Always record the standard year
Category letters may remain visible across revisions while tests, chemical limits, reference materials and transition dates change.
Reference note
TheLubricant SpecialistsIndependent technical analysis, practical frameworks and source-conscious reference material across specifications, circularity, formulation, emissions and packaging responsibility.
Each centre connects technical detail with commercial consequence. Standards and regulatory entries carry dates, scope, status and primary-source links.
JASO, Chinese standards and market-specific requirements, explained without collapsing unlike systems into one list.
Follow used lubricating oil from collection and segregation through re-refining, RRBO qualification and finished-lubricant performance.
Chemical similarity is not proof of finished-lubricant performance.
Understand how emissions hardware, efficiency targets and new powertrains reshape lubricant chemistry.
Product stewardship does not end with the lubricant formulation.
Search all five centres and filter between original articles, knowledge notes, database records and current official updates.
ALIA reported that Indonesian lubricants distributor Sefas Group agreed to acquire 100% of Shell's fuel-station business in Indonesia, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. The report does not establish a transfer of Shell's lubricant brand or lubricant operations.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreValvoline Global Operations became an Official Partner of Mahindra Racing, linking its lubricant-development programme with electric-mobility work. The announcement is a partnership signal, not evidence of a new commercial EV-fluid specification or product approval.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreCastrol said its ON PG25 and ON PG25T direct-to-chip cooling fluids were validated against NVIDIA requirements for AI-factory and data-centre infrastructure. ALIA published the report on 20 August; Castrol's underlying company announcement was dated 18 August.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreShell Lubricants and Hyundai Motor renewed their global partnership for five years. ALIA published the report on 20 August; the companies announced the agreement on 19 August. The relationship began in 2005 and covers collaboration across product development and motorsport engineering.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreQualification should connect technical evidence, manufacturing control, traceability and change management rather than rely on a one-time sample.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreNo universal RRBO return exists. Viability depends on controlled feedstock, achieved yield, plant configuration, product quality, residue cost, customer qualification and contracted demand.
Read article →Additive Performance CentreElemental analysis and compositional resemblance can support an investigation. They cannot replace application-relevant performance evidence.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreA staged screening framework for safe unloading and feedstock routing that explains both the value and limitations of common laboratory tests.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreA practical architecture for linking generation points, authorised collection, segregated storage, transport and verified treatment without treating collection volume alone as proof of circularity.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreHow to build a defensible incoming-feed specification covering representative sampling, analytical methods, decision rules, quarantine and supplier performance.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreRRBO can support technically sound finished lubricants, but it must enter the formulation through controlled base-stock qualification, current interchange rules and performance validation.
Read article →Emissions & Future Technology CentreEmissions legislation defines vehicle obligations. Lubricant consequences must be traced through hardware, calibration and OEM requirements rather than asserted directly from the regulation.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreA control framework connecting every physical load, sample, tank movement and processing record while explaining why mass balance alone cannot prove material identity.
Read article →Asian Specifications CentreMotorcycle four-stroke, two-stroke and automotive diesel oils sit under different JASO standards, classifications and filing arrangements. They should never be treated as one specification ladder.
Read article →Sustainable Packaging CentreBottles, pails, drums, IBCs, returnable packs and bulk delivery must be compared on the same service delivered, not package weight alone.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreA single certificate of analysis is a batch snapshot. Dependable RRBO procurement requires an intended-use specification, multi-batch evidence, process control, contamination screening and formal change management.
Read article →Asian Specifications CentreA Chinese standard number identifies a specific document and status. It is not enough to describe a product simply as meeting a generic ‘China specification’.
Read article →Emissions & Future Technology CentreAsh, phosphorus and sulphur constraints protect emissions systems, but the finished oil must still balance wear, deposits, oxidation and durability.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreRe-refined base oil can be a valuable formulation input, but origin alone does not establish the performance of the finished product.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreUsed-oil regulation changes across jurisdictions and across the material's journey. Collection, treatment, movement, end-of-waste status and finished-lubricant claims require separate evidence.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreSegregation, storage and chain of custody determine whether a used-oil stream can become dependable re-refining feedstock.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreRe-refining is a treatment train, not a single purification step. Pretreatment, distillation, extraction, adsorption and hydrogen finishing address different contaminant classes and create different residual streams.
Read article →Sustainable Packaging CentreA lighter or more recyclable pack is not sustainable if it leaks, contaminates recycling streams or fails to protect product authenticity.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreRRBO can offer environmental benefits, but the result depends on the question, geography, process, energy system, allocation method, product performance and comparator.
Read article →Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB's official portal states that EPR-certificate transfer has resumed and is operational. This confirms the transfer function, not a separate price-discovery marketplace.
