VLS Bulletin – October 2024 – Case 010198
VLS 010198 – Westway Lubricants PCEO 5W-30 VW Audi LL3
On 20th October 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint about the above product concerning the technical data and product labelling claims ACEA A3, B4, C3. The Complainant alleged that ACEA A and B categories and the ACEA C category are mutually exclusive as distinguished by their TBN limits: ACEA A/B greater than 10 mg/KOH/g, ACEA C less than 10 mg/KOH/g. TBN on the website states 6.00 mg/KOH/g. This combination of ACEA specifications is not possible.
VLS upheld the claim on the basis of the incompatible ACEA claims, A3/B4 and C3, however this is on the basis of Sulphated Ash content and not TBN. The TBN of ACEA C3 ≥ 6.0 and A3/B4’s limit is ≥10.0 (i.e., theoretically the TBN requirements are compatible). However, A3/B4’s sulphated ash limit is 1.0-1.6 % m/m compared to C3’s limit of <0.8% m/m.
In response the Named Party revised the claims made to the product 5W-30 VW LL3, by deleting any reference to ACEA A3/B4 claims. With a commitment to amend the product labelling and website description.
VLS considered that the Named Party had met the complaint in full and the product was compliant. A six-month review of the case will be undertaken in line with its stated process.
Our findings were that the claim against ACEA A3/B4 had continued to be withdrawn and the use of the obsolete API CF claim was acceptable with the support of their technology provider, although it is an obsolete category not suitable for most diesel cars built after 2009.
However, the continued use of ACEA C3, requires that they should be registered with SAIL. It has been confirmed that the Named Party has registered with SAIL and are now able to make claims against the ACEA engine oil sequences, on this basis we are content to close the case.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “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.”
October 2024
