NSF launches aftermarket parts certification program
Developed over growing concerns about lower quality parts in auto repair industry
NFS International is an independent not-for-profit organization that certifies products and writing standards for food, water, dietary supplements and consumer goods. Its new, one-of-a-kind Automotive Parts Certification Program was developed to counter the growing concerns that lower quality parts were being used in the automotive repair industry. Certification from an accredited third-party, such as NSF International, is designed to help ensure that an aftermarket auto part meets rigid quality, safety and performance standards.? The Program offers independent, third-party certification of steel bumpers, step bumpers, absorbers, reinforcement bars and brackets.
Reflexxion Automotive and Production Bumper Stamping, Inc. (PBSI), which manufacture Diamond Standard brand parts, are the first companies to participate in NSF International’s Automotive Parts Certification Program. The certification program includes:
-On-site inspection and approval of the manufacturing facilities’ production and quality system.
-In-plant part quality assurance requirements.
-Rigorous part testing to ensure the highest levels of performance.
-Comparison to original equipment (OE) parts across dimensional and material attributes.
-Ongoing monitoring of certified parts through quarterly facility audits.
-Random, in-market part testing.
-An ongoing process for monitoring and taking action regarding customer complaints.
-A traceability requirement that allows for an effective recall process.
-Automotive parts that complete the requirements of this NSF certification program will bear the NSF Mark.
Appraising his company’s decision to use the new program, Michael O’Neal of Diamond Standard (www.diamondstandardparts.com), said, “The events of the last few weeks concerning crash related safety parts illustrate the glaring need for certification to assure the consumer, collision repair shop, independent distributor and insurance industry that the parts utilized for the repairs of a vehicle maintain the integrity of the original collision management system. NSF International’s 65-year history of certification, testing and inspections coupled with its extensive automotive industry experience, provides the confidence that the collision repair industry can rely on.”
"When any collision repair professional or insurance company sees the NSF Mark on an automotive part, they can be confident that the part meets the industry's highest standards,” said Bob Frayer, Director, NSF International Engineering Laboratories. “NSF Certification also allows manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to product quality and safety."??Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, NSF International has over 1,100 automotive clients, approximately 700 employees, operates in over 120 countries worldwide, and certifies more than 275,000 products.
For more information on the program, contact http://www.nsf.org
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