Manufacturer Facility Approval

In order for a part to be certified by CAPA, a participating manufacturer (the Participant) must first allow a detailed review and inspection of its factory and manufacturing process.

An independent testing laboratory (the Validator) determines whether the factory is able to meet CAPA's Quality Standards.

This evaluation determines whether the factory will be approved by CAPA.

Part Certification/Vehicle Test Fit

Once the factory has been approved, the Participant may submit individual parts for certification.

Samples of each part are tested for material properties, fit, finish, paint adhesion, coating performance, weld integrity, adhesive performance and corrosion, and are examined to confirm that they include markings identifying the participant and the country and date of manufacture.

If the sampled parts comply with all of the CAPA quality standards, then -- and only then -- the participant is allowed to apply a CAPA Quality Seal to that part -- the final step in the certification process.

Any part that does not have a CAPA Quality Seal may not be considered certified, regardless of how the part is listed in the CAPA directory or other information sources.

More information on the vehicle test fit portion of the certification process

Maintaining Part Quality

Once the manufacturing facility has been approved, and one or more parts have been approved for certification, the factory and parts are subject to regular random checks to verify that CAPA Quality Standards are continuously maintained.

CAPA also has a program which encourages users of parts bearing the CAPA Quality Seal to file a complaint if they believe the part may not meet our standards.

CAPA's random checks and complaint program may lead to the decertification of parts which are found to no longer comply with CAPA Quality Standards.

Warranty

CAPA does not warrant parts nor does it assume responsibility for the manufacturing or quality assurance process. The warranting of parts is between the buyer and seller.

Participants retain sole responsibility for their products, as well as the responsibility of ensuring that the products to which they affix the CAPA Quality Seal actually conform to the applicable Standards.

Through this program, Participants actually certify that their parts comply with CAPA Quality Standards.