RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – When purchasing original equipment and aftermarket motor vehicle safety devices and associated products, the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute (TSEI) encourages original equipment manufacturers, distributors and ultimately, consumers to ensure that both the packaging and product contain manufacturer marks and labels.

“TSEI members, who are all reputable manufacturers of North American lighting and safety products, voluntarily mark their packaging and products with their company name and/or logo,” said Jeremy Denton, director of TSEI. “Having the company name molded into or labeled on the lens or housing ensures that after the product is installed and the packaging has been thrown away, there is manufacturer traceability should a problem occur.”

Consumers who experience compliance or performance issues, but have purchased products that have not been marked by the manufacturer may find it difficult to obtain a refund or replacement item.

“Companies that voluntarily mark their products tend to stand behind them,” said Jeffrey Giannelli, president of The Cortina Companies and president of TSEI. “Suppliers that do not mark their products with logos or compliance marking (normally off shore) are difficult, if at all possible, to locate. Suppliers that mark their products, on the other hand, often have support facilities available to the customer or end-user.”