Nissan NES D0031 Polymeric Part Marking

The “Nissan NES D0031 Marking of Polymeric Parts” standard, developed by Nissan, applies to all automotive parts made from polymeric materials (thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, and chemical fibers). This standard provides a system for marking polymeric parts to indicate the general type of material from which the part is made. The purpose of this marking is to provide information to facilitate the following:

• Collecting polymeric parts according to classification for recycling.
• Providing information on polymeric materials.
• Selection of materials and procedures for repairing and repainting polymeric parts.

As a rule, it is necessary to identify all polymeric components/materials (thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, and chemical fibers). For example,

• Letter size: Alphabetical/numerical letters should generally have a height and width of at least 3 mm. If the identification area is limited and 3 mm or smaller squares are visible to the naked eye, they may be used. Depending on the size of each part, efforts are made to use larger letters whenever possible for easier identification.
• Marking symbols: Symbols to be used for identification should be taken from the tables given in the standard. If the material symbols to be used are not in these tables, the provisional committee on environmental materials should be consulted with the subcommittee on polymers.
• The marking instructions are as follows:
• Marking should be molded onto the part or labeled with a tag containing the part number, manufacturer name, and original part symbol.
• For large or complexly shaped parts such as bumpers and instrument panels, multiple markings may be required if deemed necessary.
• Branding should be in a location easily visible when the product is being shipped, as long as it doesn't diminish its value.
• When ink, paint, or dye is used for marking, it must not bleed, run, smudge, or stain other materials that may come into contact with the marking.
• The marking should be designed to remain legible throughout the part's lifespan.
• Molded markings should not create a stress concentration point that could cause premature cracking of the part.
• For assembly parts made of composite materials and consisting of multiple parts, each component is usually marked. However, it is permissible to apply a collective marking to all component parts on a single representative part.
• To perform proper repair and repainting procedures, responsible field service personnel must be informed about the component materials of the parts.
• To produce parts from different materials using the same mold, multiple material symbols must be specified.
• Markings: Marking is mandatory for all plastic parts/materials and elastomer parts/materials. However, exemption rules are specified depending on the mass. The table entitled "Parts or materials requiring material indication" given in the standard includes classification, material designation, and exemption from material designation. Accordingly,
• Material indication is required for plastic parts/materials weighing 100g or more and elastomer parts/materials weighing 200g or more; there are no exemptions from material indication.
• Material indication is required for plastic parts/materials weighing less than 100g and elastomer parts/materials weighing less than 200g; exemptions exist, but the requirements in the relevant table must be met and an agreement must be reached with the relevant Nissan departments in advance.

In short, the Nissan NES D0031 standard is a fundamental technical specification developed for the identification and marking of polymeric (plastic and elastomer) parts used in vehicles. This standard ensures that materials in automotive components are clearly labeled to support recycling, repair, environmental compliance, and supply chain traceability.

The primary goal of the Nissan NES D0031 standard is to standardize how polymeric materials in vehicle parts are identified. This facilitates the following:

• Recycling: Accurate material identification ensures that a vehicle is efficiently separated and recycled at the end of its life, and is compliant with global regulations such as the EU end-of-life vehicles directive.
• Repair and maintenance: Technicians can select compatible replacement parts.
• Environmental compliance: Complies with Nissan’s green purchasing guidelines, which require suppliers to report material data through an international material data system and adhere to substance restrictions.

This standard refers to ISO symbols for plastics (e.g., >PP< for polypropylene) and ensures that the markings are durable and legible throughout the part's service life. This standard applies to all polymeric parts weighing more than 100 grams for plastics or 200 grams for elastomers. Parts below these weights may be exempt, but those larger must be marked. Details such as material type, additives, fillers, or reinforcements are included (e.g., >PA6-GF30< for 30% glass fiber reinforced nylon 6). The markings must be placed in visible, non-functional areas using methods such as molding, etching, or labeling that are resistant to environmental influences.

As vehicles use more plastic for weight reduction and electrification, Nissan NES D0031 and similar standards promote sustainability. These standards are aligned with global efforts (e.g., REACH regulations) to minimize environmental impact and ensure a circular economy for automotive materials.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "Nissan NES D0031 Polymeric Parts Marking" standard.