For hydraulic oils, industrial gear oils, turbine oils, and compressor oils, it is essential to distinguish between the applicable product standard, testing standards, regulatory requirements for market placement, and customer-specific technical requirements.
In China, a standard bearing the prefix GB may be mandatory or voluntary, depending on its designation and regulatory status. GB/T generally identifies a recommended national standard, while SH/T identifies a petrochemical industry standard. A voluntary standard may nevertheless become contractually binding or applicable through a regulation or a technical specification incorporated into a regulatory requirement.
The purpose of this document is to identify the standards to be checked before manufacturing, importing, selling, or using these lubricants in China, with particular attention to the editions applicable as of October 2026.
1. Reference table of applicable standards
The following are the main references identified in China’s official national standards catalogue, with their reported status as of October 26, 2026.
| Lubricant category | Chinese standard | Status and application |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic oils | GB 11118.1-2011 | Standard reported as currently in force |
| Hydraulic oils — new edition | GB 11118-2026 | Published standard scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2027 |
| Industrial enclosed gear oils | GB 5903-2011 | Product standard reported as in force |
| Turbine oils | GB 11120-2011 | Product standard reported as in force |
| Air compressor oils | GB/T 12691-2021 | Recommended national standard reported as in force |
| Gear lubricant classification | GB/T 7631.7-2025 | Recommended standard effective May 1, 2026 |
| Compressor lubricant classification | GB/T 7631.9-2014 | Recommended standard reported as in force |
| Turbine lubricant classification | GB/T 7631.10-2013 | Recommended standard reported as in force |
Sources: China’s national standards platform, SAMR and SAC.
Regulatory point to note: For GB 5903-2011 and GB 11120-2011, the absence of the “/T” designation does not, by itself, establish every compliance obligation applicable to a particular product or situation. Their regulatory status must be confirmed in the official catalogue, and any applicable industry-specific regulations must also be reviewed. Conversely, GB/T 12691-2021 is explicitly listed as a recommended standard.
2. Hydraulic oils: GB 11118
The standard covers five hydraulic oil categories, identified by the following codes: L-HL, L-HM, L-HV, L-HS and L-HG.
| Code | Main function |
|---|---|
| L-HL | Hydraulic oil with rust-preventive and antioxidant properties |
| L-HM | Anti-wear hydraulic oil |
| L-HV | Hydraulic oil with a high viscosity index |
| L-HS | Hydraulic oil intended for special operating conditions, including thermal requirements |
| L-HG | Hydraulic oil with properties suitable for systems combining hydraulic functions and slideways |
These designations indicate a functional classification; they do not, by themselves, specify an ISO VG viscosity grade.
Regulatory transition
- Until January 31, 2027: GB 11118.1-2011 is the applicable reference.
- From February 1, 2027: GB 11118-2026 must be applied in accordance with its provisions, as it replaces the previous edition.
The new edition has been published, but its effective date is deferred. It is therefore advisable to prepare the necessary updates to technical documentation and quality-control procedures in advance.
3. Industrial gear oils: GB 5903-2011
This standard covers lubricating oils for industrial enclosed gear systems.
The main technical characteristics to review in the technical documentation include:
- Kinematic viscosity.
- Protection against wear and surface damage.
- Resistance to oxidation and deposit formation.
- Corrosion and rust protection.
- Water separation and anti-foaming properties, where applicable.
The complementary classification standard, GB/T 7631.7-2025, organizes industrial lubricants in functional group C, covering gear systems. It has been effective since May 1, 2026, and replaces GB/T 7631.7-1995.
This classification helps identify the lubricant’s functional category, but it does not replace the performance requirements of the applicable product standard or equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
These industrial gear oils should not be confused with automotive transmission oils, which are subject to different specifications.
4. Turbine oils: GB 11120-2011
Chinese standard GB 11120-2011, entitled Lubricating Oils for Turbines (涡轮机油), is currently reported as in force. It covers lubricating oils for turbine applications.
The complementary classification standard is GB/T 7631.10-2013, functional group T.
Relevant technical parameters include:
- Kinematic viscosity and viscosity index.
- Oxidation stability.
- Foaming tendency.
- Demulsibility.
- Corrosion protection.
