CEC is an Industry-based organisation for the development of new Test Procedures for the performance testing of Automotive Engine Oils and Fuels (using gasoline & diesel engines) and Transmission Fluids. In addition, it covers Marine & Large Engine Oils, Two-stroke Engine Oils, Associated Bench Tests and Industrial & Hydraulic Fluids.
It maintains existing tests on an ongoing basis, concentrating on quality assurance (it forms part of EELQMS -European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System) and maintaining confidentiality amongst Stakeholders. It also manages the provision of Reference Fluids (lubricants and fuels) for its tests.
CEC is based in Brussels and maintains a Secretariat also in Brussels.
Stakeholders and Members of CEC are:
ATC (Association of European Additive Manufacturers)
ATIEL (Association of European Lubricant Manufacturers)
ACEA (Association of European Vehicle Manufacturers)
CONCAWE (European Refining EH&S organisation)
CEC was established over 30 years ago and now has more than 1500 participants from over 300 companies.
Representatives are able to contribute in CEC affairs at all levels.
The essential objective of the CEC is to develop performance test methods on behalf of the industries it represents in a timely, quality focussed and cost effective manner and to ensure that such methods relate to marketplace demand.
In order to be effective, efficient and flexible a lean organisational structure has been established consisting of the following:
The Management Board runs the organisation and consists of 2 delegates from each member organisation and a chairman. It oversees Test Development, Surveillance and Support Groups and manages the organisation, meeting typically every 8 weeks. Individual Board members are responsible for dedicated activities.
The Secretariat publishes and sells all CEC Test Methods, manages the CEC Website and supports the whole organisation, in particular the Management Board.
Test Development Groups (TDGs) are responsible for new test development and define the test protocol. Members include the hardware supplier, contributing sponsor companies and supporting specialists, including Reference Fluids and a Statistician.
Surveillance Groups (SGs) maintain an existing Test Method and its quality and solve technical problems. Membership is similar to a Test Development Group.
Support Groups include a Statistical Development Group, which allocates a Statistician to each Group to assist in the assurance of quality test results. The Rating Group ensures consistent rating across the industry and runs regular Workshops. Reference Fuels and Reference Lubricants Groups organise a suite of reference fluids for use within test development and surveillance groups to ensure consistency of reference test fluids used.
Membership of any group is not restricted to members of the involved industry associations. Independent laboratories and other interested parties play a very significant role in most Groups.
