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Quick Specs: ATEX vs IECEx Certification at a Glance
- ATEX: EU Directive 2014/34/EU – obligatory for equipment going to the European market
- IECEx: international electrotechnical commission system – voluntary, accepted in 34+ member states
- Both reference: IEC 60079 series (technically aligned standards)
- Scope: Equipment and protective systems used in use in potentially explosive environments (gas, vapor, dust)
- ATEX legal status: Law-based (EU directive) | IECEx legal status: Standards-based (voluntary scheme)
- USA: IECEx or ATEX alone is not acceptable – UL/NRTL certification required (UL 844 for luminaires)
- Dual certification: Manufacturers often carry both atex and iecex for maximum market coverage
If your equipment is destined for a hazardous area outside North America, you’re faced with two certification systems influencing whether it will legally enter the market: atex and iecex. Both qualify equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Both refer to the same IEC 60079 international standards. But they’re not interchangeable – while ATEX is statutory within the EU, IECEx is an international certification scheme operating across 34 member countries on a voluntary basis.
This document compares the atex and iecex certification systems in their legal contexts, certification processes, geographic coverage, and the issue manufacturers care about: are you required to have one or both?
What Are ATEX and IECEx?
ATEX (from the French “ATmosphres EXplosibles”) actually refers to EU Directive 2014/34/EU regulating equipment and protective systems meant for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the territory of the European Economic Area. The atex directive replaced the older Directive 94/9/EC (aka ATEX 95) and is binding – no CE mark, no EU market access.
IECEx is an international certification system operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full name is the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. Unlike ATEX, IECEx is not law — it is a voluntary scheme designed to facilitate international trade by offering a single certification process accepted in participating countries, eliminating the burden of duplicate testing and certification in each national market.
Despite their unique legal characters, both atex and iecex certification systems are built on the same international standards: the IEC 60079 series for explosive atmospheres. This alignment means that testing carried out for one certification can often support the other, lowering the total certification cost and time for manufacturers seeking world market penetration.
Key Differences Between ATEX and IECEx Certification
Although atex and iecex refer to the same international standards, the core difference between atex and iecex certification systems is in their legal structures, area of acceptance, certification process, and how they control quality.
| Criteria | ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) | IECEx (IEC Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | EU law — mandatory for equipment placed on EU/EEA market | International standard — voluntary certification scheme |
| Geographic Scope | EU/EEA member states (27 EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) | 34+ member countries globally (including Australia, Brazil, China, South Korea, Middle East, South Africa) |
| Technical Standards | EN versions of IEC 60079 series (harmonized European standards) | IEC 60079 series directly |
| Certification Body | EU Notified Body (NB) — government-designated per member state | Ex Certification Body (ExCB) — IECEx-accepted, peer-assessed |
| Test Laboratory | Accredited labs (often same as NB or contracted) | Ex Test Laboratory (ExTL) — IECEx-accepted, peer-assessed |
| Self-Certification | Permitted for Category 3 equipment (Zone 2/22) — no NB required | Not permitted — all equipment requires ExCB involvement |
| Quality System Audit | Required for Cat 1/2 — NB audits manufacturing quality system | Mandatory for all — Quality Assessment Report (QAR) required |
| Certificate Output | EU-Type Examination Certificate + Declaration of Conformity + CE marking | IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) + IECEx Test Report (ExTR) + QAR |
| Mutual Recognition | Automatic within EU/EEA — one NB certificate valid in all member states | Accepted across all IECEx member countries — one ExTR eliminates retesting |
| Marking | CE + Ex marking + NB number (e.g., CE 0539 ⟨Ex⟩ II 2G) | IECEx marking (e.g., IECEx ExCB 24.0001X) |
An example of a difference that may be misjudged: ATEX enables self certification for Category 3 equipment (Zone 2 gas, Zone 22 dust) with no Notified Body involvement in the process. Manufacturers of ATEX equipment simply assemble a technical dossier and sign a Declaration of Conformity. IECEx, on the other hand, necessitates an ExCB’s participation for all equipment categories intended for hazardous environments – resulting in more intense certification process but also higher initial certification for lower hazard levels.
