VLS Bulletin – July 2024 – VLS 010199
VLS 010199 – Westway Lubricants PCEO 5W-30 BMW LL-04
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 they claim was 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 compared to C3’s limit of <0.8.
In response the Named Party amended the claims made on to the product 5W-30 BMW LL-04 by removing any reference to ACEA A3/B4.
VLS were content that the Named Party had met the complaint and the product was now compliant, and the case was closed subject to the six-month review.
On 21st June 2024 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case in line with its stated process. VLS found that the claim against ACEA A3/B4 had continued to be withdrawn. The claim against the use of the obsolete API CF claim is acceptable and we have asked that their additive company can support it, and VLS has made them aware that 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 in order to make claims against the ACEA engine oil sequences. On this basis that they will register with SAIL to be able to make claims against the ACEA engine oil sequences, VLS is 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.”
July 2024
