then don't buy a European diesel engine.