VLS has announced the outcome of case VLS010163, a complaint against Gulf Formula CX 5W-30 Engine Oil. The product is now in compliance and the case is closed.

In October 2019, VLS received a complaint about marketing claims were being made by the product. The allegation stated that there was no technology currently available to meet the combination of the latest OEM specifications PSA B71 2290 and BMW LL-04 (including N20 and B48 performance). In addition, the claim on the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), dated February 2018, to meet PSA B71 2290 did not specify which iteration and therefore risked misapplication by the end user.

The independent VLS Technical Panel upheld the complaint and entered into discussion with Gulf. The company stated that there had been a subsequent formulation change and change in product pack labels in December 2018/January 2019 and the TDS dated February 2018 had been superseded. Since then there had been no formulation changes but there had been periodic changes to the Technical Data Sheets/product labels to align with the changes in OEM specifications and approvals of the product. As evidence Gulf provided updated copies of the latest TDS dated October 2019, and latest product labels reflecting the current claims made.

The latest version of the Technical Data Sheet removed the marketing claims against the following specifications for which manufacturer approvals had been obtained MB 229.51, MB 229.52, BMW LL-04 and VW 505 00 and 505 01. In addition, the marketing claim against PSA B71 2290 was withdrawn.

David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said: “Lubricants are increasingly complex products, catering to specific engine needs. It is vital that any product labelling and Technical Data Sheets are up-to-date and accurate so that end users can be confident the oil they are using is fit for purpose.”