VLS Bulletin – August 2024 – VLS 010181
VLS 010181 – Aztec Oils Torotec 5W-30 TSL
On 9th January 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint about 5W-30. The Complainant alleged that a sample of a 199L was taken from a motor factor for testing to assess performance against its marketed claims. The product, they claim, was found to fail the following testing:
ACEA C2, C3: Elastomers (CEC L-112-16)
ACEA C2, C3: Oxidation with biodiesel (CEC L-109-14)
API SN: TEOST (ASTM D7079)
MB 229.51, 52: HTCBT (Mod. ASTM D6594)
On this basis the Complainant alleged that the product did not meet key performance requirements of ACEA C2, ACEA C3, API SN and MB 229.51, MB 229.52, and therefore was misleading to the end consumer.
VLS accepted the case and arranged to procure and test a sample of the product. VLS found that the product passed the following tests:
Oil -Elastomer Compatibility using test method CEC L-112-16 against the market standard ACEA C2, C3.
HTCBT with B100 using test method modified ASTM D6594 against the OEM specification MB 229.51, 229.52.
However, VLS also found that the product failed the following tests against the following market standards;
Oxidation with Biodiesel for Engine Oils operating in the presence of Biodiesel Fuel using test method CEC L-109-14, against market standard ACEA C2, C3.
TEOST MHT using test method ASTM D7079, against market standard API SN.
Consequently, VLS upheld the complaint against the product for being non-compliant against Oxidation with Biodiesel for Engine Oils operating in the presence of Biodiesel Fuel using test method CEC L-109-14, against market standard ACEA C2, C3, and TEOST MHT using test method ASTM D7079, against market standard API SN.
In response the Named Party identified the batch, and conducted their own investigation into the product which they believed was a technology issue rather than a QC blend issue, and arranged to have the product tested for TEOST MHT using test method ASTM D7079 against the specification API SN along with a sample made with another additive package. The Named Party did not arrange to test the batch for Oxidation with Biodiesel for Engine Oils operating in the presence of Biodiesel Fuel using test method CEC L-109-14, against market standard ACEA C2, C3.
VLS considered the investigation into the matter to be closed and agreed to take into account the Named Party’s investigation and the product test results obtained to ASTM D7079 and CEC L-109-14 in the six-month case review.
On 29th November 2023, after detailed consultation with the technology provider, an interim formulation adjustment had been made by the Named Party concerning the level of antioxidant in the finished lubricant, so it was expected to meet or exceed the required specification. Confirmation through independent analysis would be shared when available.
On 21st August 2024 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case in line with its’ stated process.
As part of the review VLS sourced and tested a sample of the product. The test results showed that the product remained in compliance at the six-month stage, and the Named Party confirmed that the formulation in use is supported by a Candidate Data Package. Consequently the case can be 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.”
August 2024
