What Is an IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR)?
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR) is a key document within the IECEx Certification System that evaluates a manufacturer's quality management system. While the IECEx Certificate of Conformity confirms that a product design complies with the applicable IEC 60079 standards, the QAR provides confidence that certified equipment will continue to be manufactured consistently in accordance with that approved design.
The QAR forms an essential part of the IECEx certification process and works together with the IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and the Ex Test Report (ExTR). Without an acceptable Quality Assessment Report, an IECEx Certification Body cannot maintain confidence that production remains under effective quality control.
This article explains what an IECEx Quality Assessment Report is, why it is required, how it is prepared, and how it supports the international certification of explosion-protected equipment.
Quick Answer
Quick Answer
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR) is an official report that confirms a manufacturer operates an audited quality management system capable of consistently producing explosion-protected equipment that complies with the certified design. The QAR supports the IECEx Certificate of Conformity and is periodically reassessed to maintain certification.
What Is an IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR)?
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report is an official document prepared as part of the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme to evaluate a manufacturer's production quality system. It confirms that the manufacturer has established and maintains appropriate procedures to ensure that every certified product continues to conform to the approved design evaluated during certification.
Unlike the Ex Test Report (ExTR), which focuses on technical testing and product compliance, the QAR evaluates the manufacturing processes, quality controls, inspection procedures, and management systems that support consistent production.
The report provides confidence that products manufactured after certification remain equivalent to the equipment originally evaluated during the certification process.
Why Is a QAR Important?
Certification of explosion-protected equipment does not end after laboratory testing has been completed. Manufacturers must also demonstrate that their production facilities consistently manufacture products that remain identical to the certified design.
The QAR helps ensure that production quality is maintained throughout the life of the certification by verifying that the manufacturer operates an effective quality management system.
Without a suitable quality assessment process, certified products could gradually differ from the approved design, potentially affecting their explosion protection performance.
For this reason, the IECEx Certification System requires periodic reassessment of the manufacturer's quality system.
Who Issues an IECEx QAR?
The Quality Assessment Report is prepared by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) or an accepted auditing organization operating within the IECEx Certification System.
During the assessment, auditors evaluate whether the manufacturer's quality management system complies with the IECEx Operational Documents and continues to support production of certified equipment.
The completed QAR becomes part of the documentation supporting the IECEx Certificate of Conformity.
What Does a QAR Evaluate?
Rather than evaluating product performance, the QAR focuses on the manufacturer's ability to consistently produce certified equipment.
A Quality Assessment Report typically reviews:
- Quality management procedures
- Document control systems
- Purchasing and supplier control
- Incoming material inspection
- Production and assembly processes
- Inspection and testing procedures
- Calibration of measuring equipment
- Control of nonconforming products
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Training and personnel competency
- Product traceability
These assessments help ensure that certified equipment continues to satisfy the technical requirements established during the original certification process.
How Does a QAR Support IECEx Certification?
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report is an essential component of the IECEx certification process because it demonstrates that a manufacturer can consistently produce equipment that conforms to the certified design.
While the Ex Test Report (ExTR) verifies that a product design satisfies the applicable IEC 60079 standards, the QAR verifies that the manufacturer's quality management system ensures every production unit remains equivalent to the certified product.
A simplified IECEx certification process typically follows these steps:
- The manufacturer submits equipment for certification.
- An IECEx Testing Laboratory (ExTL) performs product testing and prepares the Ex Test Report (ExTR).
- An IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) evaluates the manufacturer's quality management system and prepares the Quality Assessment Report (QAR).
- The ExCB reviews both the ExTR and QAR.
- An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued if all certification requirements have been satisfied.
The ExTR and QAR together provide the technical and manufacturing evidence supporting the final certification decision.
How Often Is a QAR Reviewed?
The manufacturer's quality management system is not assessed only once. To maintain confidence in ongoing production quality, IECEx requires periodic surveillance and reassessment.
During these assessments, auditors verify that the manufacturer continues to comply with the approved quality management system and that certified products remain consistent with the original design.
If significant deficiencies are identified, corrective actions may be required before certification can continue to be supported.
Typical Areas Reviewed During a QAR Audit
Although every manufacturing facility is different, IECEx quality assessments commonly review the following areas:
| Audit Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Quality Management System | Verify that documented quality procedures are implemented. |
| Production Control | Confirm manufacturing processes follow approved procedures. |
| Inspection and Testing | Verify inspection activities identify nonconforming products. |
| Calibration | Confirm measuring equipment remains accurate and traceable. |
| Document Control | Ensure only current engineering documents are used. |
| Traceability | Maintain records linking products to manufacturing history. |
| Corrective Actions | Verify effective resolution of quality issues. |
These evaluations help maintain confidence that certified equipment continues to meet the technical requirements established during certification.
