LB Certification

LB Specification

(A) Vehicle manufacturer’s requirements may be more restrictive; grease containers should display the NLGI Grade as well as category designation.

(B) The fretting wear requirement is significant in passenger car and light-duty truck service, but it was not known to be significant in heavy-duty truck applications at the time this specification was developed. As of November 2020, submitting D4170 data is optional. When ASTM approves the revisions, D4170 data will be required.

(C) For anyone experiencing issues with D1743 (see below), you are still required to submit the result to NLGI whether you receive a failing or passing result.

D1743 (Rust Protection) Amended Process

• If the product receives a passing result for D1743 along with passing results in the other tests, the product receives an approval.
• If the product receives a failing result for D1743, you may use EMCOR (ASTM D6138 Distilled Water) as a substitute. If the product passes EMCOR (ASTM D6138 Distilled Water), Pass = 0, 1 or better, the product receives an approval*.
• If the product receives a failing result for EMCOR (ASTM D6138 Distilled Water) and/or the manufacturer does not want to submit for EMCOR, the product would be categorized as a provisionally approved product and listed on NLGI’s website with a “P” designation.
• If the product fails ASTM D1743 and the manufacturer can demonstrate it passed via third-party or in-house testing lab within the past five years and the formulation and method of manufacture have not changed, the product will receive an approval.

*IF utilizing option 2, 3 or 4: Once testing issues with D1743 are resolved, any product listed with a provisional designation, (P), will be required to be retested and produce passing results. Those results must be submitted to NLGI within six months after the D1743 testing issues are resolved.

Please note, the amended process set forth will remain in effect for 24 months (i.e. May 2026) or until ASTM resolves the issue with D1743, whichever comes first. NLGI reserves the right to change or modify the requirements for the NLGI Certification Mark(s).

How To Apply (Forms Coming Soon)

Applications use three forms. Form NLGI-01 and Form NLGI-02 are the same for all certification marks. Form NLGI-03 depends on the certification mark you are applying for.

1. Review Form NLGI-01 (procedures).
2. Complete Form NLGI-02 (license agreement for trademark use).
3. Complete the Form NLGI-03 - LB for your certification mark.
4. Email completed forms to [email protected].
5. Once approval has been granted, NLGI HQ will issue an invoice.
6. Once the invoice has been paid, NLGI will provide the paid invoice, signed copy of the paperwork and the LB mark logo for packaging. The approved product will be added to the NLGI website.

All approved products are subject to an annual, randomized audit comprised of 4 to 6 randomized tests to ensure product performance.

Questions

[email protected] | 816-524-2500

Fee Schedule (2026 USD Per Product)

Upon receipt of payment, NLGI supplies the applicant a signed copy of application, the paid invoice and the mark logos for packaging.

Questions

[email protected] | 816-524-2500

Annual Renewal

LB Certification Mark Users receive an annual renewal invoice from NLGI. LB does not receive an annual license agreement.

See All Certification Mark Products Certified

Use the search and filters below to find certified products across GC-LB, GC, LB and HPM.

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Audit

All approved products are subject to an annual, randomized audit comprised of 4-6 randomized tests to ensure product performance.

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