American Petroleum Institute and International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee 

How API and ILSAC work together towards GF-5

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) play an important role in the development of engine oil performance standards in the United States. The API has been involved in developing engine oil performance standards since the 1940s. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) formed ILSAC in the late 1980s because they were looking to improve the standards development process. The organization wanted a faster process, better quality oils, and improved consumer awareness. To achieve this ILSAC established the "GF" series of passenger car engine oil specifications to complement the API standards. Gasoline engine oils that meet both API and ILSAC standards represent the most up-to-date performance levels.

ILSAC is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) driven system that is composed of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). ILSAC specifications are created and approved through a committee that collaborates with other industry organizations, including the API and ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
The API has developed a Starburst Certification Mark to make it easier for consumers to select engine oils that meet the performance standards established by ILSAC/OIL. API administers the licensing of the ILSAC Certification Mark to qualifying oil marketers.  Licensed marketers display this symbol on the front of licensed motor oil product packaging.