Most importantly, CAPA's 301 Standard requires full compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.  While all automotive lighting is required to comply with FMVSS 108, CAPA is the only independent certification body in the U.S. which tests for and confirms compliance with this important safety standard.  Lighting products covered by the CAPA standard include: headlamps, taillamps, turn signals, brake signals, reflectors, running lamps, fog lamps, and high-mounted brake lamps. 

"Lighting manufacturers who choose to comply with CAPA's comprehensive quality requirements have a way to clearly demonstrate product quality to repairers, insurers, and consumers," said Jack Gillis, Executive Director of the non-profit association.  Those parts that meet the CAPA standard are clearly marked with CAPA's unique, tamper-proof quality seal. 

"There will be no question in the marketplace as to which parts are genuine CAPA certified products," said Gillis.  This is an important distinction as only 584 part numbers currently comply with the CAPA Lighting Standard.

In addition to compliance with FMVSS 108, a key component of CAPA certification is passing CAPA's unique Vehicle Test Fit or "VTF."  "Repairers have told us time and again that they are tired of being the 'product test fitters,'" said Gillis, "so that's why the CAPA program conducts extensive test fits before certifying parts for quality."

CAPA now has six manufacturers approved for participation in the 301 Lighting program.  They include DEPO, Eagle Eyes, Gordon, Great Bestcam, TYC Brother and Y.C.C.

By simply looking for the yellow and blue CAPA Quality seal, with its unique anti-tamper and numbering feature, consumers, repairers, insurers, and part distributors can be assured of buying a product that will perform comparably to the car company brand parts.