Open primary source ↗Sustainable Packaging CentreOperational guidance was updated for reporting closed-loop packaging waste in the 2026 file specification.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreThe regulation establishes type-approval rules, test methods and conformity requirements for M1 and N1 brake-particle emissions. It has no direct engine-oil requirement.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreThe 13 July implementing regulation was published on 22 July. It covers real-world battery-durability metrics, low-temperature BEV range, electrified-system power and related monitoring, but is not an EV-fluid specification.
Open primary source ↗Asian Specifications CentreGB/T 7607-2026 will replace the 2010 edition when it takes effect on 1 February 2027.
Open primary source ↗Sustainable Packaging CentrePublished on 1 July and updated on 2 July with a clarification, the methodology covers relevant household packaging. RAM 1.1 remains the method for 2026 reporting.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreThe current edition governs API engine-oil licensing, formulation controls, quality marks and marketplace monitoring.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreDefines API's voluntary licensing framework, performance categories, quality marks, formulation controls and marketplace monitoring.
GB 11122-2025 replaced the 2006 edition on 1 July 2026.
Open primary source ↗Asian Specifications CentreGB 11121-2025 replaced the 2006 edition on 1 July 2026.
Open primary source ↗Sustainable Packaging CentreUK statutory guidance for relevant household packaging across collection, sorting, reprocessing and end-use application. Industrial lubricant packs may fall outside that household scope.
The companies announced a pilot using authorised commercial-vehicle service touchpoints as collection points and registered recyclers for onward processing.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe updated guidance clarifies Part 279 application, specification used oil, storage, hazardous-waste mixtures and processing. State rules may be stricter.
Open primary source ↗Sustainable Packaging CentreOfficial non-binding guidance on manufacturer and producer roles, exemptions, reuse, minimisation and EPR. Binding interpretation remains with the Court of Justice.
The non-binding notice provides the Commission's current interpretation ahead of the regulation's general application date.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB directed recyclers to maintain GST-linked sales records. From 1 July 2026, certificates supported by recycled-product sales invoices other than GST e-invoices are not to be considered.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreSpecifies engine-test procedures, registration, reference-oil practices, reporting and record keeping within the European quality system.
ATC-ERC identifies the 1 June version as current. The code governs consistent engine-test operation, registration and reporting used in ACEA and EELQMS development work.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe partners announced a model for collection, storage, recycling and conversion to RRBO from automotive service operations.
Open primary source ↗Emissions & Future Technology CentreMEE and SAMR approved mandatory amendments to GB 18352.6-2016 and GB 17691-2018, effective 1 May 2026.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreMoEFCC's 2025–26 annual report identifies Circularity in Used Oil as one of five working groups under the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition, with FICCI as secretariat.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB issued an implementation-review communication to State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees and requested Action Taken Reports under the used-oil EPR framework.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB published final guidance for imposing environmental compensation under the 2023 used-oil EPR rules. The guideline should be read with the governing rules and entity-specific facts.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe partners announced an SPV targeting 100 KTA of used-lubricant collection and a 50–100 KTA RRBO facility within three years.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe Government reported 103 registered recyclers, 19,000 tonnes recycled and 2,000 tonnes of EPR certificates generated as at 5 March 2026.
Open primary source ↗Asian Specifications CentreJASO M 340, M 341, M 342, M 343 and M 345 were revised to 2026 editions. Public JALOS filing-transition details remain unresolved.
Open primary source ↗Asian Specifications CentreCovers FB, FC and FD performance. JSAE lists the 2026 revision as current, while JALOS transition arrangements from its 2024 implementation materials remain publicly unclear.
The parties plan to route used oil from selected plants to HP Green R&D Centre for reprocessing and explore RRBO-containing finished lubricants.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe memorandum covers potential used-oil collection, re-refining and incorporation of RRBO into lubricants.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe 23 January 2026 office memorandum extended only the FY 2024–25 used-oil EPR return deadline, from 31 December 2025 to 31 March 2026. That relief has expired.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreThe guidance explains the portal-registration route for collection agents that collect, store and transport used oil under the CA-2 model.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCastrol India's 2025 annual report says an engine oil using locally sourced re-refined base oil was commercialised in India.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreDefines EELQMS development, manufacturing, claims, documentation and audit expectations, including a statement on re-refined base stocks.
The code addresses re-refined base stocks in automotive engine oils and clarifies audit requirements. It does not create automatic approval for an RRBS-containing formulation.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreDefines waste oils and regeneration. Article 21 addresses separate collection, regeneration priority and mixing that impedes regeneration or equivalent recycling.
CPCB directed State Boards and Pollution Control Committees on physical verification under the used-oil EPR framework.
Open primary source ↗Sustainable Packaging CentreModel transport-safety rules covering packaging and IBCs, including provisions involving recycled plastic in flexible IBCs. They do not prove recyclability or lifecycle benefit.
Mandatory Chinese national standard replacing the 2006 edition. Detailed categories should be taken from the licensed standard text, not secondary summaries.
