News

Heavy-duty engine oil labelling revision after VLS investigation

Lubricants & Systems
VLS, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications, has announced the successful outcome of a case against Agri Plant MS Ultra, a 15W/40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil made by Aztec Oils.

A complaint was received in May 2018 concerning the use of outdated 2008 engine oil sequences specified by ACEA, the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers, and the application of year date markers on the product data sheet, the website and the product label claiming ‘E9-08’, which is not permissible.

VLS’s technical review panel upheld this complaint as the ACEA European engine oil sequences permit claims made against the 2008 sequences until 22 December 2012 only. In addition, the use of so-called ‘ACEA

Years’ in marketing material is intended for trade only, not for the general public.

Aztec Oils took immediate action to correct the error and ensure it was not repeated in any other product information.

The VLS panel reviewed these actions and was content that these brought the product back into compliance.

David Wright, company secretary of VLS and director general of the UK Lubricants Association, said: “Aztec Oils quickly responded to correct their mistakes and ensure misleading information was removed from the public domain as soon as possible.

“It is a vital part of VLS’ work to ensure that customers are provided with the correct, most up-to-date information so that they can be confident the oil they are buying is fit for purpose.”

Related content