June 11, 2015

Correction to: NIST Handbook 130 (2015), Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and 

Engine Fuel Quality

Section: Uniform Engine Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulation

Paragraph: 3.13.1.3. Engine Service Category (Correction noted in bold underscored text, this change was 

omitted in the 2015 handbook update.)

Location: Page 190

3.13. Oil. 

3.13.1. Labeling of Vehicle Engine (Motor) Oil Required.

3.13.1.1. Viscosity. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container, receptacle, dispenser, or 

storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine that includes the installation of bulk 

vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank shall contain the viscosity 

grade classification preceded by the letters “SAE” in accordance with the SAE International’s latest version 

of SAE J300, “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.”

(Amended 2012 and 2014)

3.13.1.2. Brand. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container and the invoice or receipt from 

service on an engine that includes the installation of bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a 

receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank shall contain the name, brand, trademark, or trade name of the vehicle 

engine (motor) oil.

(Added 2012 and 2014)

3.13.1.3. Engine Service Category. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container, receptacle, 

dispenser or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine that includes the installation 

of bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank shall contain the 

engine service category, or categories, displayed in letters not less than 3.18 mm (1

/8 in) in height, as 

defined by the latest version of SAE J183, “Engine Oil Performance and Engine Service Classification 

(Other than “Energy Conserving”),” API Publication 1509, “Engine Oil Licensing and Certification 

System,” European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), “European Oil Sequences,” or 

other “Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standards” as provided in Section 3.13.1.3.1.

(Amended 2012 and 2014)

3.13.1.3.1. Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standard. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil 

container, receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine 

that includes the installation of vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or 

storage tank shall identify the specific vehicle or engine manufacturer standard, or standards, met in 

letters not less than 3.18 mm (1

/8 in) in height. If the vehicle (motor) oil only meets a vehicle or engine 

manufacturer standard, the label must clearly identify that the oil is only intended for use where 

specifically recommended by the vehicle or engine manufacturer.

(Added 2014)

3.13.1.3.2. Inactive or Obsolete Service Categories. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil 

container, receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine 

that includes the installation of vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or 

storage tank shall bear a plainly visible cautionary statement in compliance with the latest version of 

SAE J183, “Engine Oil Performance and Engine Service Classification (Other than “Energy 

Conserving”)” Appendix A, whenever the vehicle engine (motor) oil in the container or in bulk does 

not meet an active API service category as defined by the latest version of SAE J183, “Engine Oil 

Performance and Engine Service Classification (Other than “Energy Conserving”).” If a vehicle 
engine (motor) oil is identified as only meeting a vehicle or engine manufacturer standard, the labeling 

requirements in Section 3.13.1.3.1. Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standard applies.

(Added 2012) (Amended 2014)

3.13.1.4. Tank Trucks or Rail Cars. – Tank trucks, rail cars, and types of delivery trucks that are used to 

deliver bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil are not required to display the SAE viscosity grade and service 

category or categories on such tank trucks, rail cars, and other types of delivery trucks.

(Added 2012) (Amend 2013 and 2014) 

3.13.1.5. Documentation. – When the engine (motor) oil is sold in bulk, an invoice, bill of lading, 

shipping paper, or other documentation must accompany each delivery. This document must identify the 

quantity of bulk engine (motor) oil delivered as defined in Sections 3.13.1.1. Viscosity; 3.13.1.2. Brand; 

3.13.1.3. Engine Service Category; the name and address of the seller and buyer; and the date and time of 

the sale. For inactive or obsolete service categories, the documentation shall also bear a plainly visible 

cautionary statement as required in Section 3.13.1.3.2. Inactive or Obsolete Service 

Categories. Documentation must be retained at the retail establishment for a period of not less than one 

year.

(Added 2013) (Amended 2014)

(Amended 2012, 2013, and 2014) 

3.13.2. Labeling of Recreational Motor Oil.

3.13.2.1. Viscosity. – The label on each container of recreational motor oil shall contain the viscosity 

grade classification preceded by the letters “SAE” in accordance with the SAE International’s latest version 

of SAE J300, “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.”

3.13.2.2. Intended Use. – The label on each container of recreational motor oil shall contain a statement of 

its intended use in accordance with the latest version of SAE J300, “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.”

3.13.3. Labeling of Gear Oil.

3.13.3.1. Viscosity. – The label on each container of gear oil shall contain the viscosity grade classification 

preceded by the letters “SAE” in accordance with the SAE International’s latest version of SAE J306, 

“Automotive Gear Lubricant Viscosity Classification” or SAE J300, “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.”

3.13.3.1.1. Exception. – Some automotive equipment manufacturers may not specify an SAE 

viscosity grade requirement for some applications. Gear oils intended to be used only in such 

applications are not required to contain an SAE viscosity grade on their labels.

3.13.3.2. Service Category. – The label on each container of gear oil shall contain the service category, or 

categories, in letters not less than 3.18 mm (1

/8 in) in height, as defined by the latest version of SAE J308, 

“Axle and Manual Transmission Lubricants.”

(Added 2004)