The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has created a new CAPA seal specifically for certified lighting products. The new seal for lighting is smaller than the seal used for sheet metal and plastic parts, and includes the prefix "L" before the number for "Lighting." 

The smaller seal is literally a better fit for lighting parts, which may have a limited area upon which to apply the seal. Whether for metal, plastic, or lighting parts, the purpose of the tamper-proof seal remains the same according to CAPA: To identify every CAPA certified part.

The top portion of the seal is designed to stay permanently on the part. The lower portion is designed to be removed and placed on the repair order to verify the use of a CAPA part. Every seal has a unique number that makes possible part traceability from the manufacturer to the vehicle on which the part is ultimately installed.

The CAPA Seal search function, available on www.capacertified.org, enables users to search its database by entering the CAPA seal number. Visitors can obtain information about a particular part by entering the unique CAPA seal number free of charge. This system will provide instant verification that the part is currently certified.

"As CAPA certified lighting parts begin to enter the market, it is crucial that the industry know how to tell the difference between certified and non-certified parts," said Jack Gillis, CAPA executive director. "Whether it's a fender, a bumper cover, or a headlamp, if it doesn't have a CAPA seal, it is not CAPA certified." This built-in confirmation enables each segment of the industry to have confidence in the fact that when they request CAPA certified parts, they actually receive them.

There are currently more than ten CAPA certified lighting part numbers from three manufacturers, with nearly 500 more lights in the certification process. Stated Gillis, "As quality-minded manufacturers join the program and submit their parts to CAPA's comprehensive quality standards, the industry, and ultimately the American consumer, can look forward to increasing numbers of high quality, CAPA certified lighting parts available for use in collision repairs."

More light fixtures certified

In other CAPA news, Gordon Auto Body Parts Co., Ltd. has certified two of their parts (headlamps for the Chevrolet Silverado, 1999-02 and Chevrolet Subur-ban, 2000-05) to the CAPA Lighting Standard 301. Gordon is the largest supplier of CAPA certified parts in the U.S. market and these parts are their first entrée into automotive lighting.

"By expanding their manufacturing efforts to include quality automotive lighting, Gordon has demonstrated that they are willing to meet the demand of the collision repair industry for CAPA certified lighting," said Gillis. Gordon is committed to 100% certification of their lighting products which reinforces their long-time commitment to quality in the metal and plastic parts arena.