API opens early applications for licensing of ILSAC GF-6A, GF-6B, and API SP engine oils

The American Petroleum Institute (API) announced that it is now accepting online applications for licensing of engine oil products meeting the new ILSAC standards GF-6A and GF-6B and the new API Service Category, API SP.

In July 2019, the API Lubricants Standards Group approved the adoption of two new ILSAC specifications, GF-6A and GF-6B, and a new API Service Category, API SP. The two new ILSAC specifications represent the latest performance requirements for gasoline engine oils set by the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC), and API Service SP, the newest API gasoline engine oil standard.  

Starting 1 May 2020, ILSAC GF-6A may be licensed to display the API Certification Mark “Starburst,” ILSAC GF-6B the new API Certification Mark “Shield,” and API Service SP for use in the upper portion of the API Service Symbol “Donut.”

API’s Jeffrey Harmening, manager – EOLCS/DEF/MOM, said API will process applications as they are received, but the right to claim API licensing against the new standards will not be allowed until 1 May 2020. 

Likewise, oils licensed against the new standards will not appear on API Certificates or in the online Directory of Licensees until 1 May 2020. Marketers that want to claim their oils are licensed by API as meeting ILSAC GF-6A, GF-6B, and/or API SP on the first licensing date must apply for licensing of the oils through the API EOLCS online application system.