The ATEX process has stricter requirements than the standard CE process, because faulty equipment can produce a result that directly threatens life safety, such as an explosion risk. In this article we explain step by step how a product's ATEX certification proceeds from start to finish.
1. Clarifying the Scope and Intended Use
The first step of the process is to clarify whether the product genuinely falls within ATEX scope and which environment it is designed for. At this stage it is determined whether the product is for a gas or dust environment, and whether it is designed for surface industry (Group II) or mining environments (Group I). You can find more information on the general scope-determination logic in our article What Is ATEX?.
2. Determining the Target Zone and Equipment Category
It is determined which zone (0/1/2 or 20/21/22) the product will be used in, and the corresponding equipment category (1, 2 or 3) is identified. This step shapes the entire rest of the process, because the category determines both the required protection type and whether notified body involvement is mandatory.
3. Selecting the Protection Type and Standards
The protection type best suited to the product's design (Ex d, Ex e, Ex ia, Ex tb, etc.) is chosen, and the corresponding harmonized EN/IEC 60079 series standards are identified. This choice directly affects both the product's technical design and the test protocol that will be required.
4. Ignition Source (Risk) Analysis
All possible ignition sources of the product (hot surfaces, electrical sparks, mechanical sparks, static electricity, etc.) are systematically assessed, and it is demonstrated that the chosen protection design effectively controls these sources both in normal operation and in expected fault conditions. We explain how this analysis is carried out in detail in our article How Is ATEX Risk Analysis Carried Out?.
5. Determining the Conformity Assessment Module
| Category | Mandatory Module | Is Notified Body Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Category 3 (G/D) | Module A - Internal production control (self-declaration) | No |
| Category 2 (G/D) | Module B + C2, or B + D, or B + E, or B + F | Yes |
| Category 1 (G/D) and Group I | Module B + D, or B + F, or B + G | Yes |
For Category 1 and 2 equipment, EU-Type Examination (Module B) is almost always mandatory; we cover what this module involves in detail in our article What Is Module B?.
6. Preparing the Technical File and Testing
The technical file, consisting of design drawings, material properties, ignition source analysis, applied standards and test reports, is prepared; laboratory tests appropriate to the chosen protection type (pressure resistance, temperature measurement, sealing, energy limitation, etc.) are completed. We detail the content of the technical file in our article How Is the ATEX Technical File Prepared?.
7. Certification and Marking
- If required, the EU-Type Examination Certificate is obtained from the notified body.
- The production-stage module (D/E/F/G) is applied and the required audits are completed.
- The EU Declaration of Conformity is prepared and signed by an authorized signatory.
- The CE mark, notified body number (if any), the special Ex mark and all code information are affixed to the product or its label.
- The user manual is prepared to clearly state any special conditions of use (with the "X" marking), if applicable.
- The technical file and declaration are kept for the period prescribed by legislation (usually 10 years).
Most Common Mistakes
- Trying to choose a protection type without clearly determining the product's actual environment of use (zone).
- Leaving the notified body process to the end for category 1-2 products and putting delivery dates at risk.
- Carrying out the ignition source analysis superficially and skipping expected fault scenarios.
- Failing to reflect the special conditions of use stated on the certificate (the "X" marking) in the user manual.
- Overlooking that small changes made later to the product design can invalidate the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is notified body application required for every ATEX equipment item?
No, notified body involvement is mandatory only for Category 1 and Category 2 equipment. Category 3 equipment can be placed on the market through self-declaration.
Which tests are carried out in the ATEX process?
The test scope depends on the protection type chosen; pressure resistance tests for flameproof enclosures, energy limitation tests for intrinsically safe circuits, and sealing and temperature tests for dust-protected enclosures.
How long does it take to obtain ATEX certification?
The duration varies depending on the equipment category, the complexity of the protection type, and the notified body's workload; the process moves relatively quickly for category 3 products, while it can take longer for category 1-2 products.
Is it possible to make an existing product ATEX-compliant afterward?
In some cases it is possible, but this generally requires changes to the product's design; for this reason, taking ATEX requirements into account from the outset, at the design stage, is much more economical.
Conclusion
The ATEX certification process is a multi-stage engineering process that starts with scope and zone determination, proceeds through protection type selection, risk analysis, testing and, if required, the notified body process, and is completed with marking. Getting the scope and category determination right at the very start of the process prevents loss of time and cost at later stages.
For more information, see our ATEX consultancy service.
Get a Free Preliminary Assessment