Industrial
valve testing and certification
A flow-control and shut-off fitting.
valve — conformity scope
For a valve, pressure equipment requirements are decisive: the nominal pressure, diameter and fluid group change the category and hence the conformity-assessment route. The material certificate and leak-tightness are the file's core items.
The list below is the European Union framework. The same product falls under a different mark and approval regime in another market; Smart Service Finder shows that market's requirements when you select it.
Regulation
valve legislation that typically comes into play for
The following is the European Union framework and shows typical application. Which title actually applies depends on the class, intended use and components of the product; The scope is determined by examining the product.
The Pressure Equipment Directive. The category is determined by fluid group, pressure and volume; the notified body's role grows as the category rises.
The current Machinery Directive. Imposes risk assessment, essential health and safety requirements and a technical-file obligation.
Equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. The category and conformity route are determined by zone classification.
General requirements for equipment in contact with food; material conformity is required for valves in food lines.
Hygiene requirements for materials in contact with water under the Drinking Water Directive.
Standards
Standards typically referenced in the dossier
- EN 12516
- EN 1074
- API 6D
- API 598
- API 6A
- ISO 5208
- EN 12266
- ISO 15848
What is required?
Each item links to the relevant service page: the legislation entry to the certification scheme, the test family to the laboratory page, and the mark to the market page.
European Union — required mark
5- CE — European UnionThe umbrella for entering the EU market; all regulations applicable to the product are met.
- LVD — European UnionLow Voltage Directive — no notified body; the declaration is made by the manufacturer.
- EMC — European UnionElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive — emission and immunity requirements.
- PED — European UnionPressure Equipment Directive — the NB's role increases as the category rises.
- ATEX — European UnionExplosive atmosphere equipment — NB is mandatory for category 1 and electrical category 2.
Required legislation
4- Machinery Directive
- Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
- ATEXIf used in an explosive atmosphere
- EMC Directive
Required tests
4- Mechanical TestingStrength and fatigue
- Metals & Metallurgy TestingMaterials and welding
- Vibration & Shock
- Electrical Safety
What must be in the technical file
6- Technical file and risk assessment (ISO 12100)
- The EU declaration of conformity
- Instructions for use and maintenance manual
- Welding procedure qualification (WPS/WPQR)
- Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
- Details of the authorised representative or importer established in the EU
How does the process work?
The flow below is a general order independent of product type; timing and acceptance criteria are determined by the standard the product falls under.
1Defining the scope
It is determined which legislation the product falls under based on its technical characteristics and intended use.
2Testing and evaluation
Tests are planned for the applicable headings; results are evaluated according to the relevant standards.
3Technical file
Design, production and test records are compiled in the technical file, accompanied by a risk assessment.
4Declaration or certificate
Depending on the product group, the manufacturer's declaration is prepared or third-party certification is carried out.
valve which market is it going to?
Who bears the obligation, where the test will be performed, and what customs will require all vary by market.
What changes depending on the market?
Same product, different regimen
- European UnionFor a valve within the scope of pressure equipment, the PED category is determined; leak-tightness is verified under EN 12266 or API 598. ISO 15848 applies if there is a fugitive-emission requirement.
- United KingdomThe UKCA regime carries the same technical requirements into its own legislation; CE marking is recognised indefinitely for many product groups.
- United StatesASME B16.34 dimensions and pressure class, API 6D pipeline valves, and API 598 inspection/test requirements apply.
Products in the same group
valve — let's work out the scope together
Share the product's technical characteristics; let us tell you in writing which headings apply to your scope and which tests are required.
This result is a starting roadmap, not a conformity assessment. Which legislation a product falls under depends on its technical characteristics, intended use and user group; it is only finalised by examining the product. You may have an obligation not shown in the list, and an item shown here may not apply to your product.