The Customer Engineering Approval element is a relatively recent addition to the AIAG PPAP requirements and captures situations where customer approval is granted prior to full PPAP approval.

This section documents any formal customer authorisation that allows parts to be produced, shipped, or evaluated before the complete PPAP package has been approved.

What should be included

The Engineering Approval section should contain all relevant documentation demonstrating that the customer has explicitly approved the use of parts outside of standard PPAP release, including:

• Temporary deviation approvals or waivers
• Written customer engineering authorisations
• Emails or signed documents granting permission to ship or test parts early
• Supporting evidence of parts provided to the customer prior to PPAP approval

This may include approval for:

• Prototype or pre-production builds
• Pilot runs
• Trial or validation vehicles
• Interim production under controlled conditions

Why this is important

Customer Engineering Approval provides traceability and protection for both the supplier and the customer by ensuring that any early use of parts is authorised, documented, and controlled.

Without this documentation:

• Early shipments may be considered unauthorised
• PPAP submissions may be delayed or rejected
• Liability and compliance risks may increase

Key considerations

• Engineering Approval does not replace PPAP approval
• All approvals must be clearly documented and traceable
• Temporary approvals should include scope, quantity, and expiry
• Full PPAP approval is still required for ongoing production

Engineering Approval allows controlled flexibility during development while maintaining accountability and compliance within the PPAP framework.