China engine oil specifications evolve for local demands
China is moving to establish its own domestic engine oil specifications to better support its growing automotive and lubricant industries, which have matured significantly over the past decade.
In 2024, China reinforced its position as the world’s largest automotive manufacturing country and market, selling more than 27 million passenger vehicles. Domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now control more than 65% of the market. In the commercial segment, more than 3.8 million vehicles were sold, including more than 900,000 heavy-duty trucks. Notably, almost half of all new vehicles sold in China are alternative energy vehicles (NEVs), highlighting the country’s accelerated shift toward cleaner transportation.
With annual finished lubricant consumption estimated at 6.5 to 7.5 million metric tonnes—nearly 20% of global demand—China is now the world’s largest lubricant market, driven primarily by the automotive sector. However, oil quality varies widely across the country, signalling a need for standardisation aligned with modern engine technologies.
William Buscher, principal engineer at Intertek Automotive Research based in San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A., presented an update on China’s evolving engine oil landscape during F+L Week 2025, held in Bali, Indonesia, from 13-14 March. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Buscher has observed first-hand the progression of engine oil standards in North America, from ILSAC GF-1 through to the upcoming GF-8.
Historically, China relied on American Petroleum Institute (API) engine oil specifications. The GB11122 diesel engine oil standard includes API specifications, from API CD to CI-4, while GB11121 for petrol engines spans from API SF to SL and ILSAC GF-3. For natural gas (NG) engines, China has typically followed Cummins Engineering Standards CES 20074/85/92, alongside in-house testing.
Yet these specifications are not aligned with China’s national emissions standards—China Stage 6 for heavy-duty vehicles and China Stage 6B for light-duty vehicles. Buscher says the time is ripe for homegrown specifications that reflect local driving conditions, fuel quality, and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions further emphasised the need for self-reliance.
To lead this shift, the Chinese Lubricant Standards Alliance Committee was formed in 2016. Initiated by the Chinese Society for Internal Combustion Engines (CSICE) with support from SAE-China and the National Petroleum Products and Lubricants Standardisation Technical Committee, the alliance includes 11 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), five commercial and six passenger car manufacturers.
Three new domestic engine oil specifications are in development:
- D1 for heavy-duty diesel engines
- G1 for passenger car petrol engines
- NG1 for heavy-duty natural gas engines
The D1 specification, nearly complete, will replace current API standards under GB11122. It will be mandatory for the domestic market, focusing on piston deposit control, extended oil drain intervals (up to 120,000 km), and better turbocharger protection. API CJ-4, CK-4, and FA-4 are being phased out. D1 test protocols—approved in November 2022—use four local engines and are supported by four domestic labs.
The G1 specification is at an earlier stage. A working group formed in September 2022 is developing tests around seven petrol engines from Chinese OEMs. G1 is designed with modern needs in mind, including the high-frequency stop-start cycles of plug-in hybrids and extended-range hybrid electric vehicles, rapid acceleration profiles, and thermal efficiency targets above 45%. Key technologies such as electronic water pumps, variable oil pumps, and advanced coatings like Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) are also being considered.
NG1, meanwhile, addresses oils for heavy-duty natural gas trucks. The primary driver is China’s Stage VI emissions requirements, though future standards may account for hydrogen-powered engines. Two engine test methods are under development, with trials using the WeiChai WP13NG for high-temperature performance and the YuChai YCK11N for low-temperature conditions.
Looking ahead, Buscher noted plans to expand domestic standards to include fuel-efficient and non-road diesel engine oils, spark ignition motorcycle oils (two- and four-stroke), and light-duty natural gas applications.
With this major initiative, China is not only aiming for performance and environmental alignment but also asserting its independence in setting technical standards. The move is likely to reshape how lubricants are formulated, tested, and certified across one of the world’s most influential automotive markets.
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