3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. (3-A SSI) announced the availability of the Replacement Parts and System Components Qualification Certificate (RPSCQC) and RP Mark authorization for seals, seal components, and seal assemblies used in 3-A Symbol-authorized equipment and systems. 

This expansion of the RPSCQC program provides processors, regulators, equipment manufacturers, and seal manufacturers with a way to ensure the use of aftermarket consumable components maintain the sanitary design, or conformance, of 3-A Symbol-authorized equipment.

“The RP Mark for seals and seal assemblies fills a critical need in a confusing aftermarket industry,” said Meri Beth Wojtaszek, executive director of 3-A SSI. “Processors and regulators can now rely on a verified source of replacement components that maintain the sanitary integrity of 3-A Symbol-authorized equipment. This program strengthens food safety, protects equipment conformance, and supports manufacturers committed to hygienic design.”

The RP Mark is now available for any replacement part or system component that supports a specific 3-A Sanitary Standard, Accepted Practice, or the 3-A Sanitary Standard for General Requirements, 00-01. This includes seals commonly used in equipment with rotary shafts, such as those that fall under the following 3-A Sanitary Standards:

·         73-01 – Shear Mixers, Mixers, and Agitators

·         35-04 – Blending Equipment

·         00-01 – General Requirements

Other components commonly evaluated under the RPSCQC Program include Type 1 and Type 2 hose couplers for hose assemblies (62-02) and food-grade hoses, which fall under several 3-A Standards.

Protecting Conformance and Food Safety

Aftermarket seals and other consumable components play a critical role in maintaining the sanitary integrity of 3-A Symbol-authorized equipment. Use of non‑verified replacement parts can:

·         Jeopardize CIP, COP, or CIP/COP cleanability

·         Introduce materials that are not compliant with 3-A requirements

·         Create potential food safety hazards

·         Compromise regulatory confidence in processing systems

The RP Mark confirms that replacement parts have undergone 3-A SSI Third Party Verification (TPV) by a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE) and have met all applicable sanitary design criteria in the relevant equipment Standard(s) and the General Requirements Standard.

Equipment manufacturers and private labelers that earn the RP Mark are listed in a 3-A online and public database of RP Mark holders and 3-A Symbol holders, which demonstrates that components meet current 3-A requirements and have passed a TPV review.

How to Apply for the RP Mark

Equipment manufacturers seeking the RP Mark for seals, seal components, or assemblies should follow these steps:

1.    Purchase the applicable 3-A Sanitary Standard(s) from the 3-A SSI eStore.

2.    Review all requirements in the relevant equipment Standard(s), Accepted Practice(s), and General Requirements.

3.    Consult the Quick Guide for Applicants for an overview of the process:

4.    Schedule a TPV inspection with a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE).

5.    Submit the completed TPV report and application materials to 3-A SSI for review.

Only manufacturers that have earned the RP Mark may use the mark on equipment, packaging, and advertising.

For more information about the RP Mark or TPV inspections, visit www.3-a.org or contact 3-A SSI at (703) 790‑0295.