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The independent trade body, Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), has entered into a Primary Authority partnership with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.
Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards will provide tailored advice and guidance for VLS and its members, to help them remain compliant with relevant regulation and legislation, as well as supporting VLS in the escalation of any cases to local Trading Standards authorities.
Since its formation in 2005, VLS has escalated several cases to Trading Standards, to ensure that enforcement action was taken to bring products into compliance with their own stated technical specifications and performance claims.
Most cases investigated by VLS are resolved by direct discussion between VLS and the Named Party. However, in some cases, if the Named Party fails to provide the evidence required to bring the product into compliance or take the necessary action, VLS has escalated the case to Trading Standards authorities.
Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards will review all of VLS’ advice and guidance issued so it becomes endorsed, supported and approved by Trading Standards.
Andrew Goddard, Chairman of VLS, said: “At VLS our objective is always to work with Named Parties to resolve complaints. However, in cases of continued non-compliance, the VLS Board has and will take action to raise cases with Trading Standards to protect end users. Motor factors, mechanics and motorists alike must all have confidence that lubricant products really can deliver what they claim. This relationship with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards will effectively underwrite our work at VLS and ensure that decisions are enforceable.”
For more information on VLS and current cases under investigation, please contact VLS on 01442 875922 or visit www.ukla-vls.org.uk.
