Recalls
Protecting Safety, Compliance, and Consumer Trust
Recall Certification Standards & Compliance
An ARA Gold Seal Recall Certified facility follows strict procedures to prevent recalled safety parts from being resold or reused. Vehicles and safety components are checked by VIN, and recalled parts are removed from inventory and processed using OEM-approved destruction or collection methods.
Certified facilities also maintain documented recall policies, inventory controls, and notification procedures to ensure consistent compliance. These standards protect customers, repairers, and the integrity of the recycled parts marketplace while ensuring full traceability and regulatory compliance.
How Recall Compliance Works
VIN Checks
Vehicles and safety components are checked for recalls at intake and again at point of sale.
Inventory Controls
Recalled parts are marked not saleable, removed from inventory, and taken off online listings.
Approved Disposition
Recalled parts are scrapped or transferred to factory-authorized collectors with documented destruction.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Written Recall Policy (Sample)
This sample Written Recall Policy provides Gold Seal–aligned language for managing recalled parts. It outlines how recalled components are identified, removed from inventory, and processed using OEM-approved methods. Use this template to document compliance and support consistent recall handling.
ARA Airbag Handling Protocol
The ARA Airbag Handling Protocol outlines proper procedures for safely removing, storing, shipping, and disposing of airbag modules. It covers HazMat requirements, safety precautions, and compliance expectations for airbags. Use this document to support safe handling and compliant shipping practices.
InfoTrac Emergency Contact Signup
This form allows ARA members to enroll in INFOTRAC’s emergency response service for HazMat shipping. Airbags and other designated safety components require an emergency contact number listed with commercial shipments. Completing this form helps ensure shipping compliance and emergency preparedness.
Recall Checklist
The Recall Checklist provides a step-by-step reference to help facilities meet Gold Seal recall certification requirements. It covers VIN checks, inventory controls, sales restrictions, documentation, and notification procedures. Use this checklist to verify compliance, prepare for audits, and identify gaps in recall management processes. It serves as a practical tool for maintaining consistent recall controls.
Recall Control Procedures
Vehicle Inventory & Recall Identification
VIN-Based Recall Checks at Intake
An ARA Gold Seal Recall Certified facility performs a VIN recall check when a vehicle is first inventoried. If recalled safety components are identified:
The recalled part is not entered into inventory for sale, or
It is assigned a recall code and marked as not saleable in the Inventory Management System
Recalled parts are then removed from the vehicle and processed for scrap, bounty collection, or factory-authorized destruction.
Point-of-Sale Recall Verification
Final Recall Check Before Sale
Safety-critical parts—such as airbags and other restraint system components—must also be VIN-checked for recalls at the point of sale. If a recall exists:
The part is immediately marked not saleable
It is removed from inventory and processed using approved destruction or collection methods
Approved Recall Lookup Tools:
https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/
ARA Members (login required):
https://ararecalllookup.nsvrp.org/
Sale Restrictions on Recalled Parts
Safety recall parts may only be sold to factory-authorized collectors. This ensures recalled components are handled through documented, OEM-approved destruction processes and are never reused for vehicle repair.
Inventory Traceability & Recordkeeping
Maintaining a Documented Chain of Custody
Every ROE part—including brokered parts—must be entered into the Inventory Management System with a unique ID that provides traceability from the source vehicle to its final sales or disposal destination.
Source VINs must appear on invoices
Inventory records must support recall correlation by VIN and stock number
This traceability is essential for recall notifications and audit readiness.
Manufacturer Recall Notifications & Customer Outreach
Handling Unsold Recalled Parts
Upon direct notification from a manufacturer:
All affected unsold parts are struck from inventory
Parts are removed from online listings (e.g., eBay Motors and third-party broker sites)
Handling Previously Sold Recalled Parts
If recalled parts have already been sold:
Buyers are identified using sales records and stock numbers
A recall notification letter is mailed with delivery confirmation
Delivery receipts and outreach attempts are logged
If mail is returned, a documented phone call attempt is made
Customer reimbursement or replacement follows vendor guidelines
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Shipping Requirements
Training & Certification
All employees involved in shipping airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and hybrid batteries must have DOT HazMat and Dangerous Goods training completed within the past three years.
This requirement applies even if the facility does not sell these items to retail customers, as HazMat certification is still required for shipping to:
Recyclers
Remanufacturers
Factory-authorized collectors
Training Resource:
HazMat Certification Course – ARA University
Airbag Handling & Emergency Contact Requirements
Airbags shipped through commercial carriers are classified as HazMat and require an emergency contact service listed with shipping documentation.
ARA has a special membership agreement with INFOTRAC, allowing members to retain emergency response services for $75 per year.
Resources:
ARA Airbag Handling Protocol – 2025 (PDF)
Download
About ARA University
ARA University is an online training platform built specifically for the automotive recycling industry, providing education that supports safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Its fast-growing course catalog keeps pace with rapid changes in vehicle technology, regulations, and best practices, including electric and hybrid vehicle training.
Designed for both facility owners and employees, ARAU makes it easy to onboard staff, track learning, and build a knowledgeable, well-prepared workforce.
An instruction sheet for initial login and employee setup is available HERE.