Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) Certification

IECEx is an international certification system run by the IEC for explosive-atmosphere equipment. Where ATEX is a regional (EU) legislative regime, IECEx is a voluntary, global scheme. Because both rest on the same IEC 60079 series, the technical content overlaps substantially; the difference lies in legal status and the geography where it is accepted.

• Manufacturers exporting Ex equipment to non-EU markets
• Those selling into the Australian, New Zealand, Gulf and Asian markets
• Equipment suppliers bidding on international project tenders
• Firms wanting to run ATEX and IECEx together

The scheme itself is voluntary. However, many countries base their national Ex regime on IECEx or accept an IECEx certificate; in these countries it effectively becomes a market-entry condition. An IECEx certificate alone is not sufficient for the EU market; the CE mark under ATEX is required.

• Determining the relevant IEC 60079 / ISO 80079 standards
• Issuing the Ex Test Report (ExTR)
• Auditing the production site for the Quality Assessment Report (QAR)
• Issuing the IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
• Publishing the certificate on the IECEx online system
• Periodic quality audits
• Ex marking and identification details

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• CB SchemeIECEE CB Scheme
• ATEXExplosive Atmosphere
• E-MarkVehicle Homologation
• WheelmarkMarine Equipment
• CEEU Product Conformity
• UKCAUnited Kingdom Conformity
• ENECElectrical Product Safety
• GSGermany Product Safety