Thatcham’s UK parts accreditation scheme is to join with the equivalent German certification body, TUV Rheinland, from September.

The two technical associations joined forces in order to help reduce the time it takes to accredit parts.

Thatcham’s parts accreditation scheme proves the quality and the correct fitment of parts from the independent sector in a workshop environment.

Both companies will be following the same method to accredit parts, which consists of a thorough examination of the part, the manufacturer’s quality systems and the manufacturing processes.

Jason Moseley, Thatcham chief operating officer, said: “What we’ve tried to do is make it easier for manufacturers by offering a single process to accredit their parts. They can just come to one place now, which reduces costs for them and means we can accredit more parts, which means a much higher volume and wider choice of parts for repairers.”

Thatcham has strong brand awareness in the UK but Moseley said joining with TUV Rheinland would also give it a much stronger representation across Europe too.

Moseley said: “We haven’t got a set target for the amount of accredited parts we want to introduce as part of the joint venture, but let’s just say the choice will be significantly higher.”

Thatcham currently accredits 371 parts on its programme, which was launched in 2001.