IECEx EXPLOSION-PROOF CERTIFICATION
Certification applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
IECEx is an international voluntary certification scheme based on IEC scheme and standards. Certification applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The IECEx Scheme provides an international framework for conformity assessment of equipment intended for hazardous locations, supporting consistent evaluation based on defined technical requirements.
Where applicable, IECEx certification may support market access and regulatory compliance in different jurisdictions, subject to local requirements.
Applicable Standards and Frameworks:
IECEx Scheme — IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres
IEC 60079 series — Standards for explosive atmospheres (design, testing, and marking requirements)
our approach to IECEx certification
IECEx certification is typically required for equipment used in industries where explosive atmospheres may be present, including oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, mining, and industrial processing sectors.
Typical product categories include, but are not limited to:
Electrical motors and drives
Control panels and switchgear
Sensors and instrumentation equipment
Lighting systems for hazardous areas
Junction boxes and enclosures
Industrial automation equipment used in explosive atmospheres
Danem Test and Certificate AG provides IECEx conformity assessment services in accordance with applicable Scheme rules and IEC standards. The scope of work is defined based on product design, intended application, and applicable IECEx requirements.
The certification process is carried out in accordance with IECEx Scheme procedures.
IECEx CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Initial submission and technical review
Review of product design, intended application, and available documentation to identify applicable IEC 60079 standards, protection concepts, and certification requirements.
Determination of applicable testing and documentation requirements
Definition of required testing scope, documentation structure, and conformity assessment route in accordance with IECEx Scheme requirements.
Coordination of testing activities (where applicable)
Organization and coordination of testing with relevant laboratories, including alignment of test scope, applicable standards, and required test conditions.
Evaluation of technical documentation and supporting evidence
Detailed review of design documentation, Ex classification, marking, risk assessment, and test reports, including verification of compliance with applicable IEC 60079 standards.
Assessment against IECEx Scheme requirements
Completion of conformity assessment procedures in accordance with IECEx rules and operational documents.
Certification decision and issuance of documentation
Final certification review and issuance of IECEx certification documents in accordance with Scheme requirements.
Post-certification support
Ongoing support provided after certification to address technical questions, documentation updates, and product-related requirements.
WHY DANEM TEST & CERTIFICATE
- Global Expertise
International team supporting certification and compliance projects worldwide - Independent Assessment
Transparent and impartial certification, testing, and audit processes - Prompt communication and fast response times. Reduced project timelines through streamlined processes and continuous involvement of dedicated project coordinators.
- Structured Certification Pathways
Clear project planning from assessment through approval - Technical & Regulatory Knowledge
Support across certification, testing, regulatory requirements, and market access.
FAQ
ask us
anything
What is the difference between IECEx and ATEX certification?
ATEX and IECEx are both certification systems for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, but they differ in their legal status and geographic scope.
ATEX is based on Directive 2014/34/EU and is mandatory for equipment placed on the European Union market. Compliance with the Directive is required before CE marking can be applied to products within its scope.
IECEx is an international certification system based on the IEC 60079 series of standards. It is not an EU regulatory requirement but is recognized in many countries worldwide and is often used to facilitate international market access.
Although both schemes are based on similar technical principles and often reference the same international standards, certification under one scheme does not automatically satisfy the requirements of the other. Manufacturers supplying products to both the EU and international markets frequently obtain both ATEX and IECEx certification to support global compliance.
Is IECEx accepted internationally, and is ATEX still required to sell products in the EU?
Yes. IECEx is an internationally recognized certification system and is accepted or referenced in many countries outside the European Union to demonstrate compliance with explosion protection requirements.
However, IECEx certification does not replace the requirements of the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU). Equipment intended for placement on the EU market must comply with the ATEX Directive and, where applicable, complete the required conformity assessment procedures before CE marking can be applied.
While IECEx certification can support the technical evaluation and may facilitate access to international markets, manufacturers selling products in both the EU and other regions often obtain both IECEx and ATEX certification to meet the applicable regulatory requirements in each market.
Which products and equipment typically require IECEx certification?
IECEx certification is commonly applied to electrical and non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres across industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, marine, and energy.
Typical products include motors, control panels, lighting equipment, sensors, transmitters, junction boxes, cable glands, switches, instrumentation, communication devices, pumps, valves, fans, and explosion-protected automation equipment. The scheme also covers protective systems and components designed for hazardous locations.
Whether IECEx certification is required depends on the regulations and market requirements of the destination country. A product-specific assessment is recommended to determine the applicable certification route and any additional national requirements.
What is the typical timeline for IECEx certification?
The duration of an IECEx certification project depends on the complexity of the equipment, the explosion protection concept, the completeness of the technical documentation, and the scope of testing required.
For products with mature designs and comprehensive technical documentation, the certification process may take several weeks. More complex equipment, products requiring extensive testing, or projects involving design modifications and corrective actions may require several months.
The overall timeline is also influenced by the availability of test samples, the selected certification route, and the time needed to address any non-conformities identified during evaluation. An initial technical review can help identify documentation gaps and provide a more accurate project schedule.
Is testing always required for IECEx certification, or can conformity be demonstrated through documentation and technical evaluation?
In most cases, IECEx certification requires testing in accordance with the applicable IEC 60079 standards to verify that the equipment meets the relevant explosion protection requirements.
However, the extent of testing depends on the product type, protection concept, design maturity, and the availability of existing technical evidence. In some cases, previously issued test reports, certified components, or documented design evaluations may be taken into account, reducing the need to repeat certain tests.
A technical review is performed to determine whether the available documentation and existing evidence are sufficient or whether additional testing is required. The final certification decision is based on the complete conformity assessment, including both technical documentation and, where necessary, laboratory testing.