VLS Bulletin – May 2023 – VLS 010175
VLS 010175 – Engine Oils
On 27/05/2022 the case was reported to VLS.
The case concerned claims against both ACEA C1 and C2 which is not possible due to conflicting phosphorous limits (ACEA C1 ≤0.05% and ACEA C2 ≥ 0.07%≤ 0.09%), as can be seen in the ACEA engine oil sequences.
VLS were not aware of when the product was manufactured and supplied, however the claims against ACEA C1 and C2 only became mutually exclusive from ACEA 2016 onwards. It was still permissible to market a product with combined ACEA C1-12 and C2-12 claims up until 1st December 2018, but after that date any remaining stocks of product making the combined claims should have been re-labelled and/or withdrawn from the market.
As part of our investigation VLS found that the latest company automotive product line brochure only made reference to the claim against ACEA C1 for the product. Additionally, the current product labelling did not make reference to an ACEA C2 performance claim.
VLS therefore concluded that the product manufacture date straddled across two sets of ACEA engine oil sequences and although VLS were comparing the performance claims against the latest ACEA engine oil sequences, the product could well have been formulated against an earlier set of sequences. VLS therefore believed that the product was in compliance.
On 17th April 2023, VLS concluded a six-month review of the case to ensure continued compliance. VLS found that the product as marketed and described on the website of the Named Party remained in compliance and the case was closed.
David Wright, Company Secretary – VLS (UK) Ltd says “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. By working with the sector to resolve non compliant products in an independent and impartial manner, we can support companies to compete on a more equitable basis in a highly competitive marketplace.”
May 2023
