VLS Bulletin – October 2024 – VLS 010208
VLS 010208 – 5W-30 ACEA C3
On 18th July 2024 the case was accepted by VLS.
The case concerned the TBN and Sulphated Ash limits of a PCEO 5W-30 claiming both VW 502.00 and VW 505.01. The product was claimed not to be compliant for VW 502.00 requiring a minimum TBN of 10mgKOH/g and for Sulphated Ash >1<1.5%m/m.
Additionally, VW 505.01 is not a valid claim with VW 502.00.
VLS sourced and tested a sample of the product. Test results show that the TBN was 9.2mgKOH/g and for Sulphated Ash 0.76% m/m. However, the product pack showed only the claim against VW 505.01 being made which was reflected in the product’s Technical Data Sheet and website description, with the claim against VW 502.00 having been withdrawn. Although the product pack picture on the website description retained the label showing claims against VW 502.00 and VW 505.01.
VLS is content that the claim against VW 502.00 has been withdrawn by the Lubricant Marketer but has issued an advisory to them to ensure that product packs and labelling shown on the company’s website reflect the actual performance claims being made for the product as denoted in the product’s Technical Data Sheet and website description.
VLS believe that the product is compliant and the case is therefore 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.”
October 2024
