INSTITUTE FOR STANDARD AND QUALITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
National Technical Regulation QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN specifies the limits for technical indicators and quality management requirements for lubricants used in internal combustion engines (including both 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines).
QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN does not apply to internal combustion engine lubricants used for security and defense purposes.
The internal combustion engine lubricant market is increasingly crowded, leaving consumers uncertain about which brands to trust. According to regulations effective from December 15, 2018, all internal combustion engine lubricants must obtain QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN conformity certification.
Certification under QCVN 14:2018 (Ministry of Science and Technology) is an activity designed to test, assess, and confirm the quality of products, goods, services, processes, and environments against national technical standards.
The Declaration of Conformity is mandated by national technical regulations. This certification is an indispensable requirement for individuals and organizations manufacturing, importing, or distributing internal combustion engine lubricants before they enter the market. It is a mandatory prerequisite for circulating these goods within Vietnam.
Lubricants used for both 4-stroke and 2-stroke internal combustion engines that require conformity certification include:
Mineral oil: Derived from petroleum through distillation and processing.
Synthetic oil: Created through chemical reactions of base compounds.
Semi-synthetic oil: A blend of mineral and synthetic oils.
Note: Certification is mandatory only for lubricants manufactured, blended, imported, traded, or circulated within the Vietnamese market. It does not apply to samples for testing, exhibition items at fairs, goods in transit, or temporary imports for re-export. Additionally, lubricants used for security and defense purposes are exempt. Once certified and declared, products must bear the CR conformity mark before market circulation.
Step 1: The enterprise registers for QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN certification and provides relevant product information.
Step 2: Preliminary assessment of the facility's conditions (for domestic manufacturers) and rectification of non-conformities. For importers, a review of import documentation is conducted.
Step 3: The certification body evaluates production conditions and takes samples from the production site or the market for testing.
Domestic production: Evaluated under Method 5.
Imported goods: Evaluated under Method 7 (shipment-based assessment and actual sampling).
Step 4: If the lubricant samples meet all requirements, the certification body issues the Conformity Certificate.
Validity: Certificates issued under Method 5 are valid for 3 years. During this period, enterprises must undergo an annual periodic surveillance assessment.
Quality Control: Helps businesses manage product quality and reduce costs/risks by adhering to technical standards.
Brand Reputation: Builds product prestige and fosters consumer trust.
Competitive Edge: Enhances market position and facilitates market expansion.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for repetitive testing and inspections.
Market Access: Simplifies distribution and accelerates licensing for domestic and international transport.
In a market saturated with various brands—some adulterated or diluted—achieving this certification proves your business complies with both state and international quality standards. ISSQ Institute of Quality provides direct testing services for lubricants in accordance with QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN.
ISSQ Institute of Quality is ready to partner with your company in this era of global integration.
Contact us:
Hotline: 0981 85 1111
Email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn
Post Date: August 13, 2022
