TRADE body the IAAF has been in talks with the Institute of Spring Technology  (IST) about opening a facility to allow technical and qualitative assessment of springs offered for sale in the UK automotive aftermarket. The trade has been discussing for some time the potential catastrophe of products offered for sale with self-certification as 'matching quality', when the necessary rigour in manufacturing and procurement cannot be properly assessed.

As a result, the IAAF and IST are inviting companies in the vehicle spring market to attend a forum meeting at the Federation's offices in Birmingham on 10th July.

The IAAF's Brian Spratt commented, "We've had some important and revealing discussions with some companies and IST so far, but now the ideas need a wider debate. We feel sure companies supplying springs into the aftermarket will want to learn more and our forum on the 10th July will allow us to discuss the project in more detail. The aim is to identify a core of supportive companies willing to lead the aftermarket in giving customers confidence in our products."