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Release: CX-Neptune (Preview)

Conformity Assessment Body

Definition of the role & tasks of the CAB​

Definition: CAB​

Conformity Assessment Bodies are commissioned by the association* to carry out independent conformity assessments (certifications) according to the specifications of the Conformity Assessment Framework – consisting of a certification catalog and a certification handbook.

A CAB must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be nominated as a CAB and to perform certifications for Catena-X. The requirements are defined under Requirements for a CAB.

Tasks: CAB​

  • Processing of certification requests through the direct contact of certification applicants with the CAB (CABs are listed on the CX homepage)
  • Preparation of individual contract offers between the CAB and certification applicants according to the specifications of the Catena-X Framework
  • Conducting the certification or the re-certification according to the specifications of the Catena-X Certification Framework
  • Preparation of an audit opinion along with forwarding and announcement to Catena-X
  • Awarding the certificates on behalf of Catena-X after successful assessments
  • Providing systematic feedback of the experience gained from the completion of the certification and the applicability of the CX Standards

Requirements for a CAB​

info

A company that wants to assume the role of the Conformity Assessment Body in the Catena-X ecosystem must meet the following minimum requirements and prove this to Catena-X.

RequirementExplanation
Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) or Global Accreditation Cooperation IncorporatedAuditors of the DAkkS or Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated track and enable a sovereign distribution of certificates taking into account European values
Audit or TIC FirmIT auditors who act in the context of the IDW follow a risk-based audit approach, which guides the framework. The testing, inspection and certification (TIC) sector consists of conformity assessment bodies who provide services ranging from auditing and inspection, to testing, verification, quality assurance and certification.
TISAXTISAX auditors have the necessary knowledge of testing and exchange mechanisms in the automotive industry and can therefore certify participants in the automotive industry
InternationalInternational companies meet the requirements of Catena-X to certify beyond the European borders

Relationship between the Catena-X association and CAB​

Catena-X​

  • Publishes standards, incl. CAC
  • Updates the certification catalog based on the standards
  • Nominates CABs
  • Establishes options to connect certification applicants to CABs - directly or via the homepage
  • Defines the validity of the certificate
  • Validates authenticity of certificates

CAB​

  • Acts in close coordination with Catena-X
  • Is being contacted directly by the certification applicant via an info on the CX homepage
  • Prepares offers for certification of certification applicants
  • Certifies according to the specifications of the CAF
  • Hands over the certification result to Catena-X
  • Provides certificates to Catena-X and awards certificates on behalf of Catena-X
  • Performs plausibility checks of the evidence
  • Provides at least one Contact Person for certified solutions to Catena-X and ensures that Catena-X is enabled to contact them