GB11121-2025
Gasoline engine oils
汽油机油
GB 11121-2025 is an upcoming mandatory Chinese national standard for Gasoline engine oils. It appears in the Machinery compliance cluster with a energy efficiency focus and has an implementation date of Jul 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
GB 11121-2025 applies to gasoline engine oils formulated from base oils and various additives, specifically designed for use in automotive spark-ignition four-stroke gasoline engines. This standard is mandatory for manufacturers producing lubricants for the Chinese automotive market. It does not apply to diesel engine oils, which are covered under GB 11122, although universal engine oils must meet the combined requirements of both standards.
Technical requirements
This standard specifies comprehensive technical requirements across three primary categories: viscosity-temperature performance, physicochemical and simulation performance, and engine test performance. The standard classifies oils into 14 quality grades, ranging from legacy SF to the latest SP, GF-6A, and GF-6B categories, aligning with international API and SAE specifications. For physicochemical properties, the standard mandates strict limits on parameters such as foam characteristics, evaporation loss, phosphorus, and sulfur content. Modern grades like SP and GF-6 include stringent requirements for emulsion retention and rubber compatibility to address fuel dilution and seal compatibility in modern engines. Regarding engine performance, the standard outlines rigorous bench testing criteria. It evaluates parameters like piston deposits, valve train wear, sludge control, and fuel economy improvement (FEI). For the latest SP and GF-6 grades, the standard introduces critical tests for mitigating low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear, which are essential for turbocharged direct-injection engines.
Testing methods
The standard references a comprehensive suite of testing methods, primarily utilizing Chinese national (GB/T) and petroleum industry (SH/T, NB/SH/T) standards, alongside international ASTM methods for advanced engine sequences. Key evaluations include cold start viscosity (GB/T 6538), high-temperature high-shear viscosity (SH/T 0751), and the Noack evaporation loss (NB/SH/T 0059). Engine performance is validated through standardized sequences such as Sequence IIIH, IVB, VH, and IX, assessing oxidation, wear, deposit formation, and LSPI mitigation.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 11121-2025?
GB 11121-2025 regulates gasoline engine oils formulated from base oils and multiple additives, specifically designed for use in automotive spark-ignition four-stroke gasoline engines. It is not applicable to diesel engine oils, which are covered under GB 11122, though universal engine oils must meet both standards.
Are there any significant updates from the previous GB 11121-2006 version?
The 2025 version is a mandatory revision replacing GB 11121-2006. Key updates include the removal of outdated quality tiers (SE, GF-1, GF-2) and the introduction of modern specifications such as SP, GF-6A, and GF-6B. It also incorporates new engine testing protocols like ASTM D8291 (Sequence IX) and ASTM D8279 (Timing Chain Wear) to address modern engine technologies like turbocharged direct-injection systems.
How does GB 11121-2025 differ from international standards like API or ASTM?
GB 11121-2025 heavily references and aligns with international methodologies, utilizing API 1509 for licensing guidelines and incorporating ASTM testing standards (such as ASTM D8111 and D8256) for various performance sequences. However, it integrates these with specific Chinese national (GB/T) and industry (SH/T, NB/SH/T) testing methods, meaning compliance requires verifying results through these designated localized testing protocols.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 11121-2025. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 11121-2025 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Product
- CCS
- E34
- ICS
- 75.100
- Competent department
- National Energy Administration
- Technical committee
- National Energy Administration
Relationships
Replaces:GB 11121-2006 (Current)