Atex Certification

ATEX product certification refers to the procedure of the estimate and testing of the construction of products that need to be certified under the European Directive 2014/34/EU (also known as the ATEX Directive or ATEX 114. This European Directive 2014/34/EU came into force on 20 April 2016 and replaces the old European Directive 94/9/EC.

When electronic or electrical tools of any kind are intended for use in a hazardous area, the tools must be ATEX certified as necessary by the EU directive 94/9/EC. This directive is more usually known as the ATEX directive (from the French: ATmospheres EXplosives). Within Europe ATEX certification of products for use in potentially hazardous atmospheres is required.

ATEX treats the two aspects separately and the manufacturer problems the ‘Declaration of Conformity’ that brings both parts together. IECEx needs that the certification body is responsible for making sure all production supervision is in place and observes in order for the on-line IECEx Certificate to be issued and remain ‘current’. The status of all IECEx certificates may be monitored from the on-line certificate database.

Who do these regulations apply?

The Regulations apply at most workplaces where flammable substances are stored or used, for instance, factories where flammable liquids are present or where flammable dusts are produced in the procedure.

Examples are chemical processing, spraying of paint and varnishes, milk drying, LPG storage and filling, flour production.