NSF International is developing an automotive aftermarket collision parts distributor certification program that will close the gap in the supply chain between part manufacturers and body shops.
The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is working closely with NSF to identify the key features that will form the basis of the new program, which is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2011.
The NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program will be open to all distributors and cover all parts sold by a distributor, both certified and non-certified parts. The Distributor Certification Program will be designed to meet the needs of collision repair shops, insurers and consumers.
To earn NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification, some of the requirements that distributors will be required to have include:
- an ISO 9001 certified quality management system
- a part complaint process for defective parts, and
- the ability to recall structural parts.
All distributors meeting NSF’s rigorous certification requirements will be authorized to utilize the NSF Mark on their Web site and promotional materials. The certified distributor will also appear on NSF’s certification listings webpage.
“The NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program closes the gap between the parts manufacturer and the body shop by ensuring that certified distributors have the procedures in place to address traceability and quality issues,” said Bob Frayer, Director of NSF International’s Automotive Aftermarket Certification Programs and NSF’s Engineering Laboratories. “The new program will complement the existing NSF Automotive Aftermarket Parts Certification Program, which verifies that an automotive aftermarket part meets rigid quality, safety and performance standards in terms of form, fit and function.”
To maintain certification, all NSF Certified distributors will undergo ongoing facility inspections.
“The Automotive Service Association is pleased that ABPA and NSF International have chosen NACE 2010 as the venue to announce the development of the NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program. ASA appreciates the outreach from ABPA and NSF to include ASA member collision repair shops in the dialog and process that has culminated in this commitment to address the issues of traceability, safety and quality,” said Ron Pyle, President and Chief Staff Officer of the Automotive Service Association.
For more information about the NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program, contact Bob Frayer at 734-827-6825 or visit www.nsfautomotive.com.
