VLS Bulletin – February 2026 – Case 010221
VLS 010221 – Granville Oil & Chemical Hypalube C3 FS 5W-30
On 11th September 2024 the case was accepted by VLS.
The complaint concerned compliance against the stated performance claims ACEA C3, API SN/CF, MB 229.31, 229.51 & 229.52, BMW LL-04, GM DEXOS 2, VW 502.00, 505.00 & 505.01.
It was alleged that when tested the product was non-compliant against the specification VW 502.00/505.00 requiring TBN ≥10.0, and SA >1<1.5%.
VLS procured and tested a sample of the product. The test results were as follows:-
Test Results SGS Reproducibility VW 502 00/505 00 Result requirements
HTHS mPa.s 3.26 0.151 Min 3.5
TBN mg KOH/g 8.9 0.7 >10.0
Sulphated Ash % 0.9 0.142 >1%m/m<1.5%m/m
VLS therefore found that the product was not compliant against the claim VW 502 00/505 00 for HTHS requiring >3.5mPa.s and TBN requiring equal to or greater than 10mgKOH/g, but it was compliant for Sulphated Ash requiring >1%m/m<1.5%m/m.
In response Granville Oil & Chemical stated that they had already removed the claim against VW 502 00 on current stock, and the sample tested was in excess of two years old. They also stated that they check for consistency in HTHS properties by testing the development blend pre-production and also checking every 3 to 4 blends post production.
On 16th February 2026 a six-month review of the case was undertaken. As part of this review VLS procured and tested a further sample of the product.
VLS found that the HTHS value is now within specification and that the VW 502.00 claim has been removed. Consequently, the product was compliant, and the investigation 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.”
February 2026
