Folha de S. Paulo - 14/08/2011

Automotive parts and accessories will be inspected by Inmetro (National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality). The initiative is part of the Compulsory Certification Program for Automotive Components. In order to receive the Inmetro seal, products will have to meet the security requirements described in Ordinance 301, published in the Official Gazette on July 21.

“The goal is to make it mandatory to meet safety requirements for auto parts used in the aftermarket, as those used in new vehicles are subjected to the quality process established and controlled by the automakers,” says Alfredo Lobo, director of Quality at Inmetro.
The Inmetro seal will be mandatory for auto parts for vehicles manufactured or imported from January 1, 2000.

Components for the assembly line, recall and offline cars that were manufactured until December 31, 1999 are exempt.

According to the coordinator of the GMA (Automotive Maintenance Group), Antônio Carlos Bento, the measure will serve 71% of the circulating fleet in Brazil, estimated at more than 40 million vehicles.

“We are taking an important step to guarantee the origin and quality standard of products in the aftermarket. The consumer will be able to demand parts with the Inmetro seal ”, he says.

Manufacturers and importers will have until January 2013 to adapt to the new standards. The trade will have until July 2014 to make items available in retail in accordance with the rule.

The ordinance includes seven components for the aftermarket: suspension dampers, electric fuel pumps, horns, aluminum alloy pistons, lock pins and rings, piston rings, bearings and lamps for automotive vehicles.

Windshield safety glasses (tempered and laminated), tires and wheels are already regulated products.

PIRACY

For Sindipeças (National Union of the Industry of Components for Motor Vehicles), the certification of components reduces the risk of accidents and inhibits the illegal trade in counterfeit parts and accessories.

“Like what happened in the toy market, Inmetro's certification and seal will combat piracy and create barriers to the entry of goods into the country that do not respect minimum quality standards,” says Paulo Butori, president of Sindipeças.

New in Brazil, the standard is already a reality in the USA, Australia and countries of the European Union.

Inmetro was based on American and European rules to develop the Brazilian program.