Standard for Spare Parts Retail
IAF-SRD v1.0 – Draft for Stakeholder Review
This page presents the scope, evaluation model, and certification process of our developing global standard for automotive spare parts retail and distribution.
What is it?
The IAF Standard for Spare Parts Retail & Distribution (IAF-SRD) defines a unified, internationally recognisable framework for shops, dealers, distributors, and platforms engaged in the sale and movement of automotive spare parts for passenger and commercial vehicles.
The standard establishes clear requirements around authenticity and traceability, safety and compliance, storage and logistics, consumer protection, and environmental responsibility—supporting a safer, fairer, and more transparent global aftermarket.
Why does it matter?
The spare parts ecosystem is increasingly global, yet practices remain uneven. Counterfeit and substandard components risk public safety, undermine fair competition, and damage consumer trust. By aligning expectations across markets, IAF-SRD enables comparable audits, clearer signals of quality, and streamlined cross-border acceptance for certified outlets.
Scope & Evaluation Dimensions
| Dimension | Focus Area | Typical Evidence | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Product Authenticity & Traceability | Verification of genuine parts and documented supply chains | Supplier declarations, certificates of conformity, serial/QR logs | OEM or certified aftermarket parts; anti-counterfeit seals |
| B. Safety & Regulatory Compliance | Meeting applicable international safety and performance criteria | Test records, conformance statements, market-access documentation | Braking, steering, airbags, emissions-related components |
| C. Storage, Handling & Logistics | Controlled warehousing, transport integrity, damage prevention | Warehouse audit logs, temperature/humidity records, packing SOPs | Shock-sensitive ECUs; moisture-sensitive seals and bearings |
| D. Service Quality & Consumer Protection | Transparent information, warranty support, fair return policies | Customer-service KPIs, complaints ledger, warranty claims analysis | Multilingual labelling; standardized returns and refunds |
| E. Environmental & Lifecycle Responsibility | Waste handling, recyclability, responsible end-of-life processes | Recycling manifests, take-back logs, eco-labelling evidence | Used batteries, oils, filters, and packaging materials |
Normative References
- International conformity assessment practices for inspection and certification bodies
- Global automotive component safety and market-access regulations
- International quality-management frameworks for retail and distribution
- Environmental management and lifecycle assessment methodologies
- Global customs, import/export control and anti-counterfeit frameworks
Full references and mappings will be provided in Annex A of the final publication.
How does it work?
Certification is based on independent audits against the five dimensions above. Applicants present documented evidence; accredited assessors verify controls and effectiveness through sampling, interviews, and site checks. Scores are aggregated with mandatory minimums on critical safety and authenticity controls.
Application & Assessment
- Application and completeness check (5 working days)
- On-site audit covering retail floor, warehouse, and logistics partners
- Technical review by independent assessors
- Certification decision and public registry entry
- Annual surveillance audits
- Full re-certification every 3 years
Timeline & Contact
Committee Draft issued
Open consultation with distributors, retailers, regulators, and consumer groups.
Pilot assessments
Field validation across multiple regions; outputs include gap analysis and draft conformance checklist v0.9.
Feature freeze & ballot
Critical issues only; final package prepared for committee vote.
Target final publication
IAF-SRD v1.0 released; accreditation criteria and audit guide published.