Your customer invoices might have to list the ­engine oil type, brand and other related information, ­according to a new recommendation by the U.S. Commerce ­Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM). 

 

These recommendations became effective July 1, 2013, for states that approve, and are outlined in a section known as the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities. But, it is still not clear how these recommendations will be enforced.

 

“Last year (July 2012), the NCWM added a requirement to its existing model regulations for retailers that provide oil change services to provide ­consumers with a document that lists the oil’s manufacturer, brand name, SAE viscosity and service requirements as defined in API 1509, SAE J183 or ASTM D4485,” said Ron Hayes, chairman of the Fuels and Lubricants Subcommittee of NCWM. “This follows concerns expressed to the NCWM that some retailers may not have provided consumers with product-matching advertised specifications.”

Recommendations:

• Oil change facilities and repair shops must disclose the engine oil brand name, SAE ­viscosity and API service ­category or categories on invoices or customer receipts.

 

• The retailer must have labels on all containers, including bulk storage tanks, with the same information.

 

• Oil suppliers must provide the information on delivery tickets to the retailer.

 

• Effective January 1, 2014, all delivery tickets must be retained at retail facilities for one year.

 

• Labeling and disclosure on receipts are required for engine oil with obsolete API service categories with the appropriate cautionary language.

To get more information on these uniform recommendations and to determine the ­status of your state, visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.