What Is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An engineer reviews IECEx certification documents before approving explosion-protected equipment for a hazardous area installation.
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an official certification document issued under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. It identifies equipment that has been assessed and certified against the applicable requirements of the IECEx scheme and relevant IEC standards for explosive atmospheres.
For hazardous area engineers, procurement teams, inspectors and equipment manufacturers, the CoC is an important reference when confirming the certification status and technical scope of explosion-protected equipment.
However, an IECEx Certificate of Conformity is not the same as an Ex Test Report (ExTR) or a Quality Assessment Report (QAR). Each document serves a different purpose in the certification process.
What Is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is issued by an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme.
The certificate identifies the equipment covered by the certification, the manufacturer, applicable standards, explosion protection marking and other relevant certification information. Its exact contents depend on the certified equipment and applicable requirements.
The certificate provides evidence of certification under the IECEx scheme. It does not, by itself, establish that the equipment is suitable for every hazardous area or that all local regulatory requirements have been met.
What Is the Purpose of an IECEx Certificate?
The main purpose of an IECEx Certificate of Conformity is to provide documented evidence that specified equipment has completed the applicable certification process under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme.
It supports several engineering and commercial activities, including:
- Verification of hazardous area equipment during procurement
- Technical evaluation against project specifications
- Review of equipment certification during inspection and commissioning
- Confirmation of certified product models and configurations
- Equipment traceability and maintenance documentation
- Assessment of certification status before equipment acceptance
IECEx is internationally recognized, but acceptance requirements can vary by country, regulator, end user and project. Engineers should confirm the applicable local requirements rather than assuming an IECEx certificate automatically satisfies every national approval requirement.
Who Issues an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is issued by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) that is accepted into the relevant IECEx scheme and authorized for the applicable scope.
The certification process involves assessment of the equipment against the applicable standards and evaluation of the manufacturer's quality system for producing compliant Ex equipment.
Depending on the equipment and applicable certification requirements, the process includes technical assessment, testing, review of supporting documentation and quality-system assessment.
To confirm a certification body's participation and scope, consult the official IECEx list of Certification Bodies.
What Information Does an IECEx Certificate Contain?
The certificate provides information that identifies the certified equipment and the basis of its certification. Depending on the certificate, this can include:
- IECEx Certificate of Conformity number
- Manufacturer name and address
- Equipment description and type designation
- Explosion protection marking
- Applicable IEC standards and editions
- Equipment Protection Level (EPL), where applicable
- Specific conditions of use, where applicable
- Issuing IECEx Certification Body
- Certificate issue and revision information
Engineers should compare this information with the product datasheet, nameplate and equipment actually supplied. A certificate must cover the relevant product model and configuration; a similar product name alone is not sufficient.
How Is an IECEx Certificate Issued?
The IECEx certification process generally involves technical evaluation of the equipment and assessment of the manufacturer's quality system.
- Application: The manufacturer submits the equipment and technical information for assessment through an appropriate IECEx Certification Body.
- Testing and evaluation: An IECEx Testing Laboratory (ExTL) evaluates the equipment against the applicable standards and prepares the relevant Ex Test Report (ExTR).
- Quality assessment: The manufacturer's production quality system is assessed under the applicable IECEx requirements.
- Certification review: The Certification Body reviews the applicable assessment records and certification requirements.
- Certificate issuance: When the applicable requirements are satisfied, the ExCB issues the Certificate of Conformity and the certification record is made available through the IECEx system.
The exact procedure and supporting records depend on the equipment and the requirements of the applicable IECEx scheme.
Understanding the CoC, ExTR and QAR
The Certificate of Conformity, Ex Test Report and Quality Assessment Report are related, but they are not interchangeable.
| Document | Purpose | Practical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Conformity (CoC) | Identifies the equipment certified under the IECEx scheme and its certification details. | Verify the certificate status, manufacturer, model, marking and scope. |
| Ex Test Report (ExTR) | Records the technical assessment and testing supporting certification. | Provides technical evidence of the assessment against applicable standards. |
| Quality Assessment Report (QAR) | Records the assessment of the manufacturer's quality system for production of Ex equipment. | Supports confidence that production controls are in place to maintain conformity with the certified design. |
The CoC is the primary certificate normally checked during equipment procurement and acceptance. ExTR and QAR information provides supporting evidence and may be available in summary form through the IECEx system.
Buyers should not assume that complete technical reports will always be publicly available or required for routine procurement. If additional evidence is needed, contact the manufacturer or issuing ExCB.
How to Read an IECEx Certificate Number
An IECEx certificate has a unique identification number. An illustrative example is:
IECEx DEK 21.0045X
The number identifies the issuing certification body and the certificate's assigned identification details. The precise numbering format should be interpreted using the official IECEx record rather than relying on the number alone.
