RS 3:4689 Labeling of lubricating oil - Louisiana Statutes

§4689.  Labeling of lubricating oil

A.(1)  The legislature finds and declares that millions of gallons of used oil are generated each year in the state and that this oil is a valuable resource which can be used as an environmentally acceptable source of clean, re-refined product, among other uses.

(2)  The legislature finds and declares that the disposal of automotive engine oil and other lubricants is very costly, creates hazards, and depletes the state's and the nation's dwindling supply of petroleum.

(3)  It is the intent of the legislature to reduce the amount of used oil improperly disposed and increase the amount that is reused as a valuable product.

B.  As used in this Section:

(1)  American Petroleum Institute (API) engine oil service classifications are two letter classification performance ratings for which engine oils are designed.

(2)  "Lubricating oil" includes any oil classified for the use in an internal combustion engine, hydraulic system, gear box, differential, wheel bearings, or other machinery.

(3)  "Recycled oil" means any oil prepared from used oil, for energy recovery or reuse as a petroleum product, by reclaiming, reprocessing, re-refining, or other means to utilize properly treated used oil as a substitute for petroleum products.

(4)  "Re-refined oil" means used oil which is refined to remove the physical and chemical contaminants acquired through use, which by itself or when blended with new lubricating oil or additives, meets applicable API and SAE service classifications.

(5)  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity grade is the measure of an oil's resistance to flow at a given temperature.

(6)  "Used oil" means any oil which has been refined from crude or synthetic oil and as a result of use, becomes unsuitable for its original purpose due to loss of original properties or presence of impurities, but which may be suitable for further use and may be economically recyclable.

C.(1)  It shall be unlawful to sell, offer, or keep for sale any lubricating oils, lubricants, or mixtures of lubricants which are adulterated or falsely labeled.

(2)  The label shall prominently display the API performance service classification and the SAE viscosity classification.

(3)  Previously used oils or recycled oils that have or have not been re-refined shall be plainly labeled and sold as such.  The labeling and advertising appearing on any container used to store a used or recycled lubricating oil shall be strictly in accord with the kind of product contained therein.  The size of the letters on the front and back of the container should be consistent with those used in other wording found on the label.

(4)  A person may represent a product made in whole or in part from re-refined oil to be substantially equivalent to a product made from virgin oil for a particular end use if the product conforms with the applicable API and SAE service classifications.

Acts 2003, No. 139, §1, eff. May 28, 2003.