A Confirmation Homologation must be considered as an extra verification step in addition to any initial homologation mentioned above. As the SRTP services are not yet in production, the Applicant/TSP might not be able to effectively demonstrate
some of the homologation requirements within the range HP-R14 to HP-R30. Any non-compliance of SRTP system related requirements HP-R1 to HP-R13 is out of scope as the Confirmation Homologation is not blocking the adherence to the SRTP
scheme and the start-up of services.
Re-Homologation
The re-Homologation in case the EPC has sufficient reasons to believe that a Participant/RTSP that has been homologated in the past is not providing RTP services in a way that ensures continuous compliance with the SRTP Rulebook and related
documents.
Complementary Homologation
A Complementary Homologation can be asked by the EPC to the SRTP scheme Participants, in cases of e.g. substantial changes to the SRTP scheme, new versions of the Rulebook and/or related documents that would require a further assessment
on the capacities of a scheme Participant to keep offering scheme-compliant services.
Homologation process
Apply for adherence to the SRTP scheme
To become participant of the SRTP scheme, an Applicant triggers the adherence process towards the EPC, as described in the SRTP Rulebook and detailed under the related Adherence Guide. The EPC initially identifies the Applicant and
evaluates whether it could be eligible to participate in the scheme. The EPC confirms the identification to the Applicant including the EPC reference number and the type of homologation to be applied.
A TSP applying for a homologation must first announce its compliance with the SRTP scheme by addressing a disclosure letter to the EPC.
Important remark: Currently Rulebook v2.1 is still applicable until the end of November 2023. From 30/11/2023, Rulebook v3.0, requiring the use of API’s and the API Security Framework, will be applicable. From
July 2023, Applicants can be homologated according to Rulebook v3.0. Applicants who want to be homologated according to Rulebook v2.1 are required to finalise the homologation based on Rulebook v3.0 before the end of November 2023.
Initiate the homologation
The identified Applicant or TSP will receive a mail from the HB with instructions to connect to a secured online tool supporting the homologation process and the exchange of information. Once access is created, the Applicant/TSP is requested
to fill in general information and a self-assessment. A Lead Assessor appointed by the HB will take contact and coordinate the Homologation process.
Contract & Billing
The HB shares a standard contract with the Applicant/TSP for signature. Once the contract is signed, the billing process is initiated. The payment is required before the start-up of assessment and testing.
Kick-off
The HB Lead Assessor organizes an online kick-off meeting with the Applicant/TSP. The main purpose of the meeting is to clarify the homologation process, approach and information (questionnaires and documents) to be provided.
The HB and the Applicant/TSP agree on planning considering that the HB is bound to perform the homologation process within one month approximately after receipt of all required information during the period of six months after the identification.
Deliver information
As agreed during the kick-off meeting, the Applicant/TSP delivers the requested information to the HB by the planned date (+/- 1 month). Conform the type of homologation, questionnaires and supporting documents must be provided via the
online tools to ensure security and confidentiality of the information provided.
All information and documents must be complete, accurate and relevant, provided in the English language.
The HB performs an initial check on the information delivered. The Applicant/TSP receives an acknowledgement of receipt or complementary requests if necessary.
If the information is accepted, the execution of the homologation can start.
Review of information
On receipt of the correct information, the HB reviews information and and supporting documents. Depending on the type of homologation, the potential subjects are:
- Performance and availability of the infrastructure
- Fraud
- Testing capabilities
- Educating customers (Payees & Payers)
- Educating staff members
- Documentation
- Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
- Subcontractor management
- Monitoring (Service Level Agreements)
In case of impediments or non-compliances the Applicant/TSP will be informed immediately to allow remediation which should be done before the end of the 1-month period to avoid a “Fail”.
Remark: At this moment and for homologation according to the current Rulebook v2.1, only assessment of a limited number of requirements via questionnaires and documents is possible. A limited number of requirements can not be assessed yet. All requirements can be checked as of July 2023 conform the Rulebook v3.0.
Execution of testing
The HB executes several tests in line with the specifications provided by the EPC. These tests include:
- Technical and functional testing
- Penetration testing
For testing purposes, the Homologation Body uses a dedicated platform and tools.
In case of impediments or non-compliances the Applicant/TSP will be informed immediately to allow remediation which should be done before the end of the 1-month period to avoid a “Fail”.
