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How to Verify an IECEx Certificate

Learn how to verify an IECEx certificate, check its official status, confirm product markings, and review certification scope before equipment accepta
Engineer checking an IECEx Certificate of Conformity against explosion-protected equipment in an oil and gas facility
Verify the official certificate record, product identification, Ex marking and certification scope before accepting hazardous-area equipment.

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is evidence that specified equipment has been assessed under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. However, receiving a certificate PDF from a supplier does not, by itself, establish that the document is current or that it covers the exact product being delivered.

For engineers, inspectors and procurement teams, verification involves checking the official IECEx record, certificate status, manufacturer, model, Ex marking and certified product scope. The equipment must also meet the hazardous-area requirements stated in the project specification.

Quick Answer

To verify an IECEx certificate, search for the certificate number in the official IECEx certificate system. Confirm that the status is Current, then compare the manufacturer, equipment model, certificate issue, Ex marking and applicable conditions with the supplied product. Investigate any discrepancy with the manufacturer or issuing IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) before accepting the equipment.

Step 1: Find the IECEx Certificate Number

Start with the IECEx Certificate of Conformity supplied by the manufacturer or distributor. Locate the certificate number and use it to search the official IECEx database.

A certificate number may follow a format such as IECEx DEK 21.0045X. This is an illustrative example, not a verification of an actual certificate.

Pay attention to the complete number, including the issuing body's identifier, number and any suffix. The suffix X indicates that specific conditions of use may apply. These conditions must be reviewed before the equipment is installed.

Step 2: Check the Official IECEx Database

Use the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme page to access the official online certificate system. Select the equipment certification scheme and search using the certificate number or other available identifying details.

The online record is the controlled reference for the certificate. A supplier's saved PDF may be an older or superseded version, so do not rely on the PDF alone.

Check the certificate's status:

Status Meaning Action
Current The certificate is currently valid in the IECEx system. Continue checking the product identity, scope and conditions.
Suspended The certificate has been suspended. Do not treat it as a current certificate. Clarify the status and implications with the issuing ExCB.
Cancelled The certificate has been cancelled. Do not treat it as current. Consult the issuing ExCB about the circumstances and any implications for the specific equipment.

Important: IECEx CoCs do not have a fixed expiry date in the same way as certificates with a stated expiration date. Their status can change. Always check the live official record at the time of equipment acceptance.

If a certificate cannot be found, do not accept the supplier's document as verified. Check the number and search details, then request clarification from the manufacturer or issuing ExCB.

Step 3: Confirm the Issuing Certification Body

IECEx Certificates of Conformity are issued by approved IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs). Check the issuing body's identity in the certificate and confirm that the record matches the official IECEx entry.

You can consult the official IECEx list of approved Certification Bodies for the body's details and approved scope.

If the certificate number, issuing body or product information does not match, ask the issuing ExCB to clarify the discrepancy before approving the equipment.

Step 4: Match the Manufacturer and Product Model

A certificate applies to the equipment and configurations covered by its scope. Similar product names or appearances do not establish that two products share the same certification.

Compare the official certificate with the supplier's datasheet, purchase order and delivered equipment. Check:

  • Manufacturer's name
  • Equipment description and product family
  • Model or type designation
  • Certificate number and issue
  • Certified variants and configurations
  • Manufacturing location, where relevant to the certification record

Pay particular attention to model suffixes, optional components and product revisions. If the delivered configuration is not clearly covered, obtain written clarification from the manufacturer or issuing ExCB.

Step 5: Compare the Ex Marking and Nameplate

Check the physical equipment nameplate against the current certificate and applicable product documentation.

For example, a marking might read:

Ex db IIC T4 Gb

This example indicates a flameproof protection concept, gas group IIC, temperature class T4 and equipment protection level Gb. The full marking may contain additional information depending on the equipment and applicable standards.

Verify the applicable details, including:

  • Protection concept and complete Ex marking
  • Gas or dust group, as applicable
  • Temperature class or maximum surface temperature, as applicable
  • Equipment Protection Level (EPL)
  • Ambient temperature range, where specified
  • Certificate number shown on the equipment, where applicable
  • Manufacturer and model identification

Not every item will be shown in the same way on every product. Compare the marking with the certificate and the applicable marking requirements rather than relying on a generic checklist alone.

