Certified Automotive Parts Association
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) is a non-profit organization established in 1987 and based in Washington, D.C., United States, to develop and oversee a test program guaranteeing the suitability and quality of automotive parts. CAPA was created by automobile insurance companies. It was created to control the market on parts used by insurance company contracted collision shops. It gave the insurance companies an alternative to high priced OEM parts. CAPA encourages competition in the marketplace in the hope that their program will ultimately reduce expense to the consumer and the industry while increasing and  assuring part quality. Material Standards. CAPA quality standards apply to various types of parts made from different materials. CAPA is constantly expanding the certification program to include more parts and new materials. Currently, three specifications that set quality standards for metal (CAPA 101), plastic (CAPA 201) and lighting (CAPA 301) are in place. Each specification provides detailed testing and inspection procedures to ensure the quality of the parts covered by that specification. Where possible, all test procedures refer to the nationally recognized tests such as those of ASTM and SAE. Metals (CAPA 101). Metal parts that are primed, decoratively painted , plated with metallic coatings, or painted and plated with metallic coatings are covered, including: Plastics (CAPA 201). Plastic parts that are unprimed, primed, decoratively painted, plated with metallic coatings, or painted and plated with metallic coatings are covered, including: The CAPA 201 specifications include requirements for: Lighting (CAPA 301). CAPA 301 for Lighting was approved by the CAPA Technical Committee in March 2002. Automotive lighting parts are covered, including: The CAPA 301 specifications include requirements for: