What Is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is one of the most important documents within the IECEx Certification System. It confirms that explosion-protected equipment has been independently evaluated and found to comply with the applicable IEC 60079 standards for use in explosive atmospheres.
Manufacturers, engineers, procurement teams, inspectors, and end users frequently rely on the Certificate of Conformity to demonstrate that hazardous area equipment has successfully completed the IECEx certification process. However, many professionals confuse the certificate with other supporting documents such as the Ex Test Report (ExTR) or the Quality Assessment Report (QAR).
This guide explains what an IECEx Certificate of Conformity is, what information it contains, how it is issued, and why it is an essential part of international hazardous area certification.
Quick Answer
Quick Answer
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an official document issued by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) confirming that explosion-protected equipment complies with the applicable IEC 60079 standards. The certificate is supported by an Ex Test Report (ExTR) and a Quality Assessment Report (QAR), providing confidence in both the product design and the manufacturer's production quality.
What Is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is the primary certification document issued under the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. It confirms that an independent IECEx Certification Body has reviewed the technical assessment, verified compliance with the applicable standards, and approved the equipment for certification.
The certificate serves as internationally recognized evidence that the certified equipment satisfies the relevant explosion protection requirements established within the IEC 60079 series.
Unlike national approval systems, IECEx certification provides a globally recognized framework that simplifies acceptance of hazardous area equipment across many countries.
What Is the Purpose of an IECEx Certificate?
The Certificate of Conformity provides confidence that explosion-protected equipment has successfully completed an independent certification process before being placed on the market.
It helps manufacturers demonstrate compliance while allowing engineers and end users to verify that certified equipment has been assessed against internationally recognized standards.
The certificate also supports:
- International market acceptance
- Hazardous area equipment selection
- Engineering design reviews
- Procurement evaluation
- Inspection and commissioning
- Regulatory compliance
Who Issues an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
Only an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) that has been accepted into the IECEx System may issue an IECEx Certificate of Conformity.
The ExCB reviews the supporting technical documentation, including the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and the manufacturer's Quality Assessment Report (QAR), before issuing the certificate.
Examples of recognized IECEx Certification Bodies include internationally accredited organizations such as DEKRA, UL Solutions, TÃœV, Baseefa, CSA Group, and several other approved certification bodies participating in the IECEx Scheme.
What Information Does an IECEx Certificate Contain?
Although the layout may vary slightly between certification bodies, every IECEx Certificate of Conformity contains essential information that uniquely identifies the certified equipment and its certification status.
A typical certificate includes:
- IECEx Certificate number
- Manufacturer name
- Product description
- Product model or series
- Applicable IEC standards
- Explosion protection marking
- Equipment Protection Level (EPL)
- Conditions of certification where applicable
- Issuing IECEx Certification Body (ExCB)
- Date of issue
This information enables engineers to verify that the supplied equipment corresponds with the certified design.
How Is an IECEx Certificate Issued?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is issued only after the manufacturer successfully completes the IECEx certification process.
The certification process generally consists of three major elements:
- Technical testing and evaluation of the product.
- Assessment of the manufacturer's quality management system.
- Certification review by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB).
Only after all applicable requirements have been satisfied can an IECEx Certificate of Conformity be issued.
Supporting Documents Behind the Certificate
The Certificate of Conformity is not created independently. It is supported by two important documents that form the technical and manufacturing basis of the certification process.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ex Test Report (ExTR) | Provides the detailed technical evaluation demonstrating compliance with the applicable IEC 60079 standards. |
| Quality Assessment Report (QAR) | Confirms that the manufacturer operates an approved quality management system capable of consistently producing certified equipment. |
Together, these documents provide confidence that both the equipment design and the manufacturing process satisfy the requirements of the IECEx Certification System.
How to Read an IECEx Certificate Number
Each IECEx Certificate of Conformity is assigned a unique identification number.
A typical example is:
IECEx DEK 21.0045X
Although certificate numbering may vary slightly, the components generally identify:
- The IECEx Certification Body (ExCB)
- The year of issue
- The certificate sequence number
- Special conditions for safe use (suffix X, where applicable)
Engineers should always verify that the certificate number corresponds with the supplied equipment and the official IECEx database.
