Proof that motor oil comes from Petroleum Oil

[widman]

I have been challenged by a Customs Official to prove that at least 70% of standard motor oil, transmission oil, etc. comes from petroleum. He will be satified if I can supply him a web site or public information site that says this.
I realize this is like proving that my teak desk was once a tree, but he insists that I give him more information.
Has anyone come across a site that can demonstrate this?
I've already given him various references, including " Base oil is the petroleum component of the lubricant. Generally, the base oil comprises eighty percent of the lubricant, with the remainder being additives." from one of the pages here. The funny thing is that I would pay LESS taxes if it was not.
I'll try any links you can suggest.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Just pay the guy off, that's what he's looking for.

 

[Shannow]

Would an MSDS help ?

 

[widman]

I sent him one, but maybe I need to teach him how to read it?

 

[Bob Woods]

Generally, the base oil comprises eighty percent of the lubricant, with the remainder being additives."

Even the additives are nothing but oil with zinc, etc added. Ethyl Corp is one company that sells additive packages.

 

[widman]

We all "know" that 80% rule, but he wants something written by someone. sort of like the cop pulling you over for doing 100 in a 50 mph zone and requesting that you prove yourself quilty. You know you were speeding, he knows it, but he has no radar and wants YOU to prove it. He no problem with a product that says "contains 40% asphault" since the remaining part can't be over 70%, whether it is petrolemo or not. Same with a grease I have that says "contains 80% lithium".
I think his problem with the msds sheets is they are too general: "mineral oil", "processed mineral oil", "highly refined mineral oil", "severely refined mineral oil", etc. I hope he doesn't ask for definitions and distinctions of those terms.
So I'm hoping someone has a link somewhere.

 

[Bob Woods]

Sounds to me like he'e too lazy to do his own research, maybe he doesn't know that Google exsists?

 

[haley10]

The only lube this guy has in mind is setting his palm greased.

Seriously, he probably can't read an MSDS either.

Maybe try an e-mail to regional Castrol, Citgo, Exxon/Mobil rep. or similar to give a statement. A local rep. might carry some weight.

 

[batterycar]

quote:

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Originally posted by widman:
I have been challenged by a Customs Official to prove that at least 70% of standard motor oil, transmission oil, etc. comes from petroleum.

---

Why?

 

[quadrun1]

Widman, create a website saying that it's so!

"It's gotta be true, I read it on the internet!"

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

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I have been challenged by a Customs Official to prove that at least 70% of standard motor oil, transmission oil, etc. comes from petroleum. He will be satified if I can supply him a web site or public information site that says this.

---

I would go to the Mobil web site, since they have a diagram of the crude processing steps. Even synthesized group IV and V fluids come from petroleum.

I would also query him as to what point of law he is asking this. Does he even have the authority to deny your goods/transportation based on this question?

 

[TC]

MOTOR OIL (3 Links)
"The base oil package in any oil makes up anywhere from 70 to 95 percent of the mix, the rest comprised of additives." http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/2002/8/motor_oil/index4.phtml

http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cach...aterial+safety+data+sheet+base&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:YuALNblXyT8J:seweb1.phillips66.com/hes%255CMSDS.nsf/MSDSID/US776113/%24file/776113.pdf+motor+oil+material+safety+data+sheet+base&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

ATF (4 Links)
http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:NMOEQKF8cT0J:seweb2.phillips66.com/hes%255CMSDS.nsf/MSDSID/US775082/%24file/775082.pdf+automatic+transmission+fluid+material+safety+data+sheet+ petroleum+base+oil&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:brBDEOVMZZQJ:www.texacoxpresslube.com/images/products/pdfs/trans_merconv.pdf+automatic+transmission+fluid+material+safety+data+sheet+petroleum+ base+oil&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:vomfG2TyEqEJ:www.pennzoil-quakerstate.com/MSDS/014/014958.pdf+automatic+transmission+fluid+material+safety+data+sheet+petroleum+base+oil&hl=en& ie=UTF-8
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...transmission+fluid+composition&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

[ January 26, 2004, 02:51 AM: Message edited by: TC ]

 

[widman]

Thanks for the links.... I'm going to start on them.

And,yes, this guy does have power. When you import something it has to get classified in the tariff book within the categories set out by international treaties. For 8 years I've had everything categorized and been paying duties. Now this guy wants proof that it is correct. He has the power to hold all importations until he is satisfied, and block all progress until he is a happy camper. Is it fair? No. It's politics and machismo.