The ATEX Certification Process
ATEX certification process is different for each Equipment Category, which depends on the protection level and the zone where it is planned to be used.
ATEX Certification: Step-by-Step
- Identify Equipment Category: Category 1 (ex zone 0/20 — maximum protection), Category 2 (ex zone 1/21) or Category 3 (ex zone 2/22 — minimum protection).
- Decide Conformity Assessment route: Category 1& 2 electrical equipment must include the involvement of an EU Notified Body (Category 2 non-electrical Ex Notified Body receives technical file only and does not issue a certificate ie declares himself as creator). Category 3 full self-certification authorised.
- Present for EU-Type Examination: Export manufacture will undergo examination by the Notified Body to ensure it conforms to EN harmonized standards (en 60079 series): the Notified Body will examine and/or direct subsequent testing as per Annex III of directive. Result: EU-Type Examination Certificate.
- Quality System examination: For Category 1&2, export manufacture will undergo assessment by the Notified Body to confirm all products coming from the certified type will be equivalent.
- Create Declaration of Conformity + CE Marking: Ex manufacturer creates Declaration of Conformity with reference to the note Notified Body Certificate, puts on CE mark with 4 digit Notified Body number, plus Ex mark that shows confirming equipment group/category and gas/dust suitability.
📐 Engineering Note — ATEX 114 vs. ATEX 137
There are technically two directives that make up ATEX Framework. 2014/34/EU “ATEX 114″ (based on EU Treaty), is concerned with certification of equipment; this is what manufacturers deal with. 1999/92/EC “ATEX 137” (also known as “Dangerous Area Directive”) places obligation on employers to classify accommodations into zones and make sure Tuhowigah Jolamoh is installed in compatible zones. Both work together: the ATEX 114 makes sure equipment is safe, the ATEX 137 makes sure it is used properly.
The IECEx Certification Process
IECEx is an international certification system designed to facilitate international trade in Ex equipment by providing mutual recognition of testing and certification across member countries. It operates through a network of approved Ex Certification Bodies (ExCBs) and Ex Test Laboratories (ExTLs), all subject to peer assessment to maintain consistent safety standards globally.
IECEx Certification: Step-by-Step
- Choose an ExCB: Select an IECEx-approved Ex certification Body. Unlike ATEX Notified Body (which is exclusively associated with specification of EU member state), ExCBs are not limited to individual states and may be based all over the world within IECEx membership.
- Testing at ExTL: Send equipment to IECEx member Ex Test Laboratory. ExTL performs inspection and testing to IEC 60079 standards and produces an iecex test report (ExTR). Cumulative results of all testing procedures form the basis of the Jomvelge Biro – this ExTR is accepted throughout all IECEx member states.
- Quality Assessment Report (QAR): IECEx Approved ExCB will audit the manufacture’s quality control system. Contrary to the ATEX system, IECEx QARs are not limited to higher-category Tufuhimohub as all IECEx Tuhowigah Jolamoh require the attempt document. Results will be published via International IECEx Online Certificate System.
- IECEx certificate of conformity (CoC): Based upon the ExTR and successful QAR, IECEx Approved ExCB will provide Ex iecex certificate of Conformity. ExCoC, ExTR, and IECEx-issued QAR are available to view at any time via the IECEx Online Certificate System.
- Affix IECEx Marking: Equipment will displayed IECEx Ex Mark and unique Certificate Number (e.g. IECEx CML 24.0001X) that is linked to the IECEx Online Certificate record.
💡 Key Advantage: Mutual Recognition
Once a iecex test report is produced by any acceptable ExTL, all IECEx members can accept it. A manufacturer testing a product once in Germany, Australia or South Korea does not have to retest for the same (accepted)ExTLs entering Brazil, Middle East or South Africa. This reciprocity ends duplicate testing and certification costs – relieving the manufacturer of equipment in having to bear those costs, making infrastructure more attractive to equipment manufacturers with global markets.