Where Can You Verify an IECEx Certificate?
One of the advantages of the IECEx System is that every valid Certificate of Conformity can be verified through the official IECEx online certificate database.
When reviewing a certificate, engineers should confirm:
- The certificate exists.
- The manufacturer matches.
- The equipment description matches.
- The Ex marking corresponds with the equipment nameplate.
- The certificate remains current.
Verification through the official database provides greater confidence than relying solely on PDF documents supplied by vendors.
What Is the Difference Between an IECEx Certificate, ExTR, and QAR?
Many engineers mistakenly use these terms interchangeably. In reality, each document serves a different purpose within the IECEx Certification System.
| Document | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) | Official certification confirming compliance with the IECEx Scheme. |
| Ex Test Report (ExTR) | Technical report documenting product testing and evaluation. |
| Quality Assessment Report (QAR) | Assessment of the manufacturer's production quality system. |
Understanding the relationship between these documents helps engineers evaluate certification documentation more effectively during procurement, inspection, and commissioning.
Benefits of an IECEx Certificate of Conformity
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity provides significant benefits for manufacturers, engineering companies, facility operators, and end users.
- Internationally recognized certification.
- Independent third-party technical evaluation.
- Confidence in hazardous area equipment selection.
- Improved acceptance for international projects.
- Support for procurement and inspection activities.
- Demonstration of compliance with IEC 60079 standards.
Common Misunderstandings About IECEx Certificates
An IECEx Certificate Is the Same as an ATEX Certificate
No. Although both certification systems are widely used for hazardous area equipment, they serve different purposes. IECEx is an international certification system based on the IEC 60079 standards, whereas ATEX is a European regulatory framework established under Directive 2014/34/EU.
An IECEx Certificate Is the Only Document Required
No. The Certificate of Conformity is supported by an Ex Test Report (ExTR) and a Quality Assessment Report (QAR). Together, these documents provide the technical and quality assurance basis for certification.
Every Explosion-Protected Product Has an IECEx Certificate
No. Certification depends on the manufacturer's certification strategy and the target markets. Some equipment may be certified only under national approval systems or ATEX, while others may carry both IECEx and ATEX certification.
One Certificate Covers Every Product Variant
No. The certificate applies only to the equipment models, configurations, and options specifically identified within its scope. Product modifications or additional options may require further evaluation or certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is an official certification document issued by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) confirming that explosion-protected equipment complies with the applicable IEC 60079 standards.
Who issues an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?
Only an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) participating in the IECEx Certification System is authorized to issue an IECEx Certificate of Conformity.
Can I verify an IECEx Certificate online?
Yes. Certificates can be verified through the official IECEx online certificate database using the certificate number.
Is an IECEx Certificate accepted worldwide?
IECEx certification is internationally recognized and widely accepted by many countries and industrial projects. However, individual countries may still have additional regulatory or legal requirements.
Does an IECEx Certificate expire?
The certificate itself does not normally have a fixed expiration date, but it remains valid only while the associated Quality Assessment Report (QAR) is maintained and the certified design continues to comply with IECEx requirements.
Conclusion
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity is the primary certification document within the IECEx Certification System, demonstrating that explosion-protected equipment has been independently assessed against the applicable IEC 60079 standards. Supported by the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and the Quality Assessment Report (QAR), it provides confidence in both product design and manufacturing quality.
Understanding how the certificate is issued, what information it contains, and how it relates to the supporting certification documents helps engineers, procurement teams, inspectors, and facility operators make informed decisions when selecting and verifying hazardous area equipment for international projects.
Technical Review
Technical Review
This article has been technically reviewed against the IECEx Certification System, IECEx Operational Documents (OD Series), and the IEC 60079 series governing equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.
The information presented reflects the certification principles used by approved IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs) and explains the relationship between the Certificate of Conformity, Ex Test Report (ExTR), and Quality Assessment Report (QAR). Engineers should always verify certification using the official IECEx online certificate database and the latest documentation issued by the manufacturer.
References
- IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme – Official IECEx Documentation.
- IECEx Operational Documents (OD Series).
- IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres.
- IECEx Online Certificate Database.
- ISO/IEC 80079 Series.
- IECEx Basic Rules and Rules of Procedure.
Join the conversation