Beyond Compliance: Why Specialist Knowledge Matters in CPR Audits
CPR certification is built on independent assessment, but the value of that assessment depends greatly on the technical expertise of the certification body carrying it out. Cable manufacturing is a highly specialised industry, involving diverse product designs, complex manufacturing processes and numerous international standards. For this reason, effective CPR audits require far more than a standard quality system assessment—they require a thorough understanding of cable technology, production methods and the factors that influence product performance.
For cables certified under AVCP System 1+, certification extends beyond initial laboratory testing. Once the certification process has been completed, manufacturers must demonstrate that certified products continue to be manufactured consistently and remain compliant with their declared CPR classification. Independent certification bodies verify this through regular surveillance audits and ongoing assessment of the manufacturing facility.
What does a CPR Audit involve?
The purpose of a CPR audit is not simply to review documentation, but to confirm that certified cables continue to be produced under controlled conditions. Auditors evaluate the manufacturer's Factory Production Control (FPC), production processes, quality management system and routine testing activities to verify that the product being manufactured remains consistent with the cable originally assessed during certification. They may also review production records, inspect manufacturing and testing equipment, verify calibration records and assess how changes to materials or manufacturing processes are managed before implementation.
What impact does this have in the market?
For specifiers, contractors and end users, CPR audits provide confidence that the cable's declared fire performance remains valid throughout its production life. They help maintain product consistency, support regulatory compliance, and protect the integrity of safety-critical installations. For the wider market, regular auditing promotes a level playing field by ensuring manufacturers continue to meet the standards their products were certified against.
The importance of technical expertise
The effectiveness of this process depends heavily on the competence of the certification body conducting the audit. Unlike general management system assessments, CPR audits require auditors to understand cable construction, material selection, manufacturing technologies and the technical standards applicable to different cable types.
Even relatively small changes to conductor design, insulation compounds, sheath materials or production methods may influence a cable's certified fire performance.
Recognising these changes and assessing their potential impact requires specialist cable knowledge together with practical industry experience.
As an independent Notified Body dedicated to cable certification, BASEC applies this specialist expertise throughout its certification and surveillance activities. Regular surveillance audits, complemented by unannounced visits and market surveillance programmes, help verify that certified products continue to meet the applicable CPR requirements throughout production. By combining technical cable expertise with independent assessment, BASEC supports manufacturers in maintaining certification while providing distributors, contractors and specifiers with greater confidence in the consistency, traceability and reliability of certified cable performance.
Providing assurance throughout the product lifecycle
Ultimately, the value of a CPR audit is determined not only by the audit process itself, but by the technical competence behind it. Certification bodies with specialist cable expertise provide greater confidence that certified products continue to meet the required standards throughout their production lifecycle. In an industry where product performance directly influences fire safety and regulatory compliance, choosing a certification body with the right technical knowledge is an important part of achieving and maintaining confidence in CPR certification.
Article by Tugce Simsek - Regional Technical Manager, Europe, UK and Türkiye
