VLS Bulletin – April 2025 – Case 010202
VLS 010202 – Exol Lubricants Ultramax 32 Hydraulic Oil ISO 32
On 5th March 2024 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint about the above product. The Complainant alleged that the product fails to meet the demulsification requirements of industry tests quoted on the labelling and Technical Data Sheet.
VLS procured a sample of the product and tested it for demulsification properties. The test results obtained supported the Complainant’s findings, in that the demulsification characteristics do not meet the requirements of the specifications claimed.
In response Exol said they had tested a retained sample from the same batch and identified that it was due to a batch-specific contamination issue. They had also tested laboratory made samples subsequently and found these to be compliant. They have undertaken to amend their flushing procedures, tighten quality control limits, and look to recall the affected batch from customers.
A six-month review will be undertaken to ensure continued compliance.
On 11th April 2025 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case. As part of this review it procured and tested a sample of the product which was found to be compliant for demulsification requirements of the industry standards quoted.
Consequently the product is in compliance at the six month stage, the investigation is concluded and the case is closed.
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.”
April 2025