Who Uses the QAR?
Although the Quality Assessment Report is primarily intended for certification purposes, several organizations rely on its findings during the certification process.
| Organization | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) | Evaluate the manufacturer's quality management system. |
| Manufacturer | Maintain certification and improve production quality. |
| Certification Auditors | Perform surveillance and periodic reassessment. |
| Regulatory Authorities | Review quality documentation when required. |
End users rarely require direct access to the complete Quality Assessment Report, although they benefit from the confidence it provides in the consistency of certified products.
What Is the Difference Between a QAR and an ExTR?
Although both documents support IECEx certification, they evaluate different aspects of compliance.
| Quality Assessment Report (QAR) | Ex Test Report (ExTR) |
|---|---|
| Evaluates the manufacturer's quality management system. | Evaluates the technical design of the equipment. |
| Focuses on production consistency. | Focuses on laboratory testing and engineering assessment. |
| Prepared during manufacturing quality assessment. | Prepared during product testing. |
| Supports continued certification. | Supports initial technical certification. |
Together, these reports provide comprehensive evidence that explosion-protected equipment has been properly tested and can be manufactured consistently in accordance with the certified design.
Common Misunderstandings About QAR
A QAR Certifies the Product
No. A Quality Assessment Report (QAR) does not certify a product. Instead, it confirms that the manufacturer operates an audited quality management system capable of consistently producing equipment that conforms to the certified design. Product certification itself is confirmed by the IECEx Certificate of Conformity.
A QAR Replaces an ExTR
No. The QAR and the Ex Test Report (ExTR) serve different purposes. The ExTR evaluates the technical design and testing of explosion-protected equipment, while the QAR evaluates the manufacturer's production quality system. Both documents are required to support IECEx certification.
A QAR Is Issued Only Once
No. Manufacturers are subject to periodic surveillance and reassessment to confirm that their quality management system continues to comply with IECEx requirements. Continued compliance is essential for maintaining certification.
A Certified Product Never Needs Future Quality Audits
No. Product certification is supported by ongoing quality system assessments. Changes to manufacturing processes, suppliers, production controls, or quality procedures may require review to ensure continued conformity with the certified design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR)?
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report is an official report confirming that a manufacturer maintains an audited quality management system capable of consistently producing explosion-protected equipment in accordance with the certified design.
Who prepares a QAR?
A QAR is prepared by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) or an approved auditing organization participating in the IECEx Certification System.
Is a QAR the same as ISO 9001 certification?
No. Although many manufacturers hold ISO 9001 certification, an IECEx QAR specifically evaluates quality controls related to the manufacture of explosion-protected equipment under the IECEx Scheme.
Can a manufacturer lose its QAR?
Yes. If surveillance audits identify significant nonconformities that are not resolved through corrective actions, continued support for IECEx certification may be affected.
Is the QAR publicly available?
Generally, no. Unlike IECEx Certificates of Conformity, Quality Assessment Reports are not typically published because they contain audit findings and manufacturing quality information intended for certification purposes.
Conclusion
An IECEx Quality Assessment Report (QAR) provides confidence that a manufacturer has implemented and maintains an effective quality management system capable of consistently producing explosion-protected equipment that conforms to the certified design. Rather than evaluating product performance, the QAR focuses on manufacturing processes, inspection activities, document control, traceability, and production quality.
Together with the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and the IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the QAR forms one of the three fundamental documents supporting the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. Understanding the purpose of each document helps engineers, procurement specialists, auditors, and manufacturers better evaluate hazardous area equipment throughout its certification lifecycle.
Technical Review
Technical Review
This article has been technically reviewed against the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme, IECEx Operational Documents (OD Series), and the quality assessment principles supporting the manufacture of explosion-protected equipment.
The guidance explains the purpose of the Quality Assessment Report (QAR), its relationship to the Ex Test Report (ExTR) and the IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC), and its role in maintaining confidence that certified equipment continues to conform to the approved design. Manufacturers and engineers should always refer to the latest IECEx Operational Documents and applicable IEC 60079 standards when evaluating certification requirements.
References
- IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme – Official IECEx Documentation.
- IECEx Operational Documents (OD Series).
- IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres.
- ISO/IEC 80079 Series.
- IECEx Basic Rules and Rules of Procedure.
- IECEx