Dear OEM Members,
UOMA Canada programs are advising producers of an upcoming update to the OEM Initial Fill reporting categories and associated remittance portals calculators used to report lubricants, antifreeze, filters, and related materials supplied through the manufacture of new vehicles and equipment.
Following an independent review conducted by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, the OEM Initial Fill category table and associated remittance portal calculators have been updated to better reflect current vehicle and equipment specifications, technological developments, fluid capacities, and market conditions. The update also introduces new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) categories and revises assumptions for several equipment classes.
The updated category tables and calculator will apply to products supplied to participating UOMA Canada jurisdictions on January 1, 2027.
To ensure the methodology continues to provide accurate and representative estimates, UOMA Canada programs retained DesRosiers Automotive Consultants to review current vehicle and equipment specifications, fluid capacities, filter quantities, and market composition across automotive, agricultural, forestry, construction, and other equipment categories.
The updated methodology uses current sales-weighted automotive data and representative equipment specifications to provide more accurate estimates of OEM Initial Fill quantities where actual data is not available. Dedicated BEV categories have also been introduced to reflect the different lubricant, coolant, and filter profiles of battery electric vehicles.
The objective is to improve reporting accuracy and consistency across participating UOMA Canada programs. The update is not intended to increase or decrease producer obligations overall; the impact on individual producers will depend on their specific product and equipment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered an OEM?
For Initial Fill reporting purposes, an OEM is generally a manufacturer that installs lubricants, antifreeze, filters, or other designated products in new vehicles or equipment before those products are supplied into participating UOMA Canada jurisdictions.
What is OEM Initial Fill?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Initial Fill refers to designated products installed by a manufacturer during the original assembly of a new vehicle or piece of equipment.
For reporting purposes, OEMs are generally manufacturers that sell or supply new vehicles and equipment into participating UOMA Canada jurisdictions.
OEM Initial Fill applies only to the initial factory fill or installation of products in new equipment. It does not include aftermarket products supplied for servicing, maintenance, repair, or replacement.
What does Initial Fill include?
Initial Fill includes designated products installed during the original manufacture or assembly of a new vehicle or piece of equipment, such as factory-installed engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, and filters.
What does Initial Fill not include?
Initial Fill does not include service-fill or maintenance products, replacement filters, replacement oil or antifreeze, or products supplied through dealerships, repair shops, distributors, or retail channels for ongoing maintenance. These products should be reported under the applicable supply categories.
Why were Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) categories added?
Battery electric vehicles have different lubricant, coolant, and filter requirements than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Dedicated BEV categories provide estimates that better reflect these differences.
Do I have to use the Initial Fill calculator?
No. Producers may report reliable actual installed quantities. The calculator is an approved alternative for producers that do not have access to actual installation data.
Are the changes the same across all equipment categories?
No. Some categories have changed only modestly, while others have more significant revisions based on updated equipment specifications and market data. Changes vary by vehicle and equipment type.
Will my reported quantities change?
They may. The revised methodology may result in higher estimated quantities for some categories and lower quantities for others. The impact will depend on each producer’s specific mix of vehicles and equipment.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For questions regarding the updated OEM Initial Fill methodology, reporting requirements, or calculator, please contact your applicable provincial UOMA program through the Contact page on the UOMA Canada website, or email enquiries@usedoilrecycling.ca.
