Lubricant traders warned to check Government agreement numbers

Daily Mirror and Newswire report that Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has cautioned businesses selling engine oil, gear oil, lubricants and grease to check that products show the required Government Agreement Number.

Newswire reports that Direction No. 88, issued in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2327/36 on April 12, 2023, prohibits importing or manufacturing lubricants and grease without a valid agreement with the Sri Lankan government. It says each unit that is stored, held as stock, sold, packed, repacked or offered for sale must display the number linked to its government agreement, on its container, packaging, wrapper or a label firmly fixed to it.

Newswire reports that retailers are covered even when they have no direct role in importing or making the goods. The CAA advises traders to confirm the number before buying stock, collect information about suppliers, importers or manufacturers, keep invoices and purchase bills, and review labels on products already being sold.

Newswire reports that the CAA is carrying out market checks and targeted raids to find breaches, with legal proceedings against responsible parties to follow investigations. Consumers may send complaints to the authority by calling 1977.