VLS Bulletin – May 2023 – VLS 010171
VLS 010171 – Millers Oils XF Premium and Truckmaster Engine Oils
On 17/12/2021 the case was reported to VLS.
The case concerned the claims that the products carried full and formal OEM approvals from Mercedes-Benz, namely;
TRUCKMASTER ENGINE OIL DBX 10W-40, part code 5834. The claim is an official approval against Mercedes Benz MB 228.51.
XF Premium Engine Oil C2/C3 5W-30, part code 6230. The claim is an official approval against Mercedes Benz MB 229.52.
TRUCKMASTER ENGINE OIL 5W-30, part code 7745. The claim is an official approval against Mercedes Benz MB 228.51 and 228.52.
TRUCKMASTER ENGINE OIL 15W-40, part code 6214. The claim is an official approval against Mercedes Benz MB 228.31.
As evidence the complainant provided copies of the products’ Technical Data Sheets and product catalogues. During the investigation it was found that the products were not listed on the official Mercedes-Benz approvals website as carrying official approvals, although two of the TDS’s provided by the complainant had been superseded.
The Named Party acted swiftly to provide updated and revised Technical Data Sheets qualifying the claim as ‘Approval pending’, amended their product catalogues and brochures, and also wrote to their distributors on the matter.
VLS accepted that the actions of the Named Party had brought the product into compliance. During the course of its investigation, VLS also found two advisories which were notified to the Named Party.
VLS undertook a six month review of the case in line with its stated process and found that the products were in continued compliance at the six month stage and consequently closed the case.
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
