The Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations (FOSFA) is a professional international body that promotes fair, consistent trade in oilseeds, vegetable oils, and fats – much of which moves through maritime transport in bulk liquid or dry form.
Headquartered in London, FOSFA was established in 1969 as a result of the merger of two older associations. Today, it counts over 1,000 members in 80+ countries, including traders, brokers, shipowners, inspection companies, and legal professionals.
1. Standard Contracts for Maritime Shipping
2. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
3. Technical Standards & Sampling Protocols
4. Accreditation & Training
Many of the commodities traded under FOSFA rules – like soy oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, or sunflower oil – are loaded in tankers or bulk vessels and travel vast ocean routes.
FOSFA ensures:
• Clarity in contract terms for buyers, sellers, and carriers
• Safe handling procedures for liquids and perishables
• Professional arbitration in case of disputes involving delays, contamination, or moisture
It also supports neutral third-party inspection and laboratory testing, often conducted while vessels are in port or anchored offshore.
• HQ: London, UK
• Members include commodity houses, shipping agents, laboratories, and law firms
• Widely used in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and West Africa
FOSFA’s standards are especially important in regions where soft commodities are vital export goods.
FOSFA’s mission is to promote:
• Trust and predictability in global oilseed trade
• Technical accuracy in sample handling and reporting
• Professional conduct across borders
Its rules quietly ensure that what’s loaded in one port is respected in another, even after weeks at sea.
Why are organisations like FOSFA important for commodities like oils and seeds that are often shipped over long maritime routes?
