XAIS-PTS Ltd are providers of UKAS accredited services in accordance with BS EN 17065 Product Certification Systems, along with assessments and certification of innovative products for road and footway applications through our Product Acceptance Scheme (XAIS-PTSPAS). Our commitment to impartiality and confidentiality benefits all stakeholders and interested parties. XAIS-PTS certification also demonstrates the certificate holders’ dedication to continual improvement through regular process monitoring. Our product certification services deliver across several recognised standards.
- Factory Production Control (FPC)
- UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA)
- Product Acceptance Scheme (XAIS-PTSPAS)
- UK Technical Assessment (TAB)
Factory Production Control (FPC) Assessment
FPC Assessment is a process used to ensure that manufacturers are consistently producing products that meet specified quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. This assessment is particularly crucial for construction products where durability and performance are essential. The key objectives of our FPC assessments are to ensure:
- Consistency in Quality - Assessments verify that the manufacturer has the necessary systems, processes, and procedures in place to consistently produce products that meet required quality requirements
- Compliance with Standards - Assessments ensure that the manufacturing process aligns with legal and technical requirements, such as those set out by national or international standards
- Verification of Processes - Are a factory's production processes under control and followed consistently? The objective is to check that production equipment is maintained properly, personnel are trained, and quality assurance procedures are followed
- Inspection and Testing - The factory must demonstrate it carries out the required inspections and testing on materials, components, or finished products to ensure they meet predefined specifications
- Traceability - This ensures that there is a traceability system in place so that the origin of materials and manufacturing processes can be tracked. This is important for quality control and for identifying issues if a product fails or malfunctions later
Other key aspects of an FPC Assessment include documentation review, factory audits, and ongoing monitoring.
UK Approved Body (2448) Provision of UKCA Mark
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a product marking used to show that a product complies with relevant regulations for the UK market. UKCA marking covers a wide range of product categories including pavement construction products and materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and aggregates, which need to meet certain performance standards.
For most products, to apply the UKCA marking, manufacturers must follow specific conformity assessment procedures, which might include testing, inspection, and certification by a UK-approved body. XAIS-PTS, as a UK Approved Body (2448), awards UKCA Marking under relevant regulations, ensuring products meet performance standards.
XAIS-PTS Product Acceptance Scheme (XAIS-PTSPAS)
Product assessment as part of the Product Acceptance Scheme under MCHW (Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works) SHW (Specification for Highway Works) Volume 1, Clauses 104.15 and 104.16 is crucial in the context of materials used for highway construction. These clauses deal specifically with ensuring that construction products (such as road materials, aggregates, or manufactured items) are tested, assessed, and verified to meet specific performance standards before being used in the construction of highways.
Through our nationally-recognised Product Acceptance Scheme (XAIS-PTSPAS), we assess and certify innovative road and footway products, ensuring they meet MCHW SHW Volume 1, Clauses 104.15 and 104.16 standards.
UK Technical Assessment Body (TAB) - Product Area 23 Road Construction Products
As a TAB, XAIS-PTS assess road construction products, such as asphalt, concrete, and aggregates, ensuring they meet required performance standards and regulatory requirements before they can be used in highway construction projects. Key stages of our technical assessments include:
- Initial Review - The TAB reviews the product documentation submitted by the manufacturer. This documentation may include test results, production control procedures, design specifications, and compliance with relevant standards
- Product Testing - The TAB may carry out or require independent testing to assess the product’s performance characteristics. This can include physical testing (e.g., compression strength, durability tests), environmental resistance (e.g., freeze-thaw cycles, moisture resistance), and more
- Factory Production Control (FPC) Review - The TAB may review the manufacturer's factory production control system to ensure it meets the required standards for consistency in manufacturing
- Technical File Evaluation - The TAB examines the technical file, which includes all the necessary data on the product's design, material composition, production processes, and previous performance evaluations
- Ongoing Monitoring - Once the product is approved, the TAB may also conduct periodic reassessments or monitoring to ensure continued compliance with the relevant standards
Why Choose XAIS-PTS?
At XAIS-PTS our team has a wealth of experience, and we deliver comprehensive product and system certification services in support of our surveying, software, materials testing, asset management and design services.
If you have any questions or queries about our services, please contact us today – our team will be more than happy to have a conversation with you regarding your project requirements!