Episode 45: The importance of EELQMS for the lubricants industry in Asia and the Middle East
The European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS) plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality engine oils for European vehicles across global markets, including Asia and the Middle East. In a recent F+L Asia podcast, industry experts Mike Boyer, director of SAIL-Europe, and David Wright, chair of ATIEL’s Quality Management System Committee, discussed the importance of quality standards, compliance monitoring, and the evolving role of EELQMS in the lubricants industry.
Understanding ACEA engine oil sequences
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) sets performance specifications for engine lubricants through the ACEA Oil Sequences, which establish the minimum requirements for engine oil quality. These sequences ensure that lubricants meet the stringent demands of European vehicle manufacturers. Given that European OEMs export vehicles globally, the ACEA sequences have become a de facto global standard.
David Wright explained that while ACEA sequences serve as a benchmark, many European OEMs have their own proprietary specifications layered on top. This ensures optimal protection and performance for their engines. ACEA sequences are an integral part of a broader quality framework that includes EELQMS.
What is ATIEL?
ATIEL (Association Technique de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants) is the Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry. It represents the interests of lubricant manufacturers and marketers in Europe and plays a crucial role in setting technical guidelines for lubricant quality and compliance. ATIEL works closely with ACEA and other industry stakeholders to ensure that lubricant standards meet evolving technical and regulatory requirements.
What is EELQMS?
EELQMS is a voluntary quality management system specifically designed for engine lubricants. It was developed by key industry stakeholders, including ATIEL, ACEA, and the Additive Technical Committee (ATC), to provide lubricant marketers with a structured framework to ensure compliance with ACEA Oil Sequences.
Mike Boyer elaborated on the role of SAIL-Europe, the independent entity responsible for managing the registration system, compliance monitoring, and the licensing of the EELQMS quality trademark. While ACEA compliance is self-certified, companies that sign the Marketers’ Letter of Conformance (LoC) declare that their products adhere to EELQMS guidelines. SAIL oversees this system, conducting market surveys and chemical testing to ensure compliance.
The role of SAIL-Europe in compliance monitoring
A critical component of EELQMS is the compliance monitoring program. SAIL collects and tests lubricant samples globally through an independent laboratory, ensuring that products meet ACEA’s stringent requirements. According to Boyer, around 15% of tested samples failed compliance in 2023—a number they aim to reduce.
Compliance monitoring involves a range of physical and chemical tests, including high-temperature, high-shear viscosity, total base number (TBN), and sulphated ash content. Although full engine testing is not conducted, these tests provide a reliable indicator of a lubricant’s quality. If a sample fails, the marketer must take corrective action to regain compliance.
EELQMS growth in Asia and the Middle East
Over the past few years, there has been a surge in EELQMS adoption outside of Europe. As of September 2024, 36.4% of registered EELQMS participants were based in Asia, reflecting the growing demand for European vehicle lubricants in the region. With 500+ registered companies, EELQMS compliance is becoming increasingly relevant for lubricant marketers in Asia and the Middle East who seek to supply high-quality engine oils.
According to Wright and Boyer, much of the recent growth is driven by heightened regulatory scrutiny and a push for higher standards in emerging markets. European OEMs require assurance that the lubricants used in their vehicles outside of Europe adhere to the same stringent specifications.
Challenges and future directions
While EELQMS is a well-structured system, ensuring widespread compliance remains a challenge. Wright noted that unlike API, which operates a volume-based licensing model, EELQMS is based on a fixed-fee registration per marketer. This approach makes it more accessible for smaller companies but relies heavily on trust and self-certification.
A key challenge is the enforcement of compliance, particularly in emerging markets where regulatory oversight may be weaker. While SAIL’s compliance monitoring program helps identify non-compliant products, the industry still faces the risk of unauthorised claims.
Conclusion
EELQMS serves as an essential framework for ensuring the quality of engine lubricants worldwide. As European vehicle manufacturers continue to expand their global footprint, adherence to ACEA Oil Sequences through EELQMS will become even more critical. For lubricant marketers in Asia and the Middle East, participation in EELQMS is not just about regulatory compliance—it is a strategic move to gain trust and market credibility.
With continued efforts from ATIEL, SAIL, and the broader industry, the goal remains clear: to ensure that every lubricant sold under the ACEA sequences meets the high standards expected by both manufacturers and consumers worldwide.
