Code Evaluation Services FAQ

• Can’t only ICC-ES issue code reports?
• What are the requirements for a Code Report?
• How does Intertek issue a Code Report?
• Is Intertek accredited to perform Code Evaluation Services?
• Why would a CCRR be needed?
• When is a CCRR needed?
• What goes into a CCRR?
• What are the advantages of using Intertek?
• What is the pricing of a CCRR?
• Where can I get a copy of acceptance criteria written by Intertek?
• Is it possible for me to convert my existing ESR into a CCRR? How long will this take to complete? What is needed to make this happen?
• What if my product does not fall under existing Acceptance Criteria?
• How long does it take to complete a new CCRR after testing is complete?  
• How are revisions addressed?
• What if I already have a product listed/certified with Intertek (via the Warnock Hersey or ETL Mark)? How does this affect me if I also want a CCRR?
• Where can I see my CCRR online once its complete?
• Where can I learn more about the Evolving Code Evaluation Process?

Can’t only ICC-ES issue code reports?
No.  According to International Building Code (IBC) Section 1703,  an approved agency must be objective, competent, and independent from the contactor responsible for the work being inspected.  This provision means qualified companies, like Intertek, can evaluate products after the criteria are developed and there is a common understanding of how the product is to be evaluated.

What are the requirements for a Code Report?

• Issuing agency should be accredited under ISO Standard 17065 (formerly ISO Guide 65)
• Identify that it is based on code requirements or, in the case of an alternative product or system, a normative standard such as an acceptance criteria approved by the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee
• Document that the product is listed for the standards specifically required by the code
• Document that the products are under a regular surveillance inspection program, providing assurance that the product at the job site is the same as that used in the qualifying tests
• Identify the enforceable conditions and limitations needed to install the product in the field
• Identify the labeling required for field identification

How does Intertek issue a Code Report?
Intertek issues a Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR). A CCRR is a technical report prepared by Intertek summarizing our review of a manufacturer’s data demonstrating code compliance of their product or system. CCRRs address compliance with the code and not just a single code-referenced standard.

Is Intertek accredited to perform Code Evaluation Services?
Intertek’s CCRR program is fully accredited under ISO/IEC Guide 65, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems, by International Accreditation Service (IAS), an International Code Council (ICC) Subsidiary, and by ANSI International. Our programs are compliant to Section 1703 of the International Building Code.

Why would a CCRR be needed?
CCRRs are helpful for code officials to make a decision on approving products and systems when the product or system is an alternative under the code (typically, Section 104.11 of the IBC and IRC, though other codes have similar language). CCRRs also help where the product or system is governed by multiple requirements as it pulls the relevant code information into one document. CCRRs will identify the critical elements of the construction needed to meet the requirements of the code.

When is a CCRR needed?
CCRRs are helpful for code officials to make a decision on approving products and systems when the product or system is an alternative under the code (typically, Section 104.11 of the IBC and IRC, though other codes have similar language). CCRRs also help where the product or system is governed by multiple requirements as it pulls the relevant code information into one document. CCRRs will identify the critical elements of the construction needed to meet the requirements of the code.

What goes into an CCRR?

• Testing from laboratories accredited to ISO Standard 17025
• Inspections (qualifying and surveillance) from an inspection body accredited to ISO 17020
• Review of data by experienced engineers and architects who are separate from the testing staff
• Requirements that are based on code or an established normative standard such as an acceptance criteria approved by the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee
• An industry-standard report format

What are the advantages of using Intertek?
For specific product areas, Intertek can provide their certification customers a single source solution to product certification and code evaluation. Intertek’s Code Evaluation Program is a much more streamlined process and was designed so the Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR) by Intertek is issued at the conclusion of testing and certification. The typical back end review is eliminated. Intertek fees for the CCRR, which reflect the efficiencies of the Intertek system, result in cost savings for Intertek clients (in one example, payback for the transition fees will be realized in 18 months, with 50% savings thereafter).

What is the pricing of an CCRR?
The pricing of a Research Report will be determined on a number of factors, but Intertek’s pricing was designed to reflect our efficient and streamlined process. Therefore, our pricing will provide our clients significant savings over the historical pricing they are accustom to seeing.

For more detailed information on pricing, you can contact your Intertek Account Managers for various pricing for various scenarios including clients that are new to Intertek and whether the client has a research report with another agency. Additionally, you can email icenter@intertek.com, call 800.WORLD.LAB, or visit us on the web at www.intertek.com/CCRR.

Where can I get a copy of acceptance criteria written by Intertek?
Intertek will not issue acceptance criteria and will use ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria whenever available. The Code Compliance Research Reports by Intertek are be based on code, standards, and acceptance criteria, in that order of importance.

Is it possible for me to convert my existing ESR into a CCRR? How long will this take to complete? What is needed to make this happen?
Yes. Clients that have an existing ESR can transfer the report to Intertek for a CCRR in only a few steps and if the product is already certified by Intertek, the process is even simpler.

New Clients

An Account Manager will work with the Client to identify the information needed for the CCRR. Typically, a complete set of data, as was submitted for the ESR, must be provided for our files, unless Intertek was the testing agency or the Client had the product evaluated through an Intertek Fast-Track process, in which case we already have the data. The data will be reviewed by Intertek Engineering Services staff for compliance with the relevant code, standards and acceptance criteria, and then reviewed by the Product Evaluation Group. A draft report will be prepared for the Client’s review. When the test data is complete, the inspection program in place, the Product Evaluation Group has completed its review of the files and the Client has agreed to the report content, the CCRR will be posted to the Intertek web site.

Currently Certified Clients

If the data already resides at Intertek, the process could be completed quickly. The CCRR will be ready for posting at the same time as the Listing is established.

What if my product does not fall under existing Acceptance Criteria?
If the product and its intended application cannot be defined by the code, a standard or an existing Acceptance Criteria, we recommend that the Client apply to ICC-ES to develop a new Acceptance Criteria. Intertek can help with this process to create or revise an Acceptance Criteria for the Client’s product.

How long does it take to complete a new CCRR after testing is complete?
Typically, the CCRR will be ready for posting when the Intertek Listing Report is completed. This is accomplished because the requirements for code compliance are established at the beginning of the project and the Client will have reviewed the draft IRR before the completion of testing. The evaluation process happens in concert with the testing and listing work and the review of test results will coincide with preparation of the Intertek Listing Report.

How are revisions addressed?
Revisions to a CCRR will result from four cases:

1. Requests from the Client due to product changes
2. Inspection variations
3. Changes in codes, standards or Acceptance Criteria resulting in mandatory revisions
4. Regular updating of CCRRs to reflect newer versions of code, standards or Acceptance Criteria when there have been no technical changes in the requirements.

Cases (1), (2) and (3) require a project to be initiated, with testing, inspection and code evaluation as necessary for the applicable revision. Case (4) is done automatically by Intertek.

What if I already have a product listed with Intertek? How does this affect me if I also want a CCRR?
Products that are currently listed with Intertek have a good start to attaining a CCRR. The requirements for the CCRR will be identified at the beginning of the project. Any required data that is not already in Intertek’s files must be submitted for review. All testing must be from laboratories that are accredited under ISO Guide 17025.

Where can I see my CCRR online once it is complete?
CCRRs will be located within the Client’s Listing Report, which can be found on our Building Products’ Directory of Listed Products.

Where can I learn more about the Evolving Code Evaluation Process?
Please read Intertek's White Paper for a full overview of the code evaluation process as it relates to the approval of alternative materials used within the built environment and the options available to manufacturers of building products and to code officials.