Definition: “IECEx” is the IEC System for Certification for Standards relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres
Comments: The objective of the IECEx System is to facilitate international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres, while maintaining the required level of safety:
- reduced testing and certification costs to manufacturer
- reduced time to market
- international confidence in the product assessment process
- one international database listing
- maintaining International Confidence in equipment and services covered by IECEx Certification
The IECEx System comprises the following
- The IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme
- The IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme
- The IECEx Conformity Mark Licensing System
- The IECEx Certification of Personnel Competencies (CoPC)
Applications
Ex equipment Manufacturers, Ex Service Providers and persons seeking IECEx certification can apply to IECEx Certification Bodies (termed ExCBs), in any country.
Countries and Certification Bodies can apply to become members of the IECEx System with Certification bodies able to issue IECEx Certificates once accepted according to the application procedures.
Rules of the IECEx System including Rules of Procedures are available, free of charge, from the IECEx website
National Member Bodies of the IEC System make application for their country to participate in the IECEx System on a Standard-by-Standard basis. The application is made to the Secretary of the Ex Management Committee.
Certification bodies and testing laboratories wishing to be accepted into the IECEx System must reside in a participating country. Their application for acceptance is made through their National Member Body of the IECEx System for the country in which they reside.
Certification bodies and testing laboratories are accepted into the IECEx System after satisfactory assessment of their competence. Assessors are selected who will provide confidence to regulatory authorities, users, manufacturers and certification bodies. ISO/IEC Standards and Guides 17025, 65 and IECEx Technical Guidance Documents are used as part of the IECEx assessment process.
