LAS VEGAS – NSF International is developing an automotive aftermarket collision parts distributor certification program that is says 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.

NSF and ABPA announced the new partnership this week at NACE. NSF International is an independent not-for-profit organization that certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment.

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 ultimately consumers. To earn NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification, some of the criteria distributors will be required to have include:

• an ISO 9001-certified quality management system
• a part compliance process for defective parts
• the ability to recall structural parts.

All distributors meeting NSF’s rigorous certification requirements will be authorized to utilize the NSF Mark on their websites and promotional materials. The certified distributor will also appear on NSF’s certification listings webpage.

To maintain certification, all NSF Certified distributors will undergo ongoing facility inspections.

For more information about the NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program, visit www.nsfautomotive.com.