How to Verify an IECEx Certificate

IECEx certification is one of the world's most widely recognized certification systems for equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. Although IECEx certificates are issued through a rigorous international certification process, engineers should never assume that every certificate provided by a supplier is authentic, current, or applicable to the equipment being delivered.

Verifying an IECEx Certificate of Conformity is an essential quality assurance step before purchasing, accepting, or installing explosion-protected equipment. A systematic verification process helps identify counterfeit documentation, incorrect product substitutions, expired certifications, and inconsistencies between the certified design and the supplied equipment.

This guide explains how to verify an IECEx certificate, where to confirm official certification records, what information should match the equipment, and the common mistakes engineers should avoid throughout the verification process.

Quick Answer

Why Verifying an IECEx Certificate Is Important

IECEx certification demonstrates that explosion-protected equipment has been independently evaluated against the applicable IEC 60079 standards. However, certification only applies to the manufacturer, product model, and configurations specifically described in the certificate.

Accepting equipment without verifying its certification may result in installing products that do not comply with project specifications, hazardous area requirements, or the certified design.

Verification also supports:

• Hazardous area safety
• Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)
• Procurement verification
• Inspection and commissioning activities
• Asset traceability
• Long-term maintenance planning

Step 1 – Locate the IECEx Certificate Number

Every IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) contains a unique certificate number assigned by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB).

A typical certificate number may appear as follows:

IECEx DEK 21.0045X

This identification provides valuable information, including:

• The issuing Ex Certification Body (ExCB)
• The year the certificate was issued
• The certificate sequence number
• Whether special conditions for safe use apply (suffix X)

The certificate number should appear consistently on the certificate and correspond to the supplied equipment documentation.

Step 2 – Verify the Certificate in the Official IECEx Database

One of the major advantages of the IECEx System is its publicly accessible online certificate database. Engineers should always verify the certificate using the official IECEx database rather than relying solely on documents supplied by a manufacturer or distributor.

Search the certificate number to confirm:

• The certificate exists.
• The certificate remains valid.
• The listed manufacturer matches the supplier.
• The equipment description matches the supplied product.
• The explosion protection concept corresponds with the equipment marking.

If the certificate cannot be located in the official IECEx database, the equipment should not be accepted until the discrepancy has been resolved with the manufacturer or the issuing Ex Certification Body.

Why the Official IECEx Database Matters

Unlike printed certificates or PDF documents, the IECEx online database is maintained directly within the IECEx Certification System and serves as the primary source for confirming certificate authenticity.

Using the official database helps engineers distinguish genuine certificates from altered documents, outdated revisions, or certificates that no longer apply to the supplied equipment. It also provides confidence that the certification remains recognized within the international IECEx Scheme.

Step 3 – Verify the Manufacturer and Product Model

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity applies only to the manufacturer and product models specifically identified within the certificate. Before approving hazardous area equipment, compare the information shown on the certificate with the product supplied by the manufacturer.

Verify the following information carefully:

• Manufacturer name
• Product family or series
• Model number
• Equipment description
• Certified product variants

Even products with similar names may have different certification scopes. Certification should never be assumed to cover optional accessories, design revisions, or modified configurations unless they are specifically identified within the certificate.

Step 4 – Compare the Equipment Marking

The explosion protection marking permanently attached to the equipment should correspond exactly with the information stated in the IECEx Certificate of Conformity.

A typical IECEx marking may appear as:

Ex db IIC T4 Gb

Confirm that the following information matches:

• Explosion protection concept
• Equipment Group
• Gas or Dust Group
• Temperature Class
• Equipment Protection Level (EPL)
• Ambient temperature rating, where applicable

Any differences between the equipment marking and the certificate should be investigated before installation.

Step 5 – Review the Ex Test Report (ExTR)

Every IECEx Certificate of Conformity is supported by an Ex Test Report (ExTR), which documents the technical assessment performed during the certification process.

The ExTR serves as the engineering evidence that the equipment has been evaluated against the applicable IEC 60079 standards before certification was granted.

Although complete ExTR documents are not always publicly available, engineers should understand that they form the technical foundation of every IECEx certificate.

An ExTR typically includes:

• Applicable IEC 60079 standards
• Construction assessment
• Electrical testing results
• Mechanical testing
• Ingress protection verification
• Temperature rise evaluation
• Assessment of the explosion protection technique

When reviewing project documentation, verify that the certificate references the correct ExTR.

What Is an ExTR?

An Ex Test Report (ExTR) is the detailed technical report prepared by an IECEx Testing Laboratory (ExTL). It records the product evaluation, laboratory testing, and compliance assessment performed before an IECEx Certificate of Conformity can be issued.

Unlike the certificate itself, the ExTR contains detailed engineering information and is primarily intended for certification purposes rather than routine field use.

Step 6 – Review the Quality Assessment Report (QAR)

IECEx certification evaluates not only the product design but also the manufacturer's quality management system through a Quality Assessment Report (QAR).