A certificate number ending in X indicates that specific conditions of use apply. These conditions must be reviewed to determine whether the equipment can be installed and operated safely under the intended conditions.
The presence or absence of a suffix is not a substitute for reviewing the complete certificate and equipment marking.
Where Can You Verify an IECEx Certificate?
IECEx maintains an official online system for certified equipment. Use the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme page to access the certificate database and related guidance.
When checking a certificate, confirm:
- The certificate number matches the official record.
- The current status is shown in the database.
- The manufacturer and product description match the supplied equipment.
- The equipment marking corresponds with the certified marking.
- The certified scope covers the supplied model and configuration.
- Any specific conditions of use have been reviewed.
Do not rely exclusively on a PDF provided by a supplier. A saved document may not reflect the latest certificate issue or status.
For a step-by-step process, see How to Verify an IECEx Certificate.
Does an IECEx Certificate Expire?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity does not normally have a fixed calendar expiry date. However, this does not mean that its status can be assumed to remain unchanged indefinitely.
Certificates may be subject to changes in status, including suspension or cancellation. The associated certification and manufacturing quality assessment arrangements must also remain compliant with the applicable IECEx requirements.
For this reason, engineers and procurement teams should check the official IECEx record at the time of verification and again when required by project procedures. Do not determine validity solely from the issue date or from an old PDF.
IECEx Certificate vs ATEX Certificate
IECEx and ATEX both address equipment intended for potentially explosive atmospheres, but they operate under different frameworks.
| Feature | IECEx | ATEX |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | International certification scheme | European Union legal framework for products within its scope |
| Technical basis | Applicable IEC standards and IECEx scheme requirements | Directive 2014/34/EU and applicable harmonised standards |
| Primary document | IECEx Certificate of Conformity | Applicable conformity documentation, which may include an EU-Type Examination Certificate |
| Market requirements | Recognition and acceptance depend on the country and project | Relevant ATEX legal requirements apply to products placed on the EU market |
An IECEx certificate does not automatically replace the conformity assessment or legal documentation required under ATEX legislation.
Read IECEx vs ATEX: What's the Difference? for a more detailed comparison.
Common Misunderstandings About IECEx Certificates
An IECEx Certificate Is the Same as an ExTR
No. The CoC is the certification document. The ExTR records the technical assessment and testing that support certification.
An IECEx Certificate Guarantees Suitability for Every Hazardous Area
No. The certificate covers specified equipment and conditions. The equipment must still be checked against the hazardous area classification, gas or dust group, temperature requirements, ambient conditions and installation requirements.
One Certificate Covers Every Product Variant
Not necessarily. The certified scope determines which models, options and configurations are covered. Check the specific model and any modifications against the certificate documentation.
IECEx Certification Automatically Satisfies ATEX Requirements
No. IECEx and ATEX operate under different frameworks. Additional conformity assessment and legal documentation may be required for the European market.
A Certificate PDF Is Enough to Confirm Validity
No. Verify the certificate in the official IECEx system and confirm its current status. Then compare the certificate information with the equipment being supplied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
It is the primary certificate issued under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme for specified equipment assessed against the applicable scheme requirements and standards.
Who issues an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) accepted into the relevant IECEx scheme issues the certificate within its authorized scope.
What is the difference between a CoC and an ExTR?
The CoC identifies the certified equipment and its certification details. The ExTR documents the technical assessment and testing supporting the certification.
What is the purpose of a QAR?
The QAR records the assessment of the manufacturer's quality system for producing equipment that conforms to the certified design.
Can an IECEx certificate be verified online?
Yes. Search the official IECEx certificate system using the certificate number and check the record, status, manufacturer, model and scope.
Does an IECEx certificate have an expiry date?
It does not normally have a fixed calendar expiry date. Its current status must be verified through the official IECEx system because certificates can be suspended or cancelled.
Conclusion
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is a key document for identifying equipment certified under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. It provides the certification details needed by engineers, manufacturers, procurement teams and inspectors to assess whether the specified equipment is covered by the certification.
The CoC should be understood alongside its supporting Ex Test Report and Quality Assessment Report, while recognizing that each document has a distinct role. For practical equipment acceptance, always verify the official certificate status, product model, complete Ex marking, certified scope and any specific conditions of use.
Related Reading
- How to Verify an IECEx Certificate
- How to Read IECEx Equipment Markings
- IECEx vs ATEX: What's the Difference?
- What Is an IECEx Ex Test Report (ExTR)?
- What Is an IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR)?
- ATEX Certification Explained
- How to Verify an ATEX Certificate
References
- IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme – Official Information and FAQs
- IECEx – Approved Certification Bodies
- IEC 60079 series – Explosive atmospheres standards applicable to the equipment concerned.
- IECEx Operational Documents and scheme rules applicable to certified equipment.
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