What Is an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)?

An EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a legally required document in which a manufacturer declares that a product complies with all applicable European Union legislation. For ATEX equipment, the Declaration of Conformity confirms that the equipment satisfies the requirements of Directive 2014/34/EU and has successfully completed the applicable conformity assessment procedure before being placed on the European market.

The Declaration of Conformity is issued by the manufacturer—not the ATEX Notified Body. Although supporting documents such as an EU-Type Examination Certificate or a Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) may be required depending on the conformity assessment route, the manufacturer is ultimately responsible for preparing, signing, and maintaining the Declaration of Conformity.

This article explains what an EU Declaration of Conformity is, when it is required, what information it contains, and how it fits into the ATEX certification process.

Quick Answer

What Is an EU Declaration of Conformity?

An EU Declaration of Conformity is the manufacturer's formal declaration that a product complies with all applicable European Union directives and regulations.

For explosion-protected equipment covered by Directive 2014/34/EU, the Declaration confirms that the equipment has undergone the appropriate conformity assessment procedure and satisfies the applicable Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs).

The Declaration of Conformity is an official legal document and forms part of the technical documentation supporting the CE marking of the equipment.

Why Is an EU Declaration of Conformity Required?

European product legislation requires manufacturers to formally declare compliance before products subject to CE marking are placed on the EU market.

The Declaration of Conformity provides authorities, customers, and market surveillance organizations with documented evidence that the manufacturer accepts responsibility for the product's compliance with all applicable legislation.

For ATEX equipment, the Declaration helps demonstrate that:

• The applicable conformity assessment procedure has been completed.
• The equipment complies with Directive 2014/34/EU.
• The product satisfies the applicable harmonized standards where applied.
• The manufacturer accepts legal responsibility for product conformity.
• The equipment may legally bear the CE marking, where applicable.

Who Issues the Declaration of Conformity?

The Declaration of Conformity is issued and signed by the manufacturer or, where permitted, the manufacturer's authorized representative established within the European Union.

Although an ATEX Notified Body may participate in the conformity assessment process by issuing documents such as an EU-Type Examination Certificate or approving a Quality Assurance System, the Notified Body does not issue the Declaration of Conformity.

The legal responsibility for the Declaration always remains with the manufacturer.

When Is the Declaration Issued?

The Declaration of Conformity is prepared after all applicable conformity assessment procedures have been successfully completed.

Depending on the equipment category and conformity assessment route, this may include:

• EU-Type Examination (Module B).
• Production Quality Assurance (Module D).
• Product Quality Assurance (Module E).
• Product Verification (Module F).
• Other applicable conformity assessment procedures defined in Directive 2014/34/EU.

Once the applicable conformity assessment has been completed, the manufacturer signs the Declaration of Conformity before placing the equipment on the European market.

What Information Does an EU Declaration of Conformity Contain?

Although the format may vary between manufacturers, the content of an EU Declaration of Conformity is defined by applicable European legislation. The document must contain sufficient information to identify both the manufacturer and the product, together with the legislation under which conformity is declared.

A typical Declaration of Conformity includes:

• Manufacturer's name and address.
• Product identification, model, or type designation.
• A statement declaring conformity with the applicable EU legislation.
• Reference to Directive 2014/34/EU for ATEX equipment.
• References to applicable harmonized standards, where used.
• Details of the ATEX Notified Body, where required by the conformity assessment procedure.
• Reference numbers for supporting certificates, where applicable.
• Name and signature of the person authorized to sign on behalf of the manufacturer.
• Date and place of issue.

The Declaration should clearly identify the product covered so there is no ambiguity regarding the equipment to which the declaration applies.

How Does the Declaration of Conformity Fit into the ATEX Certification Process?

The Declaration of Conformity is the final legal document issued by the manufacturer after the required conformity assessment procedures have been successfully completed.

A simplified certification process typically follows these stages:

1. The manufacturer designs equipment that complies with Directive 2014/34/EU.
2. The applicable conformity assessment procedure is completed.
3. An ATEX Notified Body issues supporting documents where required, such as an EU-Type Examination Certificate or a Quality Assurance Notification.
4. The manufacturer prepares and signs the EU Declaration of Conformity.
5. The equipment is CE marked, where applicable, and placed on the European market.

The Declaration therefore serves as the manufacturer's formal legal confirmation that all applicable conformity assessment requirements have been fulfilled.