The QAR demonstrates that the manufacturer maintains production controls capable of consistently manufacturing equipment that conforms to the certified design.

The assessment typically reviews:

• Manufacturing processes
• Inspection procedures
• Calibration systems
• Document control
• Production quality management
• Corrective and preventive action procedures

Periodic audits are conducted to confirm continued compliance with IECEx quality requirements throughout the certification period.

Why the QAR Is Important

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity confirms that a product design satisfies the applicable IEC 60079 standards, while the Quality Assessment Report confirms that the manufacturer has an effective quality system to produce that certified design consistently.

Without an effective quality assessment process, even a properly certified design could fail to maintain compliance during mass production.

Relationship Between the CoC, ExTR, and QAR

The IECEx certification system is built upon three closely related documents that together provide confidence in both product design and manufacturing quality.

Document	Purpose
IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC)	Confirms that the equipment has been certified under the IECEx Scheme.
Ex Test Report (ExTR)	Provides the detailed technical evaluation supporting the certification.
Quality Assessment Report (QAR)	Confirms that the manufacturer maintains an approved quality management system.

Together, these documents establish the technical and manufacturing basis of IECEx certification and provide confidence that explosion-protected equipment continues to comply with the applicable international standards.

Step 7 – Inspect the Equipment Nameplate

After confirming the certification records, inspect the physical equipment nameplate. The information permanently marked on the equipment should correspond with the IECEx Certificate of Conformity.

Verify the following information:

• Manufacturer name
• Product model
• IECEx Certificate number
• Explosion protection marking
• Equipment Protection Level (EPL)
• Temperature Class
• Ambient temperature rating where applicable
• Ingress Protection (IP) rating, if specified

If the nameplate information differs from the certification documents, installation should be postponed until the discrepancy has been resolved.

Step 8 – Verify the Certificate Scope

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity only applies to the equipment configurations described within the certificate. Engineers should ensure that the supplied product falls within the certified scope.

Review whether the certificate covers:

• Voltage and frequency
• Power rating
• Ambient temperature range
• Enclosure material
• Available options and accessories
• Applicable hazardous area classification

Installing equipment outside its certified scope may invalidate the intended explosion protection.

Common Warning Signs of an Invalid IECEx Certificate

Engineers should investigate further whenever one or more of the following conditions are observed:

• The certificate cannot be found in the official IECEx database.
• The manufacturer differs from the supplied equipment.
• The product model does not match the certificate.
• The Ex marking differs from the certified marking.
• The certificate appears incomplete or altered.
• The certificate references obsolete equipment.
• The equipment nameplate does not correspond with the certification documents.

These issues do not necessarily indicate fraudulent documentation, but they should always be clarified before equipment is accepted.

Common Mistakes

Assuming a PDF Certificate Is Always Genuine

A PDF supplied by a manufacturer or distributor should never be accepted without confirming the certificate in the official IECEx database.

Checking Only the Certificate Number

The certificate number alone is not sufficient. Engineers should also verify the manufacturer, product model, Ex marking, and certified scope.

Ignoring the ExTR and QAR

The Certificate of Conformity is supported by both the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and the Quality Assessment Report (QAR). Together, these documents provide confidence in both the product design and manufacturing quality.

Assuming Every Product Variant Is Certified

Certification applies only to the configurations identified within the certificate. Optional features or modified versions may require separate certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I verify an IECEx certificate online?

Yes. IECEx maintains an official online certificate database that allows engineers to search for IECEx Certificates of Conformity using the certificate number.

What is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) confirms that explosion-protected equipment has been evaluated and certified under the IECEx Certification System.

What is the difference between an ExTR and an IECEx Certificate?

The Certificate of Conformity confirms certification, while the Ex Test Report (ExTR) contains the detailed technical evaluation supporting that certification.

Why is the QAR important?

The Quality Assessment Report (QAR) confirms that the manufacturer operates an approved quality management system capable of consistently producing equipment that conforms to the certified design.

Does IECEx certification automatically satisfy ATEX requirements?

No. IECEx is an international certification system, whereas ATEX is a European legal framework. Although many manufacturers hold both certifications, IECEx certification alone does not automatically satisfy ATEX requirements for the European market.

Conclusion

Verifying an IECEx Certificate of Conformity involves much more than checking a certificate number. Engineers should confirm the certificate in the official IECEx database, verify the manufacturer and product model, compare the equipment marking, review the supporting ExTR and QAR, inspect the equipment nameplate, and ensure the supplied product falls within the certified scope.

Following a structured verification process helps prevent counterfeit documentation, improves regulatory compliance, supports quality assurance, and ensures that explosion-protected equipment remains suitable for installation in hazardous areas.

Technical Review

References

• IECEx Certification System – Official IECEx Scheme Publications.
• IECEx Operational Documents (OD Series).
• IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres.
• IECEx Online Certificate Database.
• ISO/IEC 80079 Series.
• IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme Documentation.