Lubricant characteristics and performances are managed by standard or industrial organizations such as ACEA.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a London based United Nations agency that sets global standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.

The Organization defines the international shipping policy and plays a key role in achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) establishes a framework for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel under a new Clean Water Act (CWA). VIDA phases out provisions of the VGP (Vessel General Permit) and existing USCG regulations over 4 years. The provisions of VIDA are under assessment.

The last (2013) VGP expired on 18 December 2018. Since VIDA supplants the VGP, a new VGP will not be issued. However, the requirements under the existing (2013) VGP remain in full force and effect beyond their expiration date, until the EPA and the USCG finalize and implement the new regulations that VIDA requires.

All vessels trading to the US should continue to maintain compliance with the existing VGP until the new regulations are finalized.