The first aftermarket parts have been certified under Thatcham and TUV Rheinland’s new joint parts certification scheme.

Launched in September 2008, the scheme enables parts to be tested on a global platform more quickly, increasing the market penetration and promoting a greater volume of available certified parts at competitive prices for repairers and insurers to specify, said Thatcham.

Dean Lander, Thatcham's accreditation manager, said "This is a momentous step forward in a unique co-operation between two globally recognised organisations working together to provide suitable independent certification for crash replacement parts.

He added: “Together we work with the biggest and best suppliers in this sector and we are confident this is just the start of a very successful program."