Use of undeployed, properly recycled and installed OEM airbag modules is a viable, economical and safe alternative to the use of new, costly OEM airbags. Properly recycled OEM airbag modules are vital competitive alternatives for consumers who might not otherwise be able to afford airbag repairs to their vehicles.

Independent studies conducted by ARA, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and Airbag Testing Technology (ATT) have consistently shown that the performance of undeployed, recycled OEM airbags are the same as new OEM supplied airbag modules for use in professional repair. ATT showed, based on studying forces and energy related to airbag deployment and occupant performance, that new OEM airbags and recycled airbags are statistically indistinguishable.

ARA has developed the ARA Airbag Protocol providing industry guidelines for the use of OEM Non-Deployed Airbags, covering the proper inspection of airbag units and inclusion of safeguards for the sale of quality OEM non-deployed airbags, along with monitoring of after-sale data. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the practice of removing an Original Equipment Non-Deployed Airbag from a salvaged vehicle for installation in another vehicle. The guidelines, which are made freely available to anyone in the industry, are provided in a number of sections that include the rationale for the guidelines along with additional explanation and examples. To view the ARA Protocol, Please click here.