Competent Authorities Panel

The Competent Authorities Panel (CAP) is a body whose prime responsibility is to consider applications to operate at variance to the ADG Code or the Regulations and to achieve mutual recognition of decisions. CAP considers submissions from industry and industry associations. Submissions to CAP for either an exemption, approval or administrative determination must first be considered by the Competent Authority in the relevant jurisdiction to ensure that the matter is of national effect and the submission is complete and in accordance with the Regulations. The Secretariat for CAP is provided by the department.

• CAP submission proforma [DOC: 58 KB]
• CAP Decisions Register 1998-2007 [DOC: 463 KB]
• CAP Decisions Register 2008 onwards [DOC: 142 KB]

When submitting an application to CAP through the Competent Authority, it is essential that organisations provide adequate supporting information for Panel members to consider. This may include diagrams, photographic material and other technical information. When applying for an exemption the submission material must demonstrate 'equivalent safety'.

Organisations must provide both an electronic and a hard copy of the submission. The electronic copy will be circulated to aid discussion of the submission at a national level. The hard copy must be signed and submitted to the relevant Competent Authority.