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Introduction to the Certified Equipment Scheme
The IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme is an international certification initiative that ensures the safety and compliance of electrical and mechanical equipment designed for use in explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas). Governed by the IEC and its international member bodies, this scheme involves independent 3rd party testing and evaluation of products and equipment to confirm adherence to international standards. An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is granted to products that pass the assessment, signifying that a sample has been independently tested and complies with specific criteria. With ongoing Quality Assessment Reports (QARs) the manufacturer's quality system is audited ensuring products can be produced with the same accuracy as the test sample. This certification is crucial for manufacturers, as it enhances product safety, reduces testing costs, and provides international recognition, facilitating the global trade of safer products.
The Certified Equipment Scheme provides a harmonized approach across its approved Ex Certification Bodies (ExCBs) and Ex Test Laboratories (ExTLs), ensuring that testing methodology using relevant IEC and ISO Standards are applied consistently enhancing the safety and reliability of industrial equipment, components, and assemblies in hazardous environments.
How is this done?
Through its approved global network of Ex Certification Bodies (ExCBs) and Test Laboratories (ExTLs), the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme can achieve:
Global Recognition: IECEx certification is accepted by over 30 member countries, providing international recognition and facilitating market access for certified products.
Competitive Edge: The scheme operates an Internet On-Line Certificate System (OCS), offering a competitive advantage to certified entities.
Reduced Retesting: IECEx certification significantly reduces the need for re-testing and certification, streamlining the process for manufacturers.
Compliance Assurance: The scheme involves initial and periodic audits by the ExCB, ensuring ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Independent Testing: An IECEx Certificate of Conformity attests that the certified equipment has been independently tested and found to comply with Ex product standards.
Conformity assessment certification is the process of evaluating and verifying whether a product, service, or system meets specific requirements or standards. The process typically involves a series of tests, inspections, and audits conducted by an independent third-party organization.
Objective of the IECEx certified equipment scheme
The objective of the IECEx System is to facilitate international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres while maintaining the required level of safety:
Reduced Testing and Certification Costs: IECEx certification leads to reduced testing and certification costs, providing economic benefits for manufacturers.
Time-to-Market: Manufacturers benefit from a decreased time-to-market, as IECEx certification streamlines the product assessment process, as the test reports and the quality assessment reports can be referenced in jurisdictions where national differences may exist before a product is approved for use.
International Confidence: IECEx certification instils international trust in the product assessment process, enhancing the reputation and market acceptance of certified products.
Recognition of Compliance: Beyond regulatory requirements, IECEx certification signifies a commitment to playing by industry rules, leading to recognition and trust in the market.
One international certificate database: An Internet On-Line Certificate System (OCS) listing for all IECEx certified Ex equipment & Ex components, personnel, and facilities. If it is not listed on the OCS, it is not IECEx certified.
What are the benefits to industry and regulators?
International Recognition: IECEx certification facilitates the sale of safer products internationally by ensuring adherence to global standards, promoting trust in the marketplace.
Harmonised Approach: The IECEx rules and procedures provide the requirements for 3rd party assessments of manufacturing products and facilities ensuring a consistent approach is applied by all approved ExCBs and ExTLs.
Improved Safety: Obtaining IECEx certification enhances safety measures, reducing testing requirements and demonstrating compliance with rigorous safety standards.
Global Market Access: IECEx certification is accepted worldwide, providing manufacturers with access to a broad range of markets and eliminating barriers to international trade.
Industry Recognition: Manufacturers adhering to IECEx certification demonstrate their commitment to safety regulations, gaining industry recognition for following stipulated standards.
Please view this animation video for an introduction to the IECEx 02 certified equipment scheme.
What are the certification types for the certified equipment scheme?
There are three options for Ex product certification.
- A certificate of conformity (CoC)
- A component certificate
- A unit verification certificate
1 and 2 above are essentially the same, except that the certificate of conformity (COC) applies to a complete Ex equipment item, while a component certificate applies to a specific component of a complete item.
The unit verification certificate applies to Ex-equipment and assemblies regarded as a “one-off” or a very limited production series.
Certification type
The CoC is the result of a type 5 certification scheme (see ISO/IEC 17067 for more information)
It means two elements are required, as below.
- A sample product must be selected from the factory and type tested,
- a test report (or ExTR) must be issued. - A factory assessment and periodic surveillance must be carried out
- and reported in a Quality Assessment Report (or QAR).
If the results of these two elements are satisfactory, then a CoC can be issued and remain valid.
As with a certificate of conformity, a component certificate is issued on the basis of satisfactory Ex Test Report and factory Quality Assessment Report, conducted by an approved IECEx certification body (ExCB).
Ex component definition - "A part of an apparatus or a module...which is not intended to be used alone and which requires additional certification when incorporated into equipment or systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.”
A Unit verification certificate may be issued on the basis of a satisfactory Ex Test Report. It only covers items actually assessed and tested. This means that each individual unit is verified.
It does not require factory inspection or ongoing factory surveillance. But each unit must be assigned an individual and unique identifying number on the certificate, or, if more than one unit is covered on the certificate, then all serial numbers must be shown.
How to get certification - Certified Equipment Scheme
Contact an approved certification body (ExCB) to obtain your IECEx certification.
Organisations who are interested in obtaining IECEx certification for equipment (electrical/mechanical), components or assemblies should contact the IECEx certification body of their choice.
Applications for IECEx Certificates of Conformity are made directly to the IECEx Certification Bodies.
Refer to the following documents and short animation on the process to obtain IECEx certification.
How to get involved
Certification Bodies seeking to provide IECEx certified equipment scheme should submit an application to the IECEx Secretariat using the forms provided. Contact the Secretariat for assistance for additional guidance.
Downloads
Conformity mark licensing scheme
Displaying conformance
The IECEx mark license scheme operates as part of the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, as provided for in accordance with the IECEx Basic Rules (IEC Harmonized Basic Rules, IEC CA 01 and IECEx Supplement, IECEx 01-S).
Please refer to IECEx 04A Rules & Guidance instructions for applicants which contain detailed information, click the button below. Or contact the IECEx Secretariat for further assistance.
Get the briefing paper
Downloads
IECEx System - Brochure
Read more to get further detail
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