By: Christopher (Dane) Menges, with Kevin Wolford
Automotive Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc. (AMECA), was established in 1994. Since then, through the existing equipment compliance program, AMECA has been committed to the vehicle safety business by assuring traceability, conformity standards, and making sure that parts do what they say they do. To further that goal AMECA became an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, A2LA Certification Body in 2017. Accreditation provides confidence that the systems in place will support quality services through audits and oversight. Established in 1978, A2LA dedicates itself to formal recognition of competent testing and calibration laboratories, biobanking facilities, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers, and reference material producers. In addition to our A2LA accreditation, AMECA is the only organization with written agreements with state agencies to provide safety equipment registration, including brake friction material, to the VESC (Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission) standards. AMECA is the custodian of all VESC documents.
AMECA’s ISO-Certification Program is only intended for the best manufacturers. Not every manufacturer who applies will be granted certification. The approval process for certification requires an application process through which the manufacturer can show that they conform to standards and have a demonstrated quality control system.
All ISO-Certification program documents are available free on the AMECA website.
For more, visit www.ameca.org or email info@ameca.org.
What’s New?
AMECA announced their new program as a third-party registrar for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association LeafMark™ program effective June 2022. AMECA also introduced their new web portal as the fast, easy, and the most cost-effective way to certify brake friction material for environmental compliance. Available now at www.ameca.org
About Friction Material Registration.
AMECA’s new web portal allows for quick submission of data and test report requests for self-certification. Their new database design also allows for the speedy remedy to common errors and typos. It gives the manufacturer full control of their data submission with complete transparency throughout the certification process. Some components of brake friction material are regulated by several states, most notably California and Washington. These states have strict registration and use requirements with severe penalties for non-compliance. AMECA is now a 3rd party registrar who can register materials for California and Washington.
The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), through its division the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), along with the Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC), a council of AASA, developed the LeafMark™ Certification Program which is designed to certify that brake friction materials manufactured by third parties have passed certain environmental composition standards.
The process required to get an AMECA certification based on the VESC includes 5 tests run through only accredited labs. For the Environmental Registration, the manufacturer must have completed a chase test and SAE 2975 test, also through an accredited lab.
Packaging Certification Mark
For more information on LeafMark™ please contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org
Dane Menges is currently the Director of Operations at AMECA. He has years of experience in business operations as both a manager and a director. He has previously served as both a Director of Transportation and as a teacher of Business, Ethics, and Leadership. He has a Master's Degree from St. John’s College.
Kevin Wolford has been at AMECA since 1997. His background includes a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and Master of Science in Marketing. He has been a lifelong automotive enthusiast and welcomes the opportunity to serve the environmental community.
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