ATEXIECExZertifizierungen

ATEXIECEx Zertifizierung refers to the certification processes for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The term combines ATEX, the European Union framework for equipment placed on the EU market, and IECEx, an international system designed to facilitate cross-border recognition of conformity to explosion-protection standards.

ATEX covers equipment and protective systems for gas and dust atmospheres. It is codified in the EU directive 2014/34/EU (the ATEX Directive), which defines essential health and safety requirements and the conformity assessment procedures manufacturers must follow to obtain the CE marking and the Ex marking. The assessment is typically carried out by a Notified Body, or, for certain equipment, through an approved internal production control route. Equipment is marked with the Ex symbol and information about the explosion environment, protection concept (for example Ex d, Ex e, Ex i), and, where applicable, the temperature class. The directive also governs safe use in hazardous areas through related workplace provisions.

IECEx is an international certification system administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It provides three main outputs: an IECEx Certificate of Conformity, an IECEx Test Report, and an accompanying conformity assessment. Certification bodies (ExCBs) and test laboratories (ExTLs) operate under the scheme, issuing certificates with unique numbers and Ex marks. IECEx certificates are widely recognized by national authorities and buyers around the world, and manufacturers frequently pursue IECEx alongside ATEX to facilitate global market access.

While ATEX and IECEx address similar objectives, ATEX conformity is a legal requirement for placing equipment on the EU market with CE marking, whereas IECEx is voluntary but widely accepted internationally. Some manufacturers pursue both schemes to maximize market acceptance; others rely on a single pathway depending on target regions. End users should verify the exact certification and marking on any equipment intended for explosive atmospheres.