Conformity of Production (CoP) Certification

CoP (Conformity of Production) is the assurance that the series production of a type-approved product continues to conform to the approved type. Type approval is a one-time test result; CoP is a continuous obligation showing that this result is maintained throughout production. It is an inseparable part of type approval.

• Manufacturers of type-approved vehicles and components
• Suppliers running series production under homologation
• Approval holders changing their production site or process

Mandatory for every manufacturer that holds type approval. Failure to fulfil the CoP arrangements can lead to suspension or withdrawal of the type approval. Auditing is carried out periodically by the approving authority or its designated technical service.

• Defining and documenting the CoP arrangements
• Linking it to the quality management system (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 as an acceptable basis)
• The production control plan and identification of critical characteristics
• Periodic product-verification tests and their frequency
• Calibration of measuring and test equipment
• Keeping records and presenting them to the authority
• Corrective action and notification to the authority in the event of nonconformity
• Notifying changes of production site, process or supplier

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• UNECEVehicle Type Approval
• E-MarkVehicle Homologation
• EV ComplianceElectric Vehicle Compliance
• Battery Compliance
• IATF 16949Automotive Quality Management
• VDA 6.1Automotive Quality Management System Audit
• VDA 6.3Process Audit
• VDA 6.5Product Audit