Automotive Parts Industry Association Inc

Parts Sourcing and Supply

Code of Best Practice

Parts suppliers are an important link in the Vehicle Repair Industry and all APIA members are required to act in a professional and reliable manner. 

The intent of this code is to make all members aware of their responsibilities to the industry and to the maintainment of vehicles in a safe condition in the New Zealand fleet.  With these principles in mind the APIA recommends the following guidelines to its members.

Members of the Association are advised that ...

• ·     When purchasing vehicles or parts, effort should be made to ensure that the supplier has title to or the right to dispose of the product offered.
• ·     When ordering stock from a supplier either within New Zealand or abroad, the purchaser should ensure the supplier is aware that New Zealand has rules, laws and standards that must be complied with.
• ·     Where possible and appropriate, and especially when dealing with a new supplier when ordering product that falls within specified standards, it is good practice that the required NZ standard should be specified if thought to be helpful to supplier when choosing suitable product.
• ·     All members are advised to train their employees to know and recognise parts that are not fit for purpose or do not conform to New Zealand requirement.
• ·     If product is supplied and it becomes known that it is not fit for industry purpose, that does not comply with the vehicle standards required by New Zealand law or, will in some way compromise the safety of vehicles being repaired, it should be treated in such a manner as to ensure it does not enter the market in New Zealand.
• ·     At some stage during the receipt, storage or supply process, all parts should be examined by a competent person for the purpose of making a judgment as to the suitability of the part for the New Zealand market.
• ·     In the event that a non-complying product (or one that is not fit for purpose) is supplied, the vendor should without question immediately exchange the product for one that is appropriate or, if that is not possible, refund the customer in full.
• ·     A returned product should trigger an investigation of other similar stock to ensure suitability for the New Zealand market.
• ·     It is good practice to keep full and correct records    

    that are easy to audit.

• ·     All safety critical components should be stored in a suitable environment to preserve the integrity and performance of the part.
• ·     Members should recognise the partnership between supplier, repairer, insurer, LTNZ and vehicle owner who all carry some responsibility to repair and maintain vehicles in a safe condition.