FAQ
EX

What is IECeX?

IECEx helps make sure that equipment used in places where there might be explosive gases or dust is safe. It tests and certifies this equipment, along with the people and services involved, against international safety standards. This helps these products be sold worldwide at a lower cost because they are proven to be safe.

The process works like this: special groups approved by IECEx test the equipment to make sure it meets certain safety standards. Then, the companies that make this equipment are regularly checked to ensure they can make every piece of equipment just as safely as the one tested. If everything checks out, the company gets a special IECEx certificate saying their product is safe. This certificate can be found online at the IECEx website.

What's the main difference between IECEx and ATEX?

IECEx and ATEX are both certification systems designed for equipment used in explosive environments, but they operate on different principles and serve different regions. The IECEx system, encompassing four distinct schemes including one for Ex Equipment, aims for global recognition, ensuring that certification bodies and testing laboratories worldwide adhere to a single set of evaluation criteria, the "IECEx Way." This approach mandates that all equipment, irrespective of the zone it's designed for, undergoes independent testing and certification before receiving an IECEx certificate. This certificate is then listed on the IECEx website for public verification.

On the other hand, ATEX is specifically tailored for the European Union, allowing equipment to be used within the EU based on the manufacturer's compliance with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) outlined in Annex II. Unlike IECEx, ATEX certification, referred to as the "EU-Type Examination Certificate," doesn't strictly require adherence to standards for all equipment types, especially for lower-risk zones where a manufacturer's declaration might suffice.

A significant distinction lies in their geographical focus: ATEX is primarily for the EU, while IECEx targets global applicability, insisting on strict compliance with international standards. The IECEx system operates under a unified, international qualification process for certifying bodies and laboratories, enhancing its global integrity and acceptance.

Is there a difference between an IECEx Certificate of Acceptance and an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?

Absolutely there is a difference between the two. An IECEx Certificate of Acceptance is essentially a recognition awarded to testing laboratories, indicating that they are authorized to conduct tests according to IEC Ex standards. This certificate validates the laboratory's capability and approval status for carrying out such testing.

Conversely, an IECEx Certificate of Conformity is granted directly to manufacturers by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB). This certification is an affirmation that the manufacturer's equipment meets the specific IEC standards applicable to their products and that their manufacturing processes undergo regular surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Similarly, Certificates of Conformity are issued for service facilities and personnel competencies, attesting to their adherence to the requisite standards, with their compliance also being periodically verified through audits.

Do all Ex certification bodies recognize IECEx Certificates?

While IECEx Certificates are broadly recognized, each IECEx Member Country may still necessitate additional procedures to grant their national certification or approval. Nevertheless, within the IECEx Scheme, it is a requirement that every Certification Body (ExCB) acknowledges the testing conducted by other ExCBs in the scheme when issuing their country-specific certifications. This framework effectively creates a streamlined pathway ("fast-track" process) for obtaining national certification in countries with such mandates.

You can find an up-to-date list of IECEx Member Countries on their website. Moreover, it's worth noting that several non-member countries, although not officially part of the IECEx system, do accept IECEx Certificates.

Is ISO 9001 Certification a prerequisite for obtaining IECEx Certification?

Acquiring ISO 9001 Certification is not a compulsory requirement for IECEx Certification. However, possessing an ISO 9001 Certification does have its perks, notably affecting the frequency of the required surveillance audits for manufacturing or service facilities. With ISO 9001 Certification, these audits are conducted every 18 months instead of the standard 12-month interval.

What is the effect on the Certificate of Conformity when the referenced standard is updated?

When a new edition of a standard is released, it does not necessitate the issuance of a new or additional Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for equipment already certified under IECEx CoCs. The existing certificate verifies that the equipment met the requirements of the standard's earlier editions, which may continue to fulfill the needs of certain customers or users.

Does an IECEx Certificate of Conformity need to be signed to be considered valid?

The IECEx Online Certificate System on the official IECEx website serves as the authoritative source for IECEx Certificates, offering a controlled and publicly accessible master version. This approach is strategically designed to help the industry identify and avoid counterfeit certificates by establishing a clear criterion: if a certificate is not listed on the online system, it is not legitimate.

If "Status" field located at the top left of the first page reads "Current," the certificate is considered valid and active.

Possessing a printed 'hard copy' or a 'pdf' electronic version of a certificate is considered an uncontrolled copy which should be verification against the IECEx Online Certificate System is recommended to ensure its ongoing relevance and authenticity.

For printed certificates, a designated area for a signature and date is included at the bottom of the first page to meet requirements for a signed document, proving its legitimacy. This signature field only appears in printed or PDF versions of the certificate.

What happens to the Certificate of Conformity if the product is changed?

Should there be any modifications to the design of equipment that has been certified under IECEx, it is imperative for the manufacturer to inform the Ex Certification Body (ExCB) that initially issued the IECEx Certificate(s) for the said equipment. The ExCB will then determine whether an updated version of the Certificate(s) is necessary to account for these design changes, particularly if they could affect the equipment’s compliance with the IEC Standard cited in the original certificate.

In cases where an updated Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued, it will document the modifications made since the last certification in the "Details of Certificate Changes" section, providing a transparent record of the evolution from the original to the revised design.

Who holds the responsibility for a product's compliance?

The manufacturer is vested with the responsibility. This includes overseeing or directly managing the various phases of production, evaluation, handling, and storage of the product. This oversight enables the manufacturer to assume full responsibility for the product's ongoing adherence to the relevant standards and to fulfill all related obligations.

What is the difference between IECEx Equipment Certification Scheme and unit verification?

The IECEx Equipment Certification Scheme is aimed at certifying mass-produced equipment for use in explosive atmospheres, providing broad international recognition and facilitating market access. Unit Verification, on the other hand, is focused on ensuring that specific, often bespoke, equipment meets the necessary safety standards, resulting in certification that applies to those particular units only. Both processes uphold the IECEx system's objective of maintaining safety in explosive atmospheres, but they cater to different types of equipment and production scales.

What is an IECEx Trade Agent?

An IECEx Trade Agent markets a product under their own name, even though they are not the original manufacturer (OEM). This strategy can be used to leverage existing partnerships or quickly add products to your portfolio.

Trade agent certification is streamlined, often not requiring additional product testing. Here's what's typically involved:

• Application: The Trade Agent submits an application including the OEM's IECEx certificate number.
• Declarations: Both the OEM and Trade Agent confirm that the product will remain unchanged.
• Agreement: Proof of the formal business arrangement between the OEM and Trade Agent is provided.
• Labeling: The Trade Agent gets a new label with their company information, keeping most of the original certified product details.
• Quality Assurance (Optional)

Depending on the specific circumstances, a Quality Assurance Report (QAR) might be required. This involves an audit of the Trade Agent's facilities to ensure they can maintain the product's integrity and compliance.

Advantages of the Trade Agent Approach

• Faster Market Entry: Partner with established distributors in different countries.
• Reduced Costs: Avoid the expense and time of designing your own certified products.

Let us help you determine if the IECEx Trade Agent approach is right for your business!