NSF International has certified the first automotive parts distributor under the new NSF International Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program, which certifies distributors who sell automotive collision parts. The program addresses the needs of collision repair shops, insurers and ultimately consumers, as it requires distributors to have quality management systems in place that address parts traceability, service and quality.
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program helps close the gap in the supply chain between part manufacturers and body shops. LKQ Corporation, a distributor of collision parts, is the first company to earn this automotive parts distributor certification from NSF International.
Certification Requirements
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program requires formal corrective action to complaints and an immediate recall plan, if necessary. To earn certification, LKQ was required to demonstrate that it has effective records systems and inventory tracking systems to track orders and parts through the supply chain. LKQ also met the following criteria as required by NSF:
- an ISO 9001-certified quality management system,
- a part traceability and inventory tracking system,
- a defective parts procedure including a customer part complaint process, and
- the ability to administer a manufacturer’s recall.
Benefits of Certification
Having met all of the certification requirements, LKQ is now able to use the NSF Certified Distributor mark on its website and promotional materials, which indicates it is an NSF automotive parts certified distributor. LKQ also is included in NSF’s online certification listings and will undergo ongoing quality system inspections to maintain certification.
NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program complements the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program, which certifies the actual automotive collision replacement parts (e.g. steel bumpers, step bumpers, brackets, rebars, sheet metal, lighting and absorbers). The latter program certifies that the parts meet rigid quality, safety and performance standards in terms of form, fit and function.
“Launched in July as an extension of NSF International’s public health and safety mission, the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program certifies the ability of distributors, such as LKQ, to meet rigid performance standards, including having an effective system to track orders and parts,” said Bob Frayer, Director of NSF International’s Automotive Parts Certification Programs and Engineering Laboratories. “Through their certification, LKQ Corporation has demonstrated their commitment to the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program and their support for the program’s rigid performance standards.”
“LKQ Corporation is proud to be the first NSF certified distributor under the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program. We believe NSF’s unique program adds another stringent quality assurance process within parts distribution that ultimately benefits our customers,” said Terry Fortner, LKQ Vice President of Industry Relations and Market Development.
