Brazilian biodiesel producer BSBios, a joint venture between BSPAR and Petrobras Biofuel, has exported its—and Brazil’s—first commercial shipment of biodiesel June 25, the company stated. The first load of 22 tons (6,600 gallons) of biodiesel was sent to the Rotterdam Harbor, in The Netherlands.

CEO Erasmo Carlos Battistella, said the move is a great step towards opening the market. “There are many difficulties, with relation to taxes mainly, and cost Brazil that make negotiations difficult with the European market,” he said. “But this is an important advance we need to fulfill to demonstrate that Brazil can also export biodiesel.”

BSBios stated it became the first company in Brazil back in March 2008 to receive authorization from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) to export biodiesel, but it waited to exercise the option, Battistella said, as it formed official partnerships in exporting to Europe.

The operation director of BSBios, Gabriel Machado, said that the price and quality of the product are important to conquer new borders. “This was just the beginning, the first drop of biodiesel, we want to conquer new markets,” Machado said.

BSBios produces approximately 90 MMgy.