SEMA Show, Day Three: NSF to certify TPMS sensors

Nov. 7, 2013

NSF International is launching a certification program specifying safety and quality requirements for automotive in-wheel tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors for the aftermarket parts industry.

Consistent with the Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, NSF International’s Tire Pressure Monitoring Certification Program requires independent review and testing against original equipment (OE) service parts to ensure the highest level of performance from NSF-certified sensors. 

Additionally, NSF International audits the manufacturing facilities and quality systems to ensure that they meet or exceed NSF’s stringent protocol requirements for the manufacture of automotive tire pressure monitoring sensors. To maintain certification, manufacturers of NSF-certified tire pressure monitoring system sensors will undergo quarterly facility audits and in-market parts testing to validate the quality and integrity of the NSF-certified sensors.

Engineers, regulators, manufacturers and industry associations developed the NSF Tire Pressure Monitoring Certification Program to respond to growing concerns that ineffective tire monitoring sensors are being installed in vehicles. The following companies helped developed the protocol in which the certification program is based: the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Belle Tire, ATEQ, the Tire Industry Association, Tiremetrix LLC, Orange Electronics, F3 Labs and NSF International.  The program fills a void as certification for tire pressure sensors was not available until now, says NSF.

The new NSF Tire Pressure Monitoring Certification Program complements the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program.  Since the NSF auto parts program was launched in 2010, it has tested and certified thousands of lamps, fenders, sheet metal components, steel bumpers, bumper fascias, step bumpers, brackets, reinforcement bars (rebars), plastic components and absorbers verifying compliance with rigid quality, safety and performance standards.

According to Bob Frayer, director of NSF International’s Automotive Collision Certification Programs and Engineering Laboratories, “Similar to the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program, NSF International’s new Tire Pressure Monitoring Certification will help meet the needs of companies manufacturing tire pressure monitoring sensors, regulators who strive to keep drivers safe on the road and consumers who want reliable tire pressure monitoring systems.” 

In a recent independent survey conducted on behalf of NSF, a significant number of consumers affirmed that the quality and safety of automobiles are a major concern.  Manufacturers of auto parts are responding by choosing to pursue NSF Certification as proof of the quality of their parts, and more bodyshops and distributors continue to choose NSF Certified automotive parts.

All tire pressure sensors that meet NSF International's certification requirements will be listed on NSF’s website and are authorized to bear the NSF Certification Mark.

NSF also offers Automotive Collision Parts Distributor Certification, which requires distributors to have quality management systems in place that address traceability, service and quality issues