ATEX Certification Services | Testing, Zones & Directive Compliance

Get your product to European markets faster with expert ATEX certification, ATEX testing, and compliance with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.

What is ATEX Certification?

ATEX certification is a mandatory conformity assessment for equipment intended for use in ATEX hazardous areas (potentially explosive atmospheres) within the European Union. It ensures that products are designed, tested, and approved to prevent ignition risks under defined operating conditions.

ATEX applies to equipment used in environments with:

Flammable gases
Vapors or mists
Combustible dust

Certification confirms that products are safe for use within specific ATEX zones and classifications, based on risk levels and exposure frequency.

ATEX Directives

The ATEX Directive framework consists of two key regulations governing equipment and workplace safety:

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Equipment Directive)
Covers equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres
ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC (Workplace Directive)
Defines employer responsibilities for managing risks in hazardous areas

Together, these ATEX regulations ensure both product safety and worker protection across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing.

Why is ATEX Certification Important?

ATEX certification is essential for manufacturers looking to sell equipment in the European Union. It demonstrates compliance with ATEX standards, ensuring your product:

Will not act as an ignition source
Meets strict EU safety and performance requirements
Is approved for specific ATEX zones and classifications
Can legally carry the CE and Ex markings

Without proper ATEX approvals, products cannot be placed on the EU market.

Guide to Hazardous Location Equipment Marking | White Paper

Get a comprehensive breakdown of hazardous location equipment marking requirements and their correct application in our guide for manufacturers and end users.

Learn More

Guide to Hazardous Location Equipment Marking white paper

Intertek's ATEX Certification Solutions

Intertek provides end-to-end ATEX certification services, helping you navigate complex compliance requirements with confidence. With our global network of laboratories and expertise from our engineers, we can offer a fast turnaround time and get your hazardous location equipment to market quicker than our competitors.

Service	Scope / Focus	Description
ATEX Testing & Certification	ATEX testing, ATEX standards	We perform rigorous ATEX testing to validate compliance with IEC/EN 60079 series, ISO/IEC/EN 80079 standards, and additional global hazardous location standards.
ATEX Inspections & Hazardous Area Classification	ATEX inspections, ATEX hazardous area classification, ATEX zones	Our experts support ATEX hazardous area classification, ensuring accurate identification of ATEX zones and appropriate protection requirements for your equipment and facilities.
ATEX Quality Audits	ATEX quality audits, compliance audits	We conduct ATEX quality audits in accordance with ISO/IEC/EN 80079-34, including Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) audits required for Zone 0 and Zone 1 equipment.
Unit Verification & ATEX Approvals	ATEX approvals, unit verification	For custom or limited-production equipment, our Unit Verification services provide a streamlined path to ATEX approvals for EU market entry.
ATEX & IECEx Certification (Global Market Access)	ATEX IECEx certification, global compliance	Leverage combined ATEX and IECEx certification to access Europe and global markets simultaneously; saving time and reducing costs through harmonized testing programs.

Ex Marking Standards and Requirements

To comply with the ATEX directive, products must meet strict ATEX standards and display:

CE Marking
Ex Marking (explosion protection symbol)

These markings confirm compliance with applicable ATEX classifications and zones, signaling safety to regulators and end users.

Unit Verification

Unit Verification is a flexible certification route for one-off or customized equipment used in ATEX hazardous areas. It allows manufacturers to demonstrate compliance without full production certification; ideal for specialized applications.

Quality Audits

ATEX requires ongoing quality assurance processes. Intertek supports:

Factory inspections
Quality system audits
Compliance with ATEX manufacturing requirements

These ATEX inspections and audits ensure continued conformity and regulatory compliance.

Bundled Certifications

Streamline global market access with bundled certifications, including:

ATEX certification (Europe)
IECEx certification (global)
North American approvals

This integrated approach reduces duplication, lowers costs, and accelerates product launches.

ATEX and DSEAR Training

Build internal expertise with ATEX training and DSEAR ATEX programs, designed to help teams:

Understand ATEX zones and classifications
Apply proper safety measures
Maintain compliance in hazardous environments

Training can be customized for your site and industry needs.

Contact us today, to find out how we can help you
Hazardous Locations ATEX Certification

ATEX Certification – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ATEX certification ensures that equipment used in explosive atmospheres meets EU safety requirements under the ATEX Directive and is safe for specific hazardous area zones.

ATEX zones classify hazardous areas based on the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres, helping determine the required level of equipment protection.

It is the EU regulation governing equipment used in explosive atmospheres, defining safety, testing, and certification requirements.

ATEX applies to the European Union, while IECEx is an international certification scheme. Many manufacturers pursue both for global market access.

Yes. Any equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX regulations to be sold in the EU.

It is the process of identifying and categorizing hazardous zones based on explosion risk, ensuring proper equipment selection and compliance.

These include factory audits, product evaluations, and quality assurance assessments required to maintain ATEX compliance.

DSEAR is the UK regulation aligned with ATEX workplace requirements, focusing on protecting workers from explosive atmosphere risks.