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Views: 28 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-18 Origin: Site
Amidst increasing global trade, international sourcing of brake parts has become a crucial option for many companies to reduce costs and optimize their supply chains. However, as a core component of automotive safety, the quality of the brake system directly impacts the safety of life and property. Consequently, countries have strict regulations regarding the certification and standards of brake parts. This article will focus on common brake parts, such as brake pads, brake discs, brake drums, and clutch plate, and will detail the core certifications and standards to consider when sourcing internationally, providing a reference for companies to mitigate risks.
Global market certification requirements for brake parts vary, but some certification systems, due to their authority and universality, have become the "passport" for international sourcing.
Developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), the ECE regulations are one of the most influential automotive component certification systems globally. Core regulations related to brake parts include:
ECE R90: For friction materials such as brake pads and clutch plates, these regulations specify high-temperature stability, wear rate, and noise control, requiring products to undergo rigorous bench testing and on-vehicle verification.
ECE R13: Covers brake components such as brake discs and drums, focusing on braking performance, thermal fade resistance, and structural strength, with particularly stringent requirements for brake components in commercial vehicles.
ECE-certified products must have the certification number marked on the surface of the part. This is a basic requirement for entry into the European market and most countries that recognize the ECE standard.
The FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) established by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) are mandatory certification standards for entry into the US market:
FMVSS 105: Regulates hydraulic brake system components, including dimensional tolerances and pressure resistance for brake discs and drums.
FMVSS 135: Focuses on the overall performance of the vehicle's braking system, indirectly requiring components such as brake pads and clutch plates to meet specific friction coefficient ranges and durability standards.
DOT certification emphasizes product consistency and requires manufacturers to establish a comprehensive quality control system to ensure that each batch of products meets the standards.
ISO 9001 quality management system certification, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a basic requirement for most countries. Specific standards for brake components include:
ISO 6310: Standardizes test methods for brake pads, covering key parameters such as friction performance and thermal expansion coefficient.
ISO 3892: Specifics the material and mechanical properties of brake discs, including hardness and tensile strength.
Although ISO standards are not mandatory, they are often used as quality benchmarks for contractual agreements, particularly in emerging market trade.
Different brake components have different specific standards to meet due to their functions and materials, requiring specific verification during procurement.
As the core component that directly generates braking force, brake pads are subject to standards focused on friction stability and safety:
Friction Coefficient: ECE R90 requires brake pads to maintain a friction coefficient between 0.3 and 0.5 within a temperature range of -50°C to 350°C to prevent "thermal decay" at high temperatures that can lead to brake failure.
Environmental Indicators: The EU REACH regulation restricts the content of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in brake pads, while California's "low-dust brake pad" standard requires reducing particulate matter emissions during braking.
Noise Control: International standard ISO 3744 requires brake pads to pass noise testing, and some countries, such as Japan, also require product noise level labeling.
Brake discs and drums are load-bearing components of the braking system, so the standard focuses on mechanical properties:
Material Requirements: Gray cast iron or alloy cast iron is typically used. ISO 185 allows a carbon content of 2.5% to 3.8% to ensure adequate wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
Dimensional Accuracy: The parallelism error of the brake disc must be controlled within 0.05mm, and the roundness error of the brake drum must not exceed 0.03mm. Failure to do so can easily cause brake judder.
Thermal Fatigue Performance: ECE R13 requires that after 1000 hot and cold cycle tests, the brake disc must not show any cracks, and the brake drum must deform less than 0.1mm.
As the connecting component between the transmission and braking systems, the clutch plate's standards address both power transmission and service life:
Friction Coefficient Stability: At 200°C, the friction coefficient decay rate must be less than 15% (ISO 11422 standard) to prevent slippage during starting or shifting.
Wear Resistance: After 100,000 cycles, wear must not exceed 30% of the initial thickness, and rivets must not be exposed.
Dynamic Characteristics: ECE R28 requires that the clutch plate withstand a momentary impact of 1.5 times the rated torque at 1500 rpm.
In addition to general standards, some countries and regions have developed specific certifications or technical specifications based on their own national conditions, requiring special attention when purchasing.
In addition to ECE certification, the EU also requires brake parts to pass the ELV Directive, which restricts the use of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury, and requires brake pads to contain zero asbestos.
Germany's TÜV certification, a voluntary certification, is highly recognized in the European market due to its rigorous testing. Especially for commercial vehicle brake parts, the TÜV mark is a key endorsement of quality.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHHTSA) requires brake parts to be labeled with origin, production date, and batch information for traceability.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has established limits on the copper content of brake pads; starting in 2025, new products must contain less than 5% copper.
Japan requires brake parts to comply with JIS standards. For example, JIS D4411's friction performance test method for brake pads differs slightly from ECE standards and requires separate verification.
China's CCC certification is mandatory for the domestic market. However, for brake parts exported to Southeast Asia, some countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, recognize ECE or ISO standards, but technical documentation in the local language is required.
To ensure that internationally sourced brake parts meet the requirements of the target market, companies must strictly control the following aspects:
Clarify Certification Requirements: Based on the sales destination, confirm the required certification type in advance to avoid customs clearance delays due to missing certifications. For example, exports to Europe require ECE R90+R13, while exports to the United States require DOT+FMVSS combined certification.
Verify Certification Validity: Verify the authenticity of certification certificates through official channels, paying attention to whether the certificates cover the specific product model to avoid the risk of "certificate duplication."
Sign a Clear Quality Agreement: Specify the standard number, test method, and acceptance criteria that the product must comply with in the purchase contract, and stipulate return and exchange terms for non-compliant products.
Regular Sampling Testing: Even if a product has passed certification, regular third-party laboratory testing is still required, focusing on verifying the stability of key indicators such as friction coefficient and dimensional accuracy.
The quality of brake parts directly affects vehicle safety. In international procurement, certification and standards are key to mitigating quality risks. Companies must establish a comprehensive quality control system tailored to the specific characteristics of different parts, such as brake pads and discs, in accordance with the regulatory requirements of target markets. This system ensures a balance between compliant procurement and safety within the global supply chain. Only by integrating certification standards throughout the procurement process can costs be reduced while ensuring product safety.If you want to know more about brake parts, you can visit our website：https://www.evfriction.com. We will regularly update the knowledge related to the brake system. If you have any questions, you can also contact us by +86-13363216781 or jessicabrakes12@gmail.com.
