And I quote, Ahem..
"Beginning
In 1963, a group of racing products manufacturers formed an association known as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association, or SEMA. Original organizers deemed the central purpose of the association to be the development of products specifications for use by the suppliers of equipment used in racing. The products performance specs would be among the chief functions of SEMA.
In those early days, SEMA's pioneers struggled with the development and implementation of various product specifications. Many "unknowns" faced the innovative entrepreneurs in areas of design criteria, testing and promulgation of specifications. But their dedication to the industry and racing won out and it wasn't long before the specifications were accepted and formed a part of sanctioning body rule books.
Eventually, if certain products on a vehicle didn't "meet SEMA specs," the owner could be denied participating in a motorsports event. A specs program for the performance products industry was born and has continued for many years as a result of the determination of the founders of SEMA.
The Specs Program Becomes More Specialized
Approximately a decade after its inception, SEMA turned its attention and resources to the increasingly important matters of legislation and governmental regulation, marketing projects, the SEMA Show and various other activities common to a professional trade association serving the interests of an ever-changing, progressive industry. The specs program became the responsibility of the SEMA Service Bureau, an organization whose operations were exclusively in the field of product specifications and testing programs.
In time, the need for yet a more sophisticated specifications program became apparent. A new organization, the SEMA Foundation, Inc., or SFI, was formed to replace the Service Bureau, chartered to organize and manage an expanded industry specs program. That name has been shortened to SFI Foundation, Inc.
SFI spins-off from SEMA
Although a proud beginning, SFI now operates as a foundation independent from SEMA, yet dependent on all segments of the industry it serves, both for funding and participation. SFI maintains its own managerial staff and oversees technical committees. The Foundation is funded by companies which voluntarily participate in the specs program, along with financial support from member sanctioning bodies. As a result of this support, SFI has developed programs for almost eighty different products used by manufacturers, motorsports groups, and consumers worldwide.
SFI has been an independent foundation apart from its parent association, SEMA, now called the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, for many years and no longer stands for SEMA Foundation, Inc. SFI currently provides an expansive specs program because years ago a handful of manufacturers decided to "do something" to improve the quality of their industry's products."
There ya go! Anything you own at home has a U/L (Underwriters Laboratory) rating, which means they tested it and it's safe to use. Think of SFI as the U/L for your car! Most sanctioning bodies recommend and/or require SFI rated equipment. Anything from gloves to bellhousings is tested by SFI. Hope that answers your question!
