IECEx International Explosion-proof Certification System:

IECEx is a certification system advocated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which has rapidly become an international safety certification pathway for products used in all hazardous areas. The details provided in IEC test reports are not included in ATEX certification and can be approved locally to address any legal issues that may arise in the destination market.

Compared to ATEX, IECEx aims from the outset to integrate all aspects of design and production control by engaging an independent third party (IECEx certification body) before issuing certification, similar to the ISO/IEC Type 5 certification system. This certification is a public document issued by an accredited certification body. Equipment purchasers can access the IECEx online database to view the current status of certifications in real time: current, suspended, or revoked.

Overview of IECEx International Explosion-proof Certification:

The IECEx system (IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres) is an international conformity assessment system for explosion-proof electrical equipment used in explosive environments and related services. It represents an internationally accepted method for demonstrating compliance of explosion-proof electrical equipment.

IECEx explosion-proof certification adopts ISO Type 5 certification mode: Type testing (product inspection) + Factory quality system audit + Post-certification supervision.

Purpose of Implementing IECEx Explosion-proof Certification:

1) To reduce potential huge expenses or losses caused by the following factors:

a) Duplicate certification and repetitive re-certification;

b) Delayed market entry due to certification processes.

2) To eliminate trade barriers for explosion-proof electrical equipment in international markets.

Global Recognition:

Unlike ATEX, IECEx content is completely open to purchasers and users, unlike the ATEX compliance system where details are difficult to access. The goal of IECEx is to become a "globally accepted certification" through adherence to nominated standards and traceability.

ATEX Complements IECEx:

This does not mean ATEX certification is no longer usable. ATEX's mandatory legal status within Europe ensures its continued importance. However, IECEx certification complements ATEX, and for equipment exported outside the EU, obtaining both certifications offers greater advantages. In the UK and Europe, Baseefa will continue to verify and certify products, gaining global recognition through the IECEx explosion-proof electrical product certification system. One example of IECEx's global acceptance is its adoption by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL is certified under the IECEx explosion-proof electrical product certification system and has been issuing Acceptance Test Reports (ATR) since 2005.

Single Certification Procedure:

National certification bodies participating in the IECEx explosion-proof electrical product certification system recognize ATR without requiring additional testing. Therefore, obtaining one product certification opens doors to the 31 countries currently participating in the IECEx certification system. These countries include Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Russia, etc.

Combining IECEx and ATEX Certification:

1. Unified technical standards for electrical equipment produced since 2006

2. Single set of tests for a single standard that simultaneously supports IECEx and ATEX

3. ATEX EC-type examination certificate can be based on IECEx ExTR, but ATEX documentation may not necessarily support IECEx certification

4. Technical requirements for manufacturer's quality assurance systems are equally valid, based on both EN13980 and IECEx QAR standards, and can support ATEX QAN certification. Global standardization will take time, but more countries are adopting this international certification system. Many manufacturers have recognized this shift and have started adding IECEx certification to their certification portfolios. You will find more products, both existing and new, displaying the blue IECEx logo alongside the familiar ATEX Ex mark.

Example of Product Marking with Dual Certification:

Dual IECEx and ATEX markings are becoming increasingly common. Through this approach, products gain the same recognition in other countries participating in the IECEx certification system as they currently have in European countries. Sometimes, products may need to comply with national certification standards, but in these cases, using IECEx test reports enables faster and more cost-effective tracking of certification information.

As businesses in the UK and Europe gradually shift focus to export markets, particularly outside Europe and North America, dual IECEx and ATEX certification will help simplify export procedures.

The IECEx explosion-proof electrical product certification system represents a significant step toward a global certification system. The dual certification marking of IECEx combined with ATEX helps make more informed decisions in the design, manufacture, or purchase of products used in hazardous areas.