Palm Oil Specification & Crude Palm Oil Specification — Complete Reference Table 2026
The palm oil specification for export covers eight measurable parameters that determine grade, freshness, and suitability for each application. This guide covers standard specifications for RBD Palm Oil, RBD Palm Olein, RBD Palm Stearin, Crude Palm Oil (CPO) specification, and Palm FFA 70% (PFAD).
Palm Oil Specification Table — All Grades (2026)
| Parameter | CPO | RBD Palm Oil | RBD Palm Olein | RBD Palm Stearin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFA (as palmitic acid) | 3.0–5.0% max | 0.10% max | 0.10% max | 0.10% max |
| Moisture & Impurities | 0.25% max | 0.10% max | 0.10% max | 0.10% max |
| Iodine Value (IV) | 50–55 | 50–55 | 56–65 | 33–45 |
| Peroxide Value | 5.0 max | 2.0 max | 2.0 max | 2.0 max |
| Colour (Lovibond 1") | — | 3.0R max | 3.0R max | — |
| Colour (Lovibond 5.25") | — | 3.5R max | — | — |
| Melting Point (Slip) | — | 33–39°C | 18–23°C | 44–56°C |
| Saponification Value | 195–205 | 195–205 | 195–205 | 195–205 |
| Unsaponifiable Matter | — | 1.2% max | 1.2% max | 1.2% max |
Standard palm oil specification for RBD Palm Olein (the most common export grade for cooking oil): FFA ≤0.10%, IV 56–65, PV ≤2.0 meq O2/kg, M&I ≤0.10%, Colour ≤3.0R (Lovibond 1-inch cell), Melting Point 18–23°C.
Why Palm Oil Specification Matters
The Certificate of Analysis (COA) attached to every palm oil shipment contains 6-8 numerical specifications. Understanding these numbers protects you from quality fraud, tells you whether the oil is fresh, and determines whether the product meets your customers' expectations.
1. FFA (Free Fatty Acids)
What it measures: The percentage of fatty acids that have separated from the triglyceride molecule — an indicator of how much the oil has degraded since production.
Acceptable ranges: - Crude Palm Oil (CPO): 3-5% max - RBD Palm Oil: 0.1% max (ideally below 0.08%) - RBD Palm Olein: 0.1% max
What it tells you: Low FFA = fresh, well-refined oil. High FFA = oxidation has begun, quality declining.
2. Iodine Value (IV)
What it measures: The degree of unsaturation in the oil — expressed as grams of iodine absorbed per 100g of oil.
Typical ranges: - RBD Palm Oil: 50-55 - RBD Palm Olein: 56-65 (more liquid at room temp) - RBD Palm Stearin: 33-45 (solid at room temp)
What it tells you: The IV determines whether palm oil is more "solid" or "liquid" at room temperature. Lower IV = more saturated = more solid. Buyers specify IV when they need a specific consistency.
3. Peroxide Value (PV)
What it measures: The level of primary oxidation products (peroxides) in the oil.
Acceptable ranges: - Fresh RBD oil: < 1.0 meq O2/kg - Acceptable: < 2.0 meq O2/kg - Rejected: > 5.0 meq O2/kg
What it tells you: Low PV = fresh oil. High PV = oxidation underway, oil will go rancid soon.
4. Moisture & Impurities (M&I)
What it measures: Water content + insoluble matter.
Acceptable ranges: - CPO: 0.25% max (combined) - RBD: 0.1% max
What it tells you: High moisture accelerates rancidity and can indicate poor refining. Impurities can clog filters in downstream processing.
5. Color
Measured in: Lovibond units (red + yellow scale), 1-inch or 5.25-inch cells.
Acceptable ranges: - RBD Palm Oil: 3R/30Y max (1-inch cell) or 3.5R max (5.25-inch) - RBD Palm Olein: 3R max
What it tells you: Lower red value = better refining. Deep red or brown color indicates inadequate bleaching.
6. Melting Point (Slip Point)
What it measures: Temperature at which the solid oil begins to melt.
Typical values: - RBD Palm Oil: 33-39°C - RBD Palm Olein: 18-23°C - RBD Palm Stearin: 44-56°C
What it tells you: Determines handling and application suitability. Olein is easier to pump in cool climates; stearin requires heated storage.
7. Saponification Value
Typical: 195-205 (mg KOH per g of oil)
What it tells you: The average molecular weight of fatty acids. Rarely a concern for food-grade oils but important for soap manufacturers.
8. Unsaponifiable Matter
Typical: < 1.2% for RBD
What it tells you: Non-triglyceride content like sterols, vitamins, pigments. Too high = poor refining.
