The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) and Intertek, a global provider of quality-assurance testing, have entered into a license agreement granting Intertek exclusive rights to operate the CAPA certification program around the world.

Intertek has served as the testing and validation partner to CAPA for more than 26 years, “accumulating years of expertise in performance, quality and reliability standards for the [aftermarket] parts industry,” CAPA noted.

“In addition, due to the millions of dollars CAPA has invested in manufacturer education and training through Intertek, they have become a trusted partner of the now 68 CAPA-approved manufacturers,” the association said.

Under the agreement, Intertek will become the exclusive certifying body for CAPA and will administer the program, which includes continuing to manage program compliance, administering certification marks and labels, conducting testing and inspection services, performing marketing activities and day-to-day program oversight, according to CAPA.

“Given CAPA and Intertek’s over quarter-century relationship, this change will set the stage for significant U.S. and worldwide growth opportunities for CAPA,” said Jack Gillis, CAPA’s outgoing executive director.

CAPA will continue as an ANSI-approved, independent, non-profit standard-setting organization, developing and maintaining CAPA standards under the direction of CAPA’s Technical Committee, according to CAPA.

“At CAPA, our priority has always been to ensure that the market has access to high-quality, fairly priced alternative parts that provide the same functionality as a car company brand part,” said Clark Plucinski, CAPA’s board chair. “Our more than 26-year partnership with Intertek has set the stage for the logical transition of CAPA’s program management to this highly respected, international testing agency. Intertek’s extensive experience with the CAPA, CAPA manufacturers and automotive testing and certification will enable them to significantly grow the CAPA program. Due to the close partnership between CAPA and Intertek, manufacturers and the marketplace will note few outward changes to the program.”

With the change, Gillis and Debbie Klouser, CAPA’s director of operations, no longer will be managing CAPA’s day-to-day activities. Intertek Operations Manager Kerry Tapio and her team of CAPA staffers will take over daily operations. Tapio can be reached at [email protected] or (616) 656-7488.

“With the support of hundreds of diverse industry leaders, and Intertek, we’ve been able to take CAPA from a fledgling part-certification program to an internationally respected leader in aftermarket part quality and I’m very proud of being part of that process,” said Gillis. “Now that we’ve become a financially independent standard-setting authority, I hope to continue my association with CAPA as a consumer representative on the board.

Plucinski added: “Having completed one of the most successful years in CAPA’s 31-year history, this is a perfect time to set the stage for expanded growth and market access to high quality, CAPA Certified, aftermarket parts, and Intertek is perfectly positioned to do that.”