The American Petroleum Institute (API) announced significant progress in the development of the new API Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) heavy-duty engine oil specification. 

The API Lubricants Standards Group (LSG) approved three key actions that will now move to an electronic ballot for inclusion in API 1509: 

• Acceptance of the PC-12 technical requirements as outlined in the ASTM D4485 ballot with minor editorial updates

• Acceptance of the PC-12 user language, which provides a high-level description of the API CL-4 and API FB-4 categories. 

• Acceptance of Jan. 1, 2027, as the first license date for API Service Category CL-4 and API FB-4

These items will be posted as electronic ballots for a 30-day review and voting period, allowing API LSG members to provide feedback before final adoption.

Summary of the Industry Process Leading to These Results

The approved actions follow coordinated technical review across key industry groups. 

During recent ASTM D02 meetings, the Diesel Engine Oil Advisory Panel (DEOAP) and the PC-12 New Category Development Team (NCDT) aligned on updates to the ASTM D4485 standard.

Those recommendations were then forwarded to the API LSG, which confirmed the path forward for PC-12 development.

Next Steps for Licensing & Industry Readiness

To support a smooth transition to the new categories, the API licensee portal will open several months prior to the Jan. 1, 2027, first license date. This early-access period will allow licensees to proactively enter new API CL-4 and API FB-4 products. API will issue a notification to licensees once early entry becomes available.

These actions mark a significant milestone toward finalizing the PC-12 specification and preparing the heavy-duty engine oil industry for next-generation performance standards.