BRUSSELS – The United Kingdom Lubricants Association recently launched Verification of Lubricant Specifications, a new membership organization designed to monitor and enforce the standards of the country’s lubricants market.

VLSs mission is to protect consumers and end-users from purchasing lubricant products with incorrect product specification and performance claims, UKLAs director general Rod Pesch told the 2013 UEIL Congress. Membership is open to end-users, equipment producers and associated trade bodies, with variable rates to reflect member company size, Pesch said. The independent and objective nonprofit organization responds to complaints by testing products, claiming to ensure complete anonymity throughout every evaluation.

Misrepresented products are being sold in the U.K. market, Pesch said. Not conforming to the specifications claimed on labels is a serious problem that distorts the market place. However, not every product misrepresentation is intentional, he added, noting that due to the complexity of lubricant standards and technology, a genuine lack of understanding exists. Therefore, he said, education of consumers and marketers alike will be part of the VLS program.

The industry acknowledges that this is a long overdue initiative, he said. Noncompliance issues exist in all areas, he continued, adding that Germany and the United States have similar initiatives in place. We anticipate other European Union lubricant bodies to observe VLS operations and to subsequently follow the VLS initiative. More information, including membership rates, can be found at the VLS website:www.ukla-vls.org.uk.