Registered Stockist Scheme and BASEC Product Approval – what is the difference?
Demonstrating conformity in the cable market is a high priority for many stakeholders throughout the supply chain, to provide assurance that the cable products will perform safely in their end application. BASEC provides various services to verify cable safety and quality, including the Registered Stockist Scheme to benefit cable stockists and distributors and a Product Approval in partnership with cable manufacturers around the world. Read on to learn the important differences between the two, what is involved in gaining them and the approval marks that they represent.
BASEC Product Approval
A product approval (also known as product certification) provides independent verification of maintained conformity for a particular cable product. It is an ongoing stringent programme of testing and surveillance. Initial type testing is required to ensure the cable meets the requirements of the standard, which is followed by regular ongoing testing of samples to evidence continued quality. Rigorous ongoing factory audits are also undertaken, including both routine and unannounced visits to the production factory.
Cables that hold BASEC product approval are permitted to use the BASEC roundel on labels for cable reels and packing. The wording ‘BASEC’ can also be shown directly on the cable.
The BASEC Registered Stockist Scheme
The Registered Stockist scheme is applicable to those stocking, selling or re-selling cable products and helps ensure that cable products have maintained levels of quality since leaving the manufacturing source. It involves a supply chain and distribution focussed audit, including assessing the supplier’s management systems and processes in addition to testing cable samples taken from the stockist or distributors facility for independent testing.
Please note the Registered Stockist Scheme itself does not endorse or confirm BASEC Product Approval. Cable not marked with ‘BASEC’ or with a valid Product Approval certificate does not hold product approval.
For those buying cable, looking for mark of a Registered Stockist will help to select approved suppliers. BASEC product approval will continue to only be valid on the specific approved product as marked with wording ‘BASEC’ on the cable, the BASEC roundel quality mark and is also evidenced with a product approval certificate.
If you would like to find out more about gaining BASEC Product Approval, becoming a Registered Stockist or have any queries about the above please contact the team here.
