Approach of the IECEx Scheme

In addition to the preparation of international standards, the IEC facilitates the operation of the following conformity assessment schemes:

• IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment (IECEE), which includes the Scheme for Mutual Recognition of Test Certificates for Electrical Equipment (IECEE-CB)
• IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ)
• IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Explosion-Protected Electrical Equipment (IECEx)

These three IEC conformity assessment schemes each report to the IEC Conformity Assessment Board (CAB). Regarding the rules and procedures for these conformity assessment schemes, the IECEx Scheme has released the following two publications:

• IECEx 01, IEC Scheme for Certification to Standards for Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx Scheme) -- Basic Rules
• IECEx 02, IEC Scheme for Certification to Standards for Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx Scheme) -- Rules of Procedure

These rules and procedures detail how to verify compliance of Ex equipment with IEC Standards.

The ultimate aim of the IECEx Scheme continues to be worldwide acceptance of one standard, one certificate and one mark. The "one standard" refers to the IEC 60079, 61241, 61779, and 62086 series of documents, the "one certificate" refers to the ultimate need for only one certificate from one certification body, and the "one mark" refers to the ultimate existence of a single IECEx Mark accepted in all countries. This is arguably a lofty vision, but such a vision helps to focus the efforts within the scheme, while industry travels the long and winding road towards true globalization.

The Scheme is applicable to electrical equipment covered by the IEC explosion-protection technique standards prepared by IEC/TC 31, which include:

Within the scheme, participation by countries is on a standard-by-standard basis. This means that a country can choose to participate in the IECEx Scheme for one or more of the standards listed above. The scheme's rules take into consideration the individual situations of each participating country with respect to their position in the harmonization of their national standards with the IEC, as well as certification and approval requirements. This is done by providing for two levels of participation: Full participation, and participation at a Transitional level.