Inspection bodies for pipeline systems Recognition

Anyone wishing to operate an inspection body for pipeline systems must meet the requirements of Section 6 (2) of the Pipeline Ordinance and apply to the competent authority for recognition of the inspection body.

The inspection body may consist of an

• an expert organization or
• an inspection body authorized under other legal regulations.

Recognition is valid for the whole of Germany. Equivalent recognitions from other EU/EEA states are equivalent to recognitions in Germany.

• Proof of a quality management system (QM documents related to Annex L of TRFL)
• Existing accreditations and recognitions
• Evidence of the independence of the inspection body
• Evidence of the availability of the resources required for the independent fulfillment of the tasks
  • organizational structures required
  • Required employees (list of employees with assigned test areas according to §5 RohrFLtgV and Annex B to TRFL)
• necessary means and equipment for the inspection of pipeline systems
• Proof of the expertise, experience and reliability of the commissioned personnel:
  • Curricula vitae
  • Proof of professional qualifications
  • Proof of activity
• for proof of personal independence and reliability:
  • if resident in Germany: certificate of good conduct (document type O)
  • if resident abroad: documents from the applicant's home country that prove that they meet the requirements for personal reliability to perform the desired service
  • Declaration of independence and reliability (corresponding forms can be requested from the recognition authority)
• Proof of the existence of a quality assurance system
• Proof of liability insurance with cover of at least EUR 2,500,000.00
• Declaration of exemption (a corresponding form can be requested from the recognition authority)

The organizational and technical requirements in accordance with Section 6 (2) of the Pipeline Ordinance and Annex L of the Technical Rules for Pipelines must be met and verified.

The inspection body must in particular

• be independent (this applies in particular to the personnel responsible for managing and carrying out the tests)
• have the necessary resources to perform its tasks appropriately and independently
  • organizational structures,
  • at least 5 employees (experts) and
  • have the necessary means and equipment to inspect pipelines
• provide evidence of sufficient specialist knowledge, experience and reliability of the commissioned personnel and the possibility of further specialist training
• collect and evaluate the knowledge gained during the inspections and regularly pass this on internally and to other inspection bodies
• have an appropriate and effective quality assurance system with regular auditing

You must submit the application for recognition in writing. It must be signed by hand or provided with a qualified electronic signature.

Recognition must have taken place before the start of testing activities.

Inspection bodies from other EU/EEA countries must provide proof of equivalence of recognition before commencing inspection activities.

The competent body will decide on your application within 3 months of receiving the complete documentation