Step 6: Review the Certificate Scope and Special Conditions

A Current certificate is not automatic proof that every product from a manufacturer is covered. Read the certificate details, including the equipment description, standards, ratings and any specific conditions.

Check whether the certified equipment is suitable for the project requirements, including relevant:

  • Electrical ratings and configuration
  • Ambient temperature range
  • Gas or dust group
  • Temperature requirements
  • Protection concept and EPL
  • Installation limitations and special conditions of use
  • Accessories or options included in the certified design

Where the certificate number has an X suffix, review the stated specific conditions of use. These conditions may affect installation, inspection, maintenance or the permitted operating environment.

Do not assume that a product is suitable merely because the certificate is Current or because its category appears adequate. The complete equipment marking and the project requirements must agree.

Step 7: Understand the ExTR and QAR

An IECEx equipment certificate is supported by technical assessment and manufacturing quality assessment. Two associated documents are the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and Quality Assessment Report (QAR).

Document Purpose What to check
Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Identifies the certified equipment and its certification details. Status, manufacturer, equipment description, marking, standards and scope.
Ex Test Report (ExTR) Records the technical assessment and testing supporting certification. Where information is available, confirm the report is associated with the certificate and the relevant product.
Quality Assessment Report (QAR) Records assessment of the manufacturer's quality system for production of compliant Ex equipment. Confirm the associated manufacturing site and quality assessment information where relevant.

The official IECEx system provides certificate records and associated report summaries. Buyers do not necessarily need the complete confidential technical reports for routine verification. If the certificate scope or supporting records are unclear, contact the issuing ExCB or manufacturer.

For additional information, see the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme FAQs.

Common Warning Signs

Investigate further if you encounter any of the following:

  • The certificate number cannot be located in the official IECEx system.
  • The official status is Suspended or Cancelled.
  • The supplier's PDF differs from the current online certificate.
  • The manufacturer or model does not match the delivered equipment.
  • The nameplate marking conflicts with the certificate.
  • The delivered product variant is not clearly covered by the certificate.
  • Specific conditions of use are missing from the installation review.
  • The supplier cannot resolve a material discrepancy with the manufacturer or issuing ExCB.

A discrepancy does not automatically prove fraud. It does mean that the equipment's certification has not yet been satisfactorily verified. Hold acceptance until the issue is resolved and documented.

IECEx Certificate Verification Checklist

  • Certificate number checked in the official IECEx system
  • Certificate status confirmed as Current
  • Issuing ExCB verified
  • Manufacturer and model matched
  • Current certificate issue reviewed
  • Ex marking and nameplate compared
  • Certified scope and relevant ratings checked
  • Specific conditions of use reviewed
  • Relevant ExTR and QAR summary information checked where needed
  • Any discrepancies resolved and recorded before acceptance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify an IECEx certificate online?

Access the official IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme and search using the certificate number. Confirm the current status and compare the record with the supplied product and its marking.

Does an IECEx certificate expire?

IECEx CoCs do not have a fixed expiry date. Their status can change to Current, Suspended or Cancelled. Check the official online record whenever verification is required.

Is a supplier's PDF certificate sufficient?

No. Use the official IECEx online record as the controlled reference. A saved PDF may not reflect the latest certificate issue or status.

What does the X suffix mean?

The X suffix indicates that specific conditions of use may apply. Read the conditions stated in the certificate and confirm that the installation can comply with them.

What should I do if the certificate is not found?

Recheck the certificate number and search details. If it still cannot be located, request clarification from the manufacturer or issuing ExCB and do not treat the certificate as verified until the discrepancy is resolved.

Does an IECEx certificate automatically satisfy ATEX requirements?

No. IECEx is an international certification system, while ATEX is an EU legislative framework. IECEx certification alone does not replace applicable ATEX conformity assessment and legal requirements for the EU market.

Conclusion

Verifying an IECEx Certificate of Conformity requires more than checking a certificate number or receiving a PDF from a supplier. Confirm the live certificate status in the official IECEx system, match the manufacturer and model, compare the equipment marking, and review the certification scope and any specific conditions of use.

For procurement and QA/QC, record the verification results and resolve discrepancies before accepting or installing the equipment. This helps ensure that the product delivered is the product covered by the certification.

Related Reading

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