MP222 CPL submission efficiency improvements

The Data Communications Company (DCC) uses the Central Products List (CPL) to manage the Devices it can communicate with. If a Device is not listed on the CPL, a User cannot communicate with it other than to update the firmware to a version that is on the CPL.
At present, a Device Manufacturer can add a new Device to the CPL without any Supplier intervention. However as soon as the same Device requires a change to hardware or firmware, it must have Supplier endorsement before it can be updated on the CPL. Where there is no Supplier endorsement for a new Device hardware or firmware version, the Device Manufacturer cannot progress with the CPL submission. Hence a product that has gone through rigorous Commercial Product Assurance (CPA) and other relevant assessments cannot be listed or used.
This modification does not intend to alter the processes for adding new Communications Hub Device Models to the CPL or associate these with a hash. This modification relates to Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS) 2 Devices only.

The Proposed Solution is to remove the requirement for a Supplier Party to provide endorsement/approval for a firmware or hardware revision to a SMETS2 Device that is currently listed on the CPL. This will result in a more efficient process when making updates available to pre-existing CPL-listed Devices.
By removing the Supplier endorsement, the Manufacturer who is solely responsible for the CPA Assurance Maintenance Plan to provide the documentation to the CPL submission process directly and fulfil any questions that might arise without unnecessary delay. For clarity this does not force the Supplier to deploy the image but is designed to enable a Supplier to do this more quickly and take advantage of available certified firmware without undue delay. This modification will not impact the current CPA certification process.
The Proposed Solution will also enable the Manufacturer to submit the Hash Image, without it having to be submitted via a Supplier Party, as is the current process.
This is a proposed governance change and will not impact DCC Systems.
For clarity, SEC Appendix Z ‘CPL Requirements Document’ will be amended to state that Supplier Parties and Manufacturers can submit CPL submissions, however if a Manufacturer puts creates a submission, the Supplier Party endorsement will not be required.

Suppliers
Device Manufacturers
DCC

SEC Appendix Z 'CPL Requirements Document'