We would like to announce that a newly established JASO Standard on the performance classification for Automotive Diesel Engine Oil - JASO DH-1, will be introduced in the market as of April 1, 2001. Labeling requirements for the new performance category will also become effective at the same time on a global basis.(JASO : Japan Automobile Standards Organization)

Corresponding to recent demand against quality standard of automotive diesel engine oils from the manufacturers related diesel engine (including end users) in Japan and other countries, the JASO DH-1 (JASO M 355) has been established by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan Inc(JSAE) to provide suitable engine oils for the Japanese-made diesel engines.
Those performance criteria described in the standard are to be evaluated in accordance with the test procedures specified by the JSAE, ASTM and CEC.
Manufacturers, distributors and others who supply automotive diesel engine oils (collectively "Suppliers") are to conduct these tests voluntarily, and to decide the corresponding oil grade based on their own judgment and at their own responsibility (self-certification system). The Panel plans to request concerned parties to properly use the JASO Standard in accordance with the "Manual of Implementation System for Automobile Diesel Engine Oils - JASO DH-1 (JASO M 355) " , which is to be separately issued by the Panel.
Further, the Panel asks the Suppliers who are going to use the JASO DH-1 Standard, to cooperate by submitting performance test results, typical properties, labeling descriptions, etc. to the Panel when they indicate the performance category on the oil containers. The Panel will keep these data on file, and will use them as basic materials to promote the use of the JASO engine oil Standards. In order to avoid confusion among users, the Panel has specified a format for the labeling of performance designation, as shown in the attachment, and has decided to request the Suppliers to label their oil grades in accordance with that format. As for details, please refer to the implementation manual.

1. Reception of submitted data and management of the filing system will be entrusted to the Japan Lubricating Oil Society (JALOS). 2. Data submission will be accepted starting January 4, 2001, followed by official commencement of the performance display on April 1, 2001.

［ATTENTION］
As explained above, management of the Automobile Diesel Engine Oils - JASO DH-1 (JASO M 355) Standard is to be carried out under the self-certification system. Thus the Panel will neither certify performance of oils nor authorize labeling.

(Note) The JASO Engine Oil Standards Implementation Panel consists of six organizations; Petroleum Association of Japan (PAJ), Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA), Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. (JSAE), Land Engine Manufacturers Association (LEMA), Japan Lubricating Oil Society (JALOS), and Japan Boating Industry Association (JBIA) as well as other concerned companies (lubricant additive manufacturers).