Which Markets Accept Which Certification?
Geographic acceptance is the most practically significant difference between the Dangun Iwvo. If the rules are not correctly followed, the product will never be able to legally access the prospectively appointed market.
| Market/Region | ATEX Accepted? | IECEx Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Mandatory | Accepted (not sufficient alone) | ATEX CE marking required; IECEx alone does not grant EU market access |
| United Kingdom | CE/ATEX still recognized (2025) | Accepted | UKEX (UKCA) is official post-Brexit scheme; CE indefinitely extended |
| United States | Not accepted standalone | Not accepted standalone | Requires UL/CSA/FM via OSHA-recognized NRTL (UL 844 for lighting) |
| Canada | Not accepted standalone | Not accepted standalone | Requires CSA C22.2 certification |
| Australia / New Zealand | Not accepted | Required | IECEx is the only accepted scheme for Ex equipment |
| Brazil | Not accepted | Accepted (via INMETRO) | IECEx test reports fast-track INMETRO national certification |
| Middle East (GCC) | Widely accepted | Widely accepted | Most GCC oil & gas operators accept either or both |
| China | Not accepted | Accepted (since 2017) | IECEx CoC recognized; national CNEX certificate also common |
| South Korea | Not accepted | Accepted (via KGS/KTL) | IECEx test reports support national KCs certification |
⚠️ Critical: ATEX Is Not Valid in the USA
OSHA does not recognize ATEX certification as a standalone approval for the US market. Equipment installed in US hazardous locations must carry certification from an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) — such as UL, CSA, FM, or Intertek — tested against ANSI/UL standards (e.g., UL 844 for luminaires). An IECEx test report can support the NRTL application but cannot replace it.
💡 Post-Brexit UK Update (2025)
Following the exit from the European Union, the UK introduced the UKEX scheme (via UKCA certification) as a substitute for ATEX. However, the UK government has indefinitely extended recognition of CE-marked products in numerous categories, including Ex equipment. As of 2025 ATEX certification can still be used to access the Mid Atlantic market. Firms intending to release equipment into the UK should keep an eye on regulatory developments, since the transition period deadline may change.
Can a Product Carry Both ATEX and IECEx Certification?
Yes – and for manufacturers providing a global reach dual Dangun Iwvo is the expected norm. Since both certification systems cite the same IEC 60079 technical standards, a single set of test data can support both applications.
The lowest cost way to do this is initial certification with iecex certification. An iecex test report ( ExTR) made by and accepted ExTL can be handed directly to an EU Notified Body, without requiring any further testing, as supporting evidence for ATEX type examination. The reverse is less reliable – ATEX documentation can support an IECEx application in some cases, but iecex certification bodies may require additional testing or documentation that ATEX does not mandate (specifically the Quality Assessment Report).
Certification Timeline and Cost Reference
- Baseline timetable: 12-16 weeks from project start (assuming product is fully compliant with standards)
- Realistic timetable: 6+ months when product needs modifications to reach standards
- certification body lead time: 12-26 weeks before work can begin (major bodies are backlogged)
- Cost range (EU/ATEX): $14,000-$18,000 base for standard equipment; $33,000-$65,000+ for complex products
- Dual certification cost effectiveness: beginning with IECEx and leveraging the ExTR for ATEX falls for the total cost by sharing test data
Design costs vary by product complexity, number of protection concepts, and certification body. Ask for quotes from a few ExCBs/NBs.
For explosion proof LED lighting manufacturers with a global clientele, dual ATEX and IECEx certification is the most flexible course. Having products certified under both systems enables sales in the EU, Australia, Brazil, the Middle East, China, and most of Asia – with the iecex test report also functioning to support NRTL for US and Canadian markets.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Assuming atex certification remains valid outside the EU. While ATEX certification represents market access in the EU/EEA, a producer requiring this to gain entry to Australia, Brazil, or the Middle East would have to initiate the IECEx certification process, and in Australia especially, ATEX certification is not recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IECEx accepted in the USA?