Mandatory Chinese national standard replacing the 2006 edition. Participation by vehicle manufacturers in drafting does not constitute OEM approval for individual products.
The amendment identifies R9 as recycling or re-refining of used oil. It is scheduled to become effective on 1 January 2030.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreAPI's guide identifies SQ, GF-7A and GF-7B and describes added coverage including aged-oil LSPI, timing-chain wear and deposit protection.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreMoEFCC clarified that Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities collecting used oil are collection agents under the used-oil EPR framework.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB asked State Boards and Pollution Control Committees to require producers, used-oil importers, recyclers and collection agents to apply for portal registration within 15 days.
Open primary source ↗Circular Economy & RRBO CentreCPCB's guideline distinguishes CA-1 collection and transport from CA-2 collection, storage and transport. CA-2 facilities require relevant consent and authorisation, and the guideline sets a maximum 90-day storage period.
Open primary source ↗Additive Performance CentreBench method for whether an engine oil remains homogeneous and miscible with specified reference oils after a temperature cycle. It is not a complete approval test.
EU rules on recyclability, minimisation, recycled content, reuse and EPR. Application, packaging classification, timing and exemptions must be checked before making product-specific claims.
UK rules covering producer classes, registration, reporting, recycling obligations, disposal fees and scheme administration.
Defines DH-1, DH-2, DH-2F, DL-0, DL-1 and DL-2. The 2024 revision changed reference oils used in fuel-economy and valve-train-wear testing.
The standard covers virgin mineral base oils in Groups I to III, but its re-refined mineral base-oil coverage is limited to Group I. No published Part 2 or mandatory Quality Control Order was located.
Covers exhaust, evaporative, brake and tyre emissions, battery durability, vehicle lifetime and environmental data. It does not prescribe engine-oil formulation.
G.S.R. 177(E) permits platform controls for certificate exchange and ties the allowed price range to environmental compensation: 30% at the lower bound and 100% at the upper bound.
G.S.R. 677(E) inserts Chapter VII for producers, collection agents, recyclers and used-oil importers, with portal registration, certificate-based fulfilment, returns, traceability and environmental-compensation provisions.
Includes aftertreatment-compatible C categories and introduced C7-23 for SAE 0W-16 through defined tests and limits.
Defines MA, MA1, MA2 and MB friction classifications. The 2023 revision changed eligibility, phosphorus and evaporation requirements, reference oils and friction materials.
Identifies test methods for hydrocarbon base oils derived from crude refining and used-oil re-refining. It is a characterisation guide, not a finished-oil approval.
Quantifies selected elements in unused oils and additive packages. It can support compositional checks but does not establish equivalent lubricant performance.
Covers waste reception, sampling, storage, oil-water separation and waste-oil re-refining alongside other treatment activities.
Mandatory Chinese heavy-duty emissions standard covering engine and vehicle emissions requirements, included in the 2026 amendment package.
Mandatory Chinese light-duty emissions standard. The official register identifies the standard as current and records its 2026 amendment.
International technical guidance on environmentally sound collection, handling, storage, treatment, re-refining and alternative uses. It is guidance, not a finished-lubricant specification.
Category letters may remain visible across revisions while tests, chemical limits, reference materials and transition dates change.
Reference noteLubricant implications depend on engine, aftertreatment and vehicle-maker requirements. They cannot be inferred from the emissions label alone.
Reference noteColour can support consistency monitoring, but performance-relevant qualification requires a wider controlled property set.
Reference noteSimilar calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus or boron values do not disclose molecular architecture or prove finished-oil performance.
Reference noteA JASO on-file code records a filing under the relevant implementation system. It should not be relabelled as government approval or an OEM approval.
Reference noteOfficial UN registry including hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicle safety and in-vehicle battery-durability regulations. These are not lubricant specifications.
Frequent stops, cool operation, restart events and fuel dilution may alter priorities, but the exact response remains powertrain-specific.
Reference noteAn emissions rule can drive hardware and calibration changes without directly specifying lubricant chemistry.
Reference noteA circular-content claim should identify the facility, accounting period, inputs, outputs, losses and allocation method.
Reference noteEqual dosage can produce different reserve, compatibility and performance when component concentration or chemistry differs.
Reference noteState whether recycled content is calculated by pack mass, component, product family or another defined boundary.
Reference noteSite, process, raw-material or specification changes may require risk review and targeted requalification.
Reference noteCleaning, reverse logistics, achieved reuse cycles, product compatibility and loss prevention decide the outcome.
Reference noteSuitability depends on the complete performance category, viscosity grade and equipment requirement.
Reference noteKeeping used lubricating oil separate from solvents, coolant and incompatible wastes protects feedstock value and reduces downstream risk.
Reference noteUS federal requirements for generators, collection points, transporters, processors, re-refiners, burners and marketers. Subpart F covers processors and re-refiners.
Collection rules, residual product, sorting and reprocessing infrastructure determine the real end-of-life route.
Reference note