What is the IECEx Scheme?
The IECEx Scheme is an international network of National Certification Bodies from around the world. It provides a mechanism for the mutual acceptance of test reports and certificates among participating members for equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres (Ex equipment). More than 57 certification bodies in countries throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia participate in the Scheme. The Scheme is intended to facilitate trade of Ex equipment by offering manufacturers a simplified means for obtaining multiple national safety certifications for their products.
How Does the IECEx Scheme Work?
Each participating country has one or more national certification organizations recognized by the IECEx Scheme as an Ex Certification Body (ExCB). A manufacturer located anywhere in the world may apply to any of the participating ExCBs – such as QPS – to carry out the required testing/assessment and obtain the following documents, as applicable:
- An Ex Test Report (ExTR) based on successful completion of product testing.
- A Quality Assurance Report (QAR) based on successful assessment of the manufacturer’s quality system.
- An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (IECEx/CoC) based on a combination of ExTR and QAR.
The manufacturer can use the above reports/certificate to obtain national certification in all the member countries participating in the IECEx Scheme, without additional investigations.
What Standards are used in the IECEx Scheme?
The Scheme applies to equipment used in explosive atmospheres and is based on the use of the International IEC standards. However, the Scheme permits each country to have some National Differences to address local safety concerns. Participating ExCBs are required to test/evaluate the product to the applicable IEC standard.