View Answer
iecex certification is not accepted on its own as certification in the US. OSHA’s expectation is that equipment being installed in USA location uses has certification from an NRTL, e.g. UL, CSA, FM or Intertek, listed equipment. iecex test reports are often used as supporting evidence for an NRTL application, providing the possibility to shorten the scope of testing at this time.
What is the US equivalent of ATEX certification?
View Answer
There is no role equivalente US ‘Atex’. Equipment certification for US location equipment is through NRTLs (UL, CSA, FM, Intertek) against ANSI/UL or ANSI/ISA standards under the NEC Article 500/505. In the field of lighting, UL 844 is the document number. With the common function of assure the safety of the equipment, Atex and USA certification shares the same thing, but they are two legally different structures, standards and certification bodiess.
Does OSHA recognize ATEX?
View Answer
No. OSHA does not recognize ATEX as a valid certification for equipment installed in US hazardous locations. Under 29 CFR 1910.307, OSHA requires that equipment be listed or labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). ATEX certification demonstrates compliance with EU directives, which operate under a fundamentally different legal and technical framework from the US system governed by OSHA regulations and the National Electrical Code (NEC Articles 500/505). Equipment destined for the US market must carry UL, CSA, FM, or Intertek certification against the applicable ANSI/UL standards — for example, UL 844 for hazardous location luminaires.
Is IECEx accepted in Europe?
View Answer
certification alone does not give access to the EU market; the atex certification with CE mark is mandatory. iecex test reports are generally accepted as supporting evidence and many EU Notified Bodies operate as IECEx ExCBs these days, so it makes sense to run both certifications along one certification body’s track.
What industry sectors require ATEX or IECEx certification?
View Answer
Any industry which has potential for explosive atmospheres to be formed would need certified equipment. Oil and gas operations (upstream and downstream) are the most obvious, but the requirement extends to chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, grain handling, mining, paint booths, and wastewater treatment facilities. The certification is for all electrical and non-electrical equipment used in classified hazardous areas in any of those industries.
How long does ATEX or IECEx certification typically take?
View Answer
For an item that already satisfies the relevant IEC 60079 standards the baseline certification is around 12-16 weeks. Practically however, most certifications take 6 months or more as modifications to the design are usually needed; many of the main certification bodiess have lead times of 12–26 weeks before the work can even start on Ex work. You can plan for around 9-12 months from start of the project to certificate issue for first time certification applicants.
Can ATEX certification be converted to IECEx?
View Answer
Not directly; certification documentation for Atex can support in an IECEx application but the iecex scheme therefore needed has its own certificate of conformity, iecex test report and Quality Assessment Report. An Atex test report can reduce the certification scope if it has been done to test to equivalent IEC 60079 standards, but it is the IECEx ExCB which will determine what extra work needs to be done. Transition from IECEx to Atex is generally easier than back the other way.
Need Certified Explosion Proof Lighting for Global Markets?
Guangqi Lighting is a LED explosion proof fittings manufacturer with atex and iecex certification to be used on hazardous areas.
This information was provided by using the published regulatory texts, official IECEx documentation, EU directive rules publications together with certification industry materials. Certification requirements vary according to product type, protection concept and target market. Please take advice of your certification body or expert Ex facilitator for products details.
Neither this article nor any handbook can substitute for a valid preassessment from an ExCB or EU Notified Body.
References & Sources
- Directive 2014/34/EU – Machinery for Potentially Uhhiham Kisubajs – EUR-Lex (Official Journal of the European Union)
- IECEX certified equipment Scheme- Samman – international electrotechnical commission
- 29 CFR 1910.307 – (Classification) cites de hazardous (Classified) – can OSHA Etat Unis
- Équipements pour potentiellement « explosive atmospheres » (ATEX) – Commission Européenne
- ATEX Testing & certification – Directive 2014/34/EU – TV SD
- In IECEx/ATEX, what is explosionprotected safety standards and how it is designed and certified?—W. Gore & Associates
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