How to Use This Knowledge
When you receive a COA, check every spec against the PI specification. If any value is outside the contracted range, you have grounds to reject the shipment or negotiate a price adjustment. Keep samples from every shipment for 6 months as evidence in case of later disputes.
Palm FFA 70% Export Specifications
Palm FFA 70% — also referred to as Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) or high-FFA crude palm oil — is a distinct tradeable grade used primarily in oleochemicals, soap manufacturing, animal feed and biodiesel feedstock. It is a by-product of the palm oil refining process and is exported in bulk tankers or flexitanks. Buyers sourcing palm FFA 70% should confirm the following specification parameters before placing an order:
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Fatty Acid (FFA) | 70% min (as palmitic acid) | Defines this grade — primary quality marker |
| Moisture & Impurities | 1.0% max | Higher M&I indicates poor separation |
| Iodine Value (IV) | 35–55 | Varies with crude oil source |
| Saponification Value | 195–210 | Indicator of fatty acid chain length |
| Colour (Lovibond 1") | 30–70R typical | Not a food-grade colour standard |
| Matter Insoluble in Hexane | 0.5% max | Insoluble impurities |
| Titre / Titer | 42–50°C | Indicates saturation; affects handling |
| Peroxide Value | < 10 meq O2/kg | Lower is fresher product |
Packaging and logistics for palm FFA 70%: This grade is liquid above approximately 42°C (titre temperature) but solidifies at ambient temperatures in cooler climates. Export typically uses heated ISO tanks or flexitanks with thermal insulation. Standard export lot sizes from Thailand: 200 MT (ISO tank cluster) to 1,000+ MT (parcel tanker). FOB Bangkok pricing in 2026 ranges from $520–$620/MT depending on FFA content, volume and market conditions.
Important: Palm FFA 70% is not food-grade and requires appropriate HS code classification (typically HS 1511.90.99 or 3823.11 depending on destination country). Always confirm the applicable tariff and import licence requirements with your customs broker. For food-grade palm oil export grades, see the sections above on FFA, IV and PV for RBD Palm Oil.
Crude Palm Oil (CPO) Specification — Export Standard
For buyers sourcing crude palm oil specification for export, here is the international standard used in Thailand trade. CPO is unrefined palm oil extracted directly from the palm fruit mesocarp before the refining, bleaching and deodorization (RBD) process. Understanding the crude palm oil specification is essential for refineries, oleochemical buyers, and bulk importers evaluating CPO from Thailand.
Crude Palm Oil Specification Table (Export Grade)
| Parameter | Crude Palm Oil (CPO) Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Fatty Acid (FFA) | Max 5.0% (as palmitic acid) | Core quality metric — lower FFA = fresher CPO |
| Moisture & Impurities | Max 0.25% | High moisture accelerates deterioration |
| Iodine Value (IV) | 50–55 g I₂/100g | Confirms authentic CPO fatty acid profile |
| Saponification Value | 194–202 mg KOH/g | Indicator of fatty acid chain length |
| Peroxide Value (PV) | Max 10 meq O₂/kg | Freshness indicator — lower is better |
| Unsaponifiable Matter | Max 1.2% | Non-triglyceride content |
| Color (Lovibond 1") | Orange-red, unbleached | Not a rejection criterion for CPO |
| Slip Melting Point | 33–39°C | Determines handling logistics |
Key note on crude palm oil specification: The FFA content is the primary quality and pricing indicator for CPO. Most international trade contracts specify a "base" FFA of 3.5–5.0% with price adjustments for every 0.1% FFA above or below the contracted base. CPO with FFA below 3% typically commands a premium; CPO with FFA above 5% is typically subject to significant price penalties or rejection.
This crude palm oil specification table aligns with MPOB (Malaysian Palm Oil Board) and Codex Alimentarius CODEX STAN 210 standards. All Jit Aree CPO shipments include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited Thai laboratory covering all parameters above.
Related pages: - Palm Oil Products — CPO, RBD Olein, PFAD - Bulk Cooking Oil Supply — MOQ 1 × 20ft Container - Request CPO Specification Sheet & Pricing
Need a Sample COA?
Jit Aree Vegetable Oil provides a full Certificate of Analysis with every shipment, plus pre-shipment samples for any buyer. Request a sample and we'll include a representative COA so you can see exactly what you're buying. For importers researching the Thailand vegetable oil market, see also our complete Thailand vegetable oil import guide and our full guide on the difference between palm oil and soybean oil — including 2026 price comparisons and regional market demand.