What Is the Relationship Between the Declaration of Conformity and CE Marking?

The Declaration of Conformity and the CE marking are closely related but serve different purposes.

The Declaration of Conformity is the legal document supporting the manufacturer's claim of compliance, while the CE marking is the visible indication placed on the product showing that the manufacturer has declared conformity with the applicable EU legislation.

For ATEX equipment, the Declaration of Conformity supports the lawful application of the CE marking after completion of the required conformity assessment procedure.

EU Declaration of Conformity vs EU-Type Examination Certificate

Although both documents are important within the ATEX conformity assessment framework, they are issued by different parties and serve different functions.

EU Declaration of Conformity	EU-Type Examination Certificate
Issued by the manufacturer.	Issued by an ATEX Notified Body.
Declares compliance with applicable EU legislation.	Confirms that the representative product type has been independently assessed.
Represents the manufacturer's legal declaration.	Represents an independent technical assessment.
Supports CE marking.	Supports the applicable conformity assessment procedure.
Applies to the product placed on the market.	Applies to the approved representative product type.

These documents complement one another. The EU-Type Examination Certificate provides independent technical evidence, while the Declaration of Conformity represents the manufacturer's legal declaration that the product complies with the applicable legislation.

Who Is Responsible for Maintaining the Declaration?

The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining the Declaration of Conformity and ensuring that it remains accurate throughout the product's lifecycle.

If product design, applicable legislation, harmonized standards, or conformity assessment documentation changes, the manufacturer should review the Declaration and update it where necessary to ensure continued compliance with Directive 2014/34/EU.

Common Misunderstandings About the EU Declaration of Conformity

The Declaration of Conformity Is Issued by the ATEX Notified Body

No. The EU Declaration of Conformity is issued and signed by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized representative. Although an ATEX Notified Body may issue supporting documents such as an EU-Type Examination Certificate or approve a quality assurance system, it does not issue the Declaration of Conformity.

The Declaration of Conformity Is the Same as an EU-Type Examination Certificate

No. An EU-Type Examination Certificate confirms that a representative product type has been independently assessed by an ATEX Notified Body. The Declaration of Conformity is the manufacturer's legal declaration that the product complies with all applicable EU legislation.

The Declaration of Conformity Applies Only to ATEX

No. An EU Declaration of Conformity is required for many products subject to CE marking legislation, including ATEX equipment. Depending on the product, the Declaration may reference multiple applicable EU directives or regulations.

Signing the Declaration Removes Manufacturer Responsibility

No. By signing the Declaration of Conformity, the manufacturer formally accepts legal responsibility for ensuring that the product complies with the applicable EU legislation throughout its lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an EU Declaration of Conformity?

An EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a legal document issued by the manufacturer declaring that a product complies with all applicable European Union legislation, including Directive 2014/34/EU for ATEX equipment.

Who signs the Declaration of Conformity?

The Declaration is signed by the manufacturer or an authorized representative acting on behalf of the manufacturer. The person signing must have the authority to legally bind the organization.

Does the ATEX Notified Body issue the Declaration of Conformity?

No. The ATEX Notified Body may issue supporting certification documents, but the Declaration of Conformity is always issued by the manufacturer.

Is a Declaration of Conformity required for ATEX equipment?

Yes. Equipment placed on the European market under Directive 2014/34/EU must be supported by an EU Declaration of Conformity after completion of the applicable conformity assessment procedure.

How is the Declaration of Conformity different from CE marking?

The Declaration of Conformity is the manufacturer's legal document declaring compliance, while the CE marking is the visible marking placed on the product to indicate that the manufacturer has declared conformity with the applicable EU legislation.

Conclusion

An EU Declaration of Conformity is one of the most important legal documents within the ATEX conformity assessment framework. Issued and signed by the manufacturer, it formally declares that the equipment complies with Directive 2014/34/EU and any other applicable EU legislation following successful completion of the required conformity assessment procedure.

Understanding the role of the Declaration of Conformity, together with supporting documents such as the EU-Type Examination Certificate and Quality Assurance Notification, helps manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals correctly interpret ATEX certification documentation and verify regulatory compliance before equipment is placed on the European market.

Technical Review

References

• Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.
• European Commission – Blue Guide on the Implementation of EU Product Rules.
• European Commission – ATEX Guidelines for Directive 2014/34/EU.
• EN IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres.
• ISO/IEC 80079 Series.