July 11, 2019—The American Petroleum Institute announced in a press release an updated standard that governs how engine oil marketers certify that gasoline and diesel engine oils meet API’s engine oil performance standards.
“This new standard helps to ensure consumers have the peace of mind that they’re putting the highest quality engine oils in their cars or trucks,” said Kevin Ferrick, director of API Product Programs.
API announced this summer that its new service category, SP, would be rolled out in May 2020. That will be the latest standard in place of SN and SN Plus. The new document has updated language to include SP for gasoline engines.
The 18th edition of API 1509, Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System, describes the voluntary API Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) as well as methods for developing new engine oil performance standards, the release said. It also provides sellers with a description of the API Marks and their use, licensing requirements, and aftermarket conformance and enforcement procedures that help to ensure that products licensed as or claiming to meet API standards actually do meet the standards.
The 18th version of API 1509 is now available by clicking here. The document says that API SP oils will help improve fuel economy and protect vehicle emission system components, among other characteristics.
API standards are developed under API’s American National Standards Institute accredited process, ensuring that the API standards are recognized not only for their technical rigor but also their third-party accreditation which facilitates acceptance by state, federal and international regulators. API’s GIS division is responsible for standards setting, certification, training, events, publications and safety programs for industry operations.
Run afoul of the certification rules and oil makers will end up on API's unauthorized use list.
