VLS Case Summary by Product Type 2013-2023
use in the given application. In several cases, VLS has investigated products which have been found to be claiming mutually exclusive claims due to the chemical properties required, such as ACEA A3/B4, and ACEA C3. In this example, claims are being made against High and Mid SAPS specifications (sulphated ash, phosphorous and sulphur), which is technically unfeasible. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories are designed for passenger car vehicles, typically without exhaust after-treatment devices, and the ‘C’ categories are for light duty vehicles with catalytic converters and particulate filters. Using High SAPS engine oil in vehicles with exhaust after-treatment devices can interfere with their operation and inhibit their performance.
It is important to note that VLS has investigated cases in industrial and marine products as well as automotive products. Although the demand has been far lower, the fact that the demand exists demonstrates the need for an independent trade body that can cover all these different aspects of the lubricants industry. Over the past 12 months, the diversity of cases received has been greater than ever before, as awareness of VLS extends across all aspects of the UK lubricants industry.
Non-compliance with stated specifications is the most frequent cause of complaint Whether it be compliance with the ACEA, the European Association of major motor manufacturers, European Engine Oil Sequences, or other market standards or conflicting or unevidenced OEM approvals, most cases involve marketing claims.
VLS Case Summary by Complaint Type 2013-2023
Equally, cases have investigated companies using the term ‘manufacturer approved’ for which no evidence could be found or making generalised claims for which no substantiation was provided.
Case example: VLS010168 – Automotive Transmission Oil This product was claiming Mercedes-Benz approvals for which no reference could be found on the approved lubricants listing on the Mercedes-Benz website. The products included gearbox oils, automatic transmission fluids, power steering fluids and level control fluids. VLS worked with the Lubricant Marketer, referred to as the Named Party, to revise the product claims from formal approvals to marketing claims ‘according to the specifications of...’ which were reflected in the products’ labels, website descriptions and the Technical Data Sheets.
to educate manufacturers and distributors about the types of claims that can be used and how they should be evidenced. In 2020, VLS took this one step further by entering into a Primary Authority relationship3
In 2019, VLS introduced its Marketing Claims guidance2
with Trading Standards. Primary
It is vital that any end user can be confident that a product can deliver what it claims and is suitable for
1 2
As at end of June 2023
https://ukla-vls.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/UKLA-VLS-Specifications-and-Marketing-Claims-Guidance-v4.pdf 3
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-authority-a-guide-for-businesses
Continued on page 46 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.177 OCTOBER 2023 45
Authority is a legal partnership with a local authority (known as the Primary Authority) that provides businesses with assured, consistent regulatory advice that makes it simpler and easier to comply with
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