Product Type Approval Framework

Transport for NSW and Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) Victoria have launched a pivotal strategic initiative with an aim to standardise type approval of products across transport and asset classes.

The goal is to implement a nationally harmonised product type approval assessment approach that delivers common outcomes and a substantial increase in the availability of products and systems with proven conformance to specified performance and technical requirements. Approval is conferred on products that meet critical regulatory, technical and safety requirements ensuring suitability for deployment of the products across interstate and national transport infrastructure.

Historically type approvals have been inconsistent across jurisdictions and modes of transport, leading to inefficiencies and a reluctance to adopt novel products that may offer better asset life cycle performance and operational efficiency. Feedback from industry stakeholders has highlighted the existing processes are complex, time-consuming, and challenging to navigate, which stifles innovation and value creation.

This initiative promises substantial ongoing savings for both the industry and government agencies by streamlining processes and reducing duplication of effort.

Transport for NSW has led a working group to develop the national Product Type Approval (PTA) Framework in collaboration with 49 members from different modes and jurisdictions across Australia, industry experts, transport operations and industry bodies.

The PTA Framework is built around ten core principles intended to foster knowledge sharing build trust and reduce duplication of effort through shared assessments across different jurisdictions and transport modes. These principles are designed to support a risk-based, efficient, and timely approval of products.

The ten core principles developed by the project team and presented to industry stakeholders are provided below.

Product Type Approval core principles

Product Type Approval Framework Pilot Trial

Before a national rollout, a pilot trial of the PTAF was conducted in collaboration with TfNSW and DTP Victoria. The project utilised the technical capabilities, expertise, and resources of Transport Certification Australia (TCA), National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), AECOM, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Queensland Rail, industry partners, and industry bodies to evaluate the framework before national adoption.

The pilot included three interconnected trials designed to validate the framework's effectiveness:

  • NTRO: A trial for the Rail Safety Systems Rail Active Crossing Safety System (RAXS), aimed at enhancing railway safety and efficiency.
  • TCA: A trial involving eight road civil products, each already approved by one jurisdiction, to test cross acceptance and mutual recognition:
    • Four products approved by DTP 
    • Four products approved by TfNSW
  • AECOM: A trial involving eight rail-related products:
    • Four electrical products
    • Four signalling/ control systems 
    • Each product previously approved by one jurisdiction, with four by DTP (MTM) and four by TfNSW
    • All products have been previously approved by one jurisdiction, 4 by DTP (MTM), 4 by TfNSW

The Framework aims to remove barriers to innovation by enabling a common and effective way for approval and introduction of new technologies across the transport networks. This is achieved by establishing common governance to eliminate the duplication of effort across jurisdictions. This initiative aligns with the National Rail Action Plan to enhance safety and promote regulatory consistency across Australian transport networks.

Project Leadership

Project Sponsors: Christian Christodoulou (Director Engineering)
David Barton (Chief Engineer, Roads Department of Transport and Planning, Victoria)
Amy Lezala (Chief Engineer, Rail, Department of Transport and Planning, Victoria)
Chris van Berendock  (Chief Engineer, Queensland Rail)

Project Champion TfNSW: Lidija Dumbaloska (Director Energy Networks & Systems)

Project Champion DTP Victoria:  Andrew Brenchley (Executive Director, Standards and Transport Engineering)

Project Manager: Paul Wellington (Manager – Road Engineering Standards, DTP Victoria)

Nationwide Implementation of the Product Type Approval Framework (PTAF)

The nationwide adoption of the PTAF under this MoU will significantly enhance the effectiveness of product type approvals, encourage innovation, support local manufacturing, and better meet the public's needs. The comprehensive adoption of the PTAF is expected to streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and foster a more collaborative environment across various transport modes, ultimately leading to more sustainable and innovative transport solutions.

The agencies that have singed the MoU include:

  • Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)
  • Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
  • Department of Transport Victoria
  • Queensland Rail

By signing the MoU, each party commits to the core principles of the PTAF, ensuring consistency and integrity throughout the approval processes. This collaborative effort is expected to:

  • Reduce redundant work and associated costs through shared assessments.
  • Facilitate faster and more efficient approval processes via a harmonised approach.

The framework ensures that all parties actively collaborate and share information, which enhances transparency and aids in aligning strategies across different jurisdictions.

Expansion and Future Plans

Western Australia has recognised the value and benefits of a streamlined and nationally harmonised Product Type Approval framework and is currently in the process of signing the MoU. This expansion signifies a growing commitment to mutual recognition and cross-acceptance of product type approvals among the participating jurisdictions. As more regions consider joining this initiative, the potential for nationwide impact continues to grow, setting the stage for a unified approach to product type approvals across Australia.

Next Steps for the Product Type Approval Framework (PTAF)

  • The final approved and nationally harmonised PTA Framework is available here (PDF, 1.81 MB).
  • The project is focused on developing a comprehensive strategy for change management and implementation. This strategic development includes several key components:
    • The Product Type Approval Guide: This guide will provide detailed instructions for navigating the product type approval process under the new framework.
    • Product Type Approval Criteria: Clear assessment and evaluation criteria will be designed to outline which products require type approvals and assess the value creation potential of approving products.
    • Competency Framework: A framework to define the required skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for third-party assessors involved in the product type approval process ensuring the expertise and decision-making within the teams.
    • Change Management Strategy: This strategy will address how the framework will be implemented, ensuring smooth transitions and minimising disruption.
    • Initiate a phased integration of the proposed PTAF, beginning with an early adoption strategy in DTP Victoria and TfNSW. This approach allows for iterative learning and adjustments, setting a robust foundation for broader implementation.

Stakeholder consultation and engagement

  • Asset Management Branch, Safety Environment and Regulation, Transport for NSW
  • Assets and Engineering, Department of Transport and Planning Victoria
  • Regional and Outer Metropolitan, Transport for NSW
  • Sydney Trains
  • Sydney Metro
  • National Transport Commission
  • Australian Rail Track Corporation
  • Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, ONRSR
  • Transport Certification Australia (TCA)
  • Australasian Railway Association (ARA)
  • Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB)
  • Austroads
  • National Research Transport Organisation (NTRO)
  • AECOM
  • Queensland Rail
  • UGL Regional Linx
  • Customer Strategy and Technology, Transport for NSW
  • Infrastructure and Place, Transport for NSW
  • Roads ACT
  • Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland
  • Public Transport Authority, Department of Infrastructure and Transport, South Australia
  • Public Transport Authority, Western Australia