VLS Bulletin – May 2023 – VLS 010179
VLS 010179 – Engine Oils
On 23rd August 2022 the case was reported to VLS.
The complaint concerned the claim made against VW 502 00/505 01 and ACEA C3 alongside VW 502 00. VLS believed that the VW 502.00 & VW 505.01 claims were not possible on the same automotive engine oil. In addition, it was understood that the OEM did not support the VW 502.00 specification on products claiming ACEA C3 performance.
VLS asked the marketer to provide technical evidence to support the VW 502.00 claim made on the product by way of a letter of support from their technology provider supporting the claim made against VW 502.00.
The lubricant marketer stated that the product in question was manufactured during the transition period between two sets of ACEA light duty engine oil sequences from 2016 to 2021 and therefore was a valid claim. They also claimed that all labels and literature were correct at the time of production, and the labels and literature after the change in specification date were also correct. Their response was accompanied by a letter of support from their technology provider supporting the claims made.
VLS was satisfied that the product was in compliance based on the information provided as it was manufactured during the transition period between two sets of ACEA engine oil sequences and therefore the claims made on the product were valid at the time of manufacture. Consequently VLS closed its investigation into the product, subject to a six month review in line with its stated process.
On the 17th April 2023, VLS concluded a six-month review of the case to ensure continued compliance. VLS found that the product as marketed and described on the website of the Named Party remains in compliance and therefore the case can be closed.
David Wright, Company Secretary – VLS (UK) Ltd says “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations. By working with the sector to resolve non compliant products in an independent and impartial manner, we can support companies to compete on a more equitable basis in a highly competitive marketplace.”
May 2023
