By Miles Moore, Senior Washington Reporter
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 21, 2013) — Global standards body NSF International has introduced a quality certification program for makers of aftermarket tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors to ensure their compatibility with OE sensors.
NSF International worked together with a number of TPMS suppliers and aftermarket groups, including the Tire Industry Association, to develop the certification program, which will be voluntary.
The NSF's Tire Pressure Monitoring Certification Program requires independent review and testing of TPMS and TPMS components against OE service parts to ensure the highest level of performance from NSF Certified sensors, the NSF said.
In addition, the NSF will audit manufacturing facilities and quality systems for TPMS sensors to ensure they meet or exceed the stringent protocol requirements of the standard, the body said.
To maintain certification, TPMS sensor manufacturers will have to undergo quarterly facility audits and in-market parts testing, the NSF said.
The certification program is consistent with the requirements of the Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which mandated the placement of TPMS in every new car sold after Sept. 1, 2007.
Founded in 1944, Ann Arbor-based NSF International is a global public health and safety organization that writes standards and conducts testing and certification for the food, water and consumer goods industries.
The NSF will maintain a list on its website of all TPMS sensors that meet NSF International's certification requirements and are authorized to bear the NSF Certification Mark.
Other companies and entities that participated in the writing of the new standards included the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association; Belle Tire Distributors Inc.; ATEQ USA; Tiremetrix L.L.C. ; Orange Electronics; and F3 Automotive Test Fit Labs.
The TPMS program complements the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program that was launched in 2010, the NSF said.
For more information about the TPMS or Automotive Collision Replacement Parts programs, visit the NSF website.