- Performance in the presence of water and contaminants.
The exact requirements and acceptance limits must be obtained from the official text of GB 11120-2011 and compared with the turbine manufacturer’s requirements.
An oil intended for a steam turbine should not automatically be considered suitable for a gas turbine or for an application with specific operating requirements. Suitability must be established for the intended application.
5. Compressor oils: GB/T 12691-2021
Standard GB/T 12691-2021 is the currently applicable recommended national standard for air compressor oils. It became effective on July 1, 2022, replacing, among other standards, GB/T 12691-1990 and GB/T 5904-1986.
The complementary functional classification is GB/T 7631.9-2014, group D, covering compressor lubricants.
To establish technical compliance, the following aspects should be identified and assessed:
- Compressor type: reciprocating, rotary screw, vane, etc.
- Lubrication system and potential contact with compressed air.
- Required viscosity grade.
- Resistance to oxidation and deposit formation.
- Corrosion protection and anti-foaming properties.
- Risk of residue formation, particularly in compressors operating at elevated temperatures.
Important: GB/T 12691-2021 is a recommended standard and should not be presented as a universal regulatory requirement for every compressor lubricant. However, equipment manufacturer requirements, installation safety requirements, and contractual conditions may make compliance with this standard necessary.
6. What are the requirements for marketing these oils in China?
Product conformity, labelling, importation, and environmental obligations must be assessed separately.
A. Product conformity
Identify the product standard applicable to each commercial product, verify its official status, and demonstrate conformity with the relevant characteristics and test methods. A technical data sheet stating only an ISO VG grade or an ISO classification is not sufficient.
B. Quality control and traceability
Maintain a compliance file containing product specifications, test results, batch traceability records, safety data sheets, and supporting evidence of conformity.
Whether an accredited laboratory or independent third-party testing is required depends on the applicable regulatory or contractual requirements.
C. Chinese-language labelling and documentation
Check the applicable requirements concerning language, manufacturer or importer identification, product designation, safety precautions, and the standard claimed on the label.
The specific information required depends on the product and the applicable rules.
D. Importation and industry-specific requirements
Verify the customs classification, import conditions, rules applicable to chemical substances, and requirements specific to the customer’s industry.
Not all industrial lubricants are automatically subject to the same authorisation or approval regime.
China’s official standards framework distinguishes between mandatory national standards and recommended standards. Additional technical requirements may also arise from regulations and industry-specific provisions.
Consequently, there is no single certification procedure that automatically covers every industrial lubricating oil.
7. Recommended compliance plan
For each lubricant product, the following structure is recommended for the compliance file.
| Step | Document or verification | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Formulation and intended-use identification | Clearly defined lubricant category |
| 2 | Verification against the SAMR standards catalogue | Applicable standard and edition confirmed |
| 3 | Analysis of standard requirements | Table of parameters and acceptance limits |
| 4 | Test reports | Documented results and traceable test methods |
| 5 | Technical data sheet and safety data sheet | Documentation consistent with the formulation |
| 6 | Chinese labelling review | Applicable regulatory statements verified |
| 7 | Import requirements and customer specifications review | Compliance file adapted to the intended sales channel |
The official references can be consulted on the Chinese National Standards Platform and the National Standards Information Public Service Platform.
8. Information needed to prepare a practical regulatory compliance matrix
An important distinction must be made between lubricants manufactured in China, lubricants imported for sale in China, and lubricants supplied to a Chinese industrial customer under a technical specification.
The product standards may be the same, but documentary obligations and inspection requirements may differ.
To prepare a more detailed compliance matrix, the following information is required.
A. Intended market
- Import from Europe and sale in China
- Manufacturing in China
- Supply to a Chinese industrial customer or OEM
B. Product categories
- Hydraulic oils.
- Industrial gear oils.
- Turbine oils.
- Compressor oils.
C. Required deliverable
- Regulatory matrix: mandatory and recommended standards, official status, and effective dates.
- Testing matrix: test methods under GB, SH/T and ISO standards, including acceptance limits where available in the official texts.
- Import compliance checklist: regulatory requirements for importation and Chinese-language labelling.
The final compliance file should clearly distinguish confirmed legal obligations from items requiring additional regulatory verification.
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