This document defines the necessary processes for product design conformance certification (PDCC) and product manufacturing conformance certification (PMCC). This document also defines processes for an independent type conformance organization (ITCO) to perform PDCC and/or subsequent PMCC for the manufactured product to confirm that the design and/or manufacturing requirements are met. As part of this process, this document defines the requirements for the competence, consistent operation, and objectivity of the independent party who performs these activities. This document can be applied when an independent review of designs and/or manufacturing is desired or required (including but not limited to equipment for novel applications such as high-pressure high-temperature environment, subsea technologies, and/or new or unusual technologies). The independent review process is intended to assess a specific product’s conformity to specified API or other industry standards or functional specifications. Verification of the accuracy and validity of the user's specified conditions, loads, and other technical requirements, including deterioration or damage due to activities after the product has been manufactured and certified, are not in the scope of this document.
The PDCC process (Section 6) is applicable to any design where it has been requested by a certificate requestor. The PMCC process (Section 7) is applicable to any tangible product for which a current PDCC exists in conformance with Section 6 and where the PMCC certificate has been requested by a certificate requestor.