Important Information On Retail Engine Oil Labeling Change
The 2022 edition of the National Conference on Weights and Measures’ Handbook 130 will include new requirements for inactive or obsolete engine oil service categories. The two key changes are as follows:
The SAE J300 cautionary statement for obsolete American Petroleum Institute (API) service categories must appear on the front or forward-facing container label.
It is illegal to misrepresent the SAE viscosity or specification for a motor oil, including the API service category, European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) specification or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specification.
Obsolete API service categories for light-duty gasoline engine oils include anything prior to API SJ.
For example, an obsolete API SH oil must include a statement on the front-facing label that the oil is “Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1996. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine sludge, oxidation, or wear.”
Click Here for a list of current and obsolete API service categories.
Marketers of automotive engine oils should check with their local weights and measures officials as to the applicability of these new requirements in your state.