Remark: All testing can be executed as of July 2023 conform the Rulebook v3.0
Reporting & certification
When assessments and tests are completed, a report is delivered. There are two conclusions possible:
- “Pass” – the Applicant/TSP is conforming to the requirements of the SRTP rulebook. In this case, the report and certificate are addressed to the Applicant/TSP.
- “Fail” – the Applicant/TSP is not conforming to some of the requirements of the SRTP rulebook and should initiate a new homologation request. In this case the report is addressed to the Applicant/TSP.
The HB also shares the report and certificate with the EPC. Testing reports are delivered to the Applicant/TSP only. Only the overall conclusion will be mentioned in the homologation report.
Finalize the onboarding to the SRTP scheme
The Applicant, who successfully passes the homologation, provides the homologation report and certificate of homologation to the EPC to continue with the adherence process. If all conditions are met, the Applicant becomes participant
of the SRTP scheme.
The TSP who successfully passes the homologation, provides the homologation report and certificate of homologation to the EPC. The EPC will publish a list of TSPs, who successfully passed the homologation, on the EPC website
as “Referenced Technical Solution Providers”.
Roles and Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the actors in the homologation process
Homologation Body
The Homologation Body is officially mandated by the EPC to:
- Perform the necessary reviews, assessments and testing to ensure that a SRTP Applicant/TSP has the technical, operational, security and business continuity capabilities to conform with the SRTP scheme requirements as defined by the
SRTP Rulebook.
- Validate that the SRTP Applicant/TSP complies with the SRTP scheme Rulebook and the related Implementation Guidelines.
- Be the primary contact for the SRTP Applicant/TSP for homologation purposes.
- Set up and maintain the homologation framework and process.
- Ensure effective communication with the Applicant/TSP and the EPC.
- Deliver a Homologation Report and in case of successful Homologation a Certificate of Homologation.
European Payment Council (EPC)
The EPC as Scheme Manager is responsible for:
- The overall adherence process, from processing the initial adherence request of an Applicant to its inclusion in the Register of Participants.
- Decision about the type of homologation to be applied for the Applicant.
- In case of a TSP, collect the disclosure letter of intent to become an SRTP scheme compliant TSP.
- The final decision on whether an Applicant can be included in the SRTP scheme.
- Register the accepted scheme Participants in the Register of Participants.
- Publish the list of Referenced Technical Solution Providers on the website.
The SRTP Applicant or Technical Solution Provider
The SRTP Applicant/TSP undertakes the following tasks:
- Makes itself familiar with the SRTP scheme Rulebook and related documents and take the appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the SRTP scheme Rulebook requirements.
- Contact the EPC to kick-start the adherence process. (Applicants only)
- Once initially identified by the EPC, proceed with the homologation as instructed by the EPC. (Applicants only)
- Provide a self-declaration of compliance with the SRTP scheme. (TSP’s only)
- Sign Applicant/TSP contract with the HB and execute payment to the HB before the start of the assessments or testing.
- Provide all the information/documents/evidence requested by the HB for the Homologation Process, complete and in a timely manner.
- Provide the requested conditions to allow the execution of tests.
- Identify and inform the HB on confidential information.
Homologation types and fees
Types of homologations
The homologation types are described in chapter 2. The applicable homologation type is defined by the EPC and will be indicated in the contract to be signed between Applicant/TSP and the HB.
Homologation fees
The fees, excluding any applicable taxes, are:
Applicable for SRTP Applicants
- Standard Homologation: € 23.935,00
- Simplified Homologation A: € 20.170,00
- Simplified Homologation B: € 21.675,00
- Simplified Homologation A+B: € 19.165,00
- Confirmation Homologation (included in homologation fee): -
Applicable for Technical Solution Providers
- Homologation of a Technical Solution Provider: € 20.830,00
- Confirmation Homologation (optional: € 1.345,00
Applicable for SRTP Applicants and Technical Solution Provider
- Re-Homologation: Case-by-case
- Complementary Homologation: Case-by-case
Documents and links
We would like to emphasize that the content of the documents and links presented here is purely informative and intended for guidance purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, it is essential to understand that these materials do not hold any legal binding.
For matters that involve contractual agreements or legal obligations, only the specific terms outlined in the official contract will be considered binding between parties.
Documents:
Contact Details
For any further information about the adherence to the SRTP scheme, please contact the European Payments Council.