VLS Bulletin – May 2025 – Case 010214
VLS 010214 – Rock Oil Synthesis F 5W-30 ACEA A5/B5
On 18th July 2024 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint concerning the above product which is available for sale in the United Kingdom, and its compliance against the performance claims listed based on its own stated technical specification.
The Complaint was as follows:-
When tested the product returned a Phosphorous content of 0.0921%. which exceeds the API SN specification of maximum 0.08%.
VLS upheld the claim based on its technical merits and procured and tested a sample of the product.
The test results on the independent sample were as follows:-
Phosphorous 0.0910% m/m.
The product is making a claim against API SN ‘Excluding Phosphorous’. Under API 1509, an oil marketer can’t just claim “SN excluding phosphorous” without also claiming API CH-4, CI-4 or CJ-4. If a claim is made against CH-4, CI-4 or CJ-4, then it is possible to claim SN without meeting and waive the phosphorous requirement. If the oil claims CK-4/FA-4, then it is not possible to apply this “excluding phosphorous” waiver.
VLS therefore found that the product is not compliant against the claim API SN requiring a Phosphorous limit of a maximum of 0.08% m/m due to the absence of a claim against CH-4, CI-4 or CJ-4 .
Rock Oil relied on information from their technology provider in making the claim API SN (excluding Phosphorous). However, the claim was not in accordance with API 1509 underpinning the API SN category. Rock Oil therefore responded by removing reference to API SN ‘Excluding Phosphorous’, in accordance with API 1509, but cited third party documentation that provided engine test data for an API SN performance that was used to support the original claim.
On 06/05/2025 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case in line with its stated process.
The original complaint was that the product failed to meet Phosphorous limits for an API SN claim. In their defence Rock Oil claimed to have been following the advice of their technology provider which VLS accepted.
For the six-month review VLS have reviewed the Rock Oil website where the product was still being marketed. The Technical Data Sheet continues to show the claim against ACEA A5/B5, however the claim against API SN has been withdrawn and a new claim against API SL is being made.
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS, APPROVALS & RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACEA A5/B5
API SL
FORD M2C 913-D, M2C 913-C, M2C 913-B, M2C 913-A
RENAULT RN0700
VW 530 36
The typical properties for Phosphorous are as follows:
Phosphorous Content ASTM D6443 % mass 0.10
Given that Rock Oil has taken appropriate action and the Phosphorous content of 0.1% meets the other claims listed, VLS is content to close the case on the basis that the API SN claim has been withdrawn in line with their commitments.
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.”
May 2025
