Why Do ATEX & IECEx Certification Matter?

In environments where explosions are a real risk, identifying hazards and preventing ignition is critical. Adhering to the highest explosion protection standards is not only a regulatory obligation but also vital for safeguarding people, assets, and operations.

At DEKRA, we help manufacturers and importers demonstrate that their equipment and systems are safe for use in explosive atmospheres. With our expertise in ATEX and IECEx certification, we ensure that every product complies with stringent testing, design, and quality standards recognized across Europe and internationally.

As a European Notified Body and a leading IECEx Certification Body, DEKRA offers comprehensive testing, assessment, and certification services that ensure compliance and maximize confidence in your products for use in hazardous environments.

What Is ATEX Certificate?

ATEX (short for ATmosphères EXplosibles) refers to the European regulatory framework for explosion protection. It applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres caused by flammable gases, vapors, or dust.

ATEX Certificate is a mandatory requirement within the European Economic Area (EEA) for companies that manufacture, import, or use such equipment.

Certification proves that the product complies with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114), whichdefines the essential safety and health protection requirements for design, manufacture, and testing.

DEKRA’s ATEX Certification Services

DEKRA guides you through every stage of the ATEX certification process:

Risk Assessment: Identification of potential ignition sources and evaluation of explosion risks.
Testing and Inspection: Comprehensive testing according to the EN IEC 60079 series standards.
Documentation and Technical File Review: Preparation and validation of all required documentation, including the EU Declaration of Conformity.
Quality Assurance Notification (QAN): Certification of your quality management system for ongoing production.

Our accredited laboratories in Germany, the Netherlands, and Korea perform testing for all equipment groups and categories. DEKRA’s ATEX certificates are widely recognized, providing confidence and facilitating access to both European and global markets.

What Is IECEx Certificate?

The IECEx System (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) is a globally recognized certification scheme that ensures safety in explosive environments.

Unlike ATEX, which is required for the European market, IECEx certification is a voluntary international standard accepted across multiple countries.

This system helps manufacturers avoid duplication of testing and streamlines market access worldwide

DEKRA’s IECEx Certification Services

As a trusted IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) and testing laboratory, DEKRA offers:

Product Testing and Evaluation: Testing according to the IEC 60079 series of standards.
Quality Assessment Report (QAR): Certification of your manufacturing quality system for ongoing compliance.
Global Market Access: Certification recognized by all IECEx member countries.
Service Facility Certification (IECEx 03): Assessment and certification of workshops performing repairs or maintenance of explosion-protected equipment.

DEKRA is among the global leaders in IECEx certification, holding one of the highest numbers of valid IECEx certificates worldwide, reflecting our technical excellence and reliability.

Understanding Explosive Zones

Both ATEX and IECEx classify hazardous areas into zones based on how frequently and how long explosive gases, vapors, or dusts may be present. Understanding this classification is essential for selecting the right equipment and ensuring safe operations in explosive environments. A clearer classification enables organizations to better protect their workforce and assets.

Explore Our Explosion Protection Services

Certification is just one aspect of explosion safety. DEKRA offers a wide range of testing, consulting, and certification services designed to ensure that your products and systems operate safely in explosive atmospheres, in compliance with the leading explosion protection standards.

Discover our Explosion Protection Services

Selected Recognitions

DEKRA is accredited as:

European Notified Body No. 0158 (DEKRA Testing and Certification GmbH)
European Notified Body No. 0344 (DEKRA Certification B.V.)
UK Approved Body and NI Notified Body 8505 (DEKRA Certification UK Ltd)

We certify under:

ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU)
IECEx Schemes 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05
EN IEC 60079 (Parts 0–37)

Additionally recognized by:

UKEX Certification (UK), INMETRO Certification (Brazil), FM Approvals (U.A and Canada), TIIS (Japan), KC Certificate (Korea), JPEx (Japan).