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Atex Directive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I have to do all this?

The countries that make up the European Economic Area adopt Directives as their national laws. The ATEX Directive is the law in every country in the European Community. And part of the law states that all products for use in explosive atmospheres must meet the Directive. Representatives from all of the Notified Bodies agree to certain policies and procedures during regular meetings.

What is a Notified Body?

A Notified Body is a Testing Laboratory and Certification Organization. Every National government notifies (or, designates) one or more testing/certification lab as an agency able to issue certificates to the Directives.

What is the CE marking?

The CE Marking is a marking which signifies Declaration by the Responsible Party (usually the manufacturer) that a product is compliant with all appropriate European Union New Approach Directives, such as the ATEX, Low Voltage, EMC and Machinery Directives.

What are the ATEX Directive's quality system requirements?

For Zone 0 and Zone 1 equipment, there are essentially two options:

  • Every individual product being produced is tested by a Notified Body, or
  • The manufacturer meets special quality system requirements.

Regarding the reference to special quality system requirements, this means ISO 9002 (Zone 0) or ISO 9003 (Zone 1), plus a special ATEX audit for quality system requirements that go beyond ISO 9000 requirements. If you already have an accredited ISO system, the ATEX audit usually takes one full day, and is good for 3 years. If you have no ISO registration, the ATEX audit usually takes three days, and must be conducted every 6 months or every year.

How do I show that my product complies with the Directive?

Place the CE Marking on the product, and prepare a document called a Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity. This lists all the European directives and standards that the product complies with. Certificates from notified bodies are sometimes referred to.

How many certificates will I receive from a Notified Body?

For Zone 0 and Zone 1 equipment, usually two - one certificate for the quality system, and one certificate for the product or product family. These two certificates can be issued by different Notified Bodies. For Zone 2, the Directive does not require a certificate, but you may receive one (for a fee) if desired.

How much does the overall process cost?

Quality audits can be expensive, not only because of the time for the audit, but also for the preparation of the paperwork that must be sent to the Notified Body. Regarding the product certification, it can help streamline the process if a certificate has already been issued to the old directive. However, if the product was not tested to the latest edition of the CENELEC standards, it is possible that some tests would need to be repeated. By starting an ATEX upgrade project now, you can help avoid the rush that is sure to occur in the first half of 2003.

What can UL do for me?

UL's subsidiary, UL International Demko A/S, is Notified for several directives, including the ATEX Directive. UL in the USA can conduct testing, quality audits, and prepare paperwork on Demko's behalf (or on behalf of other European Notified Bodies). However, UL-USA cannot issue certificates, since only European agencies can be Notified Bodies. For more information, please send us a fax at +1-847-313-2326, or send an email to hazloc@ul.com.

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