Background.  Global DHD-1 was jointly developed by the Association des Constructeurs Européens de l'Automobile (ACEA), the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). It is a performance specification for engine oils used in high-speed diesel engines designed to meet 1998 and newer exhaust emission standards. Oils meeting this specification are also compatible with certain older engines.

Engine oils meeting the minimum performance requirements of Global DHD-1 are intended to provide a consistent oil performance worldwide. They may be recommended by engine manufacturers to maintain engine durability wherever their engine is used. This specification identifies engine oils for use under adverse applications that require maximum protection against wear, high-temperature piston deposits and excellent soot handling properties. In addition, Global DHD-1 provides engine oils with protection against lead and copper corrosion, oxidative thickening, aeration, and viscosity loss due to shear.

The testing includes a combination of engine and bench tests from the current API CH-4, ACEA E3/E5 and Japanese DX-1 categories.  

Claims.  DHD-1 is implemented as an “on-file” system. Once a marketer has sufficient data to demonstrate that an oil is DHD-1 capable, the marketer may make the claim. No licensing or approval bodies exist to formally approve a DHD-1 performance claim. However, if an OEM or an end-user challenges a claim, the marketer must be able to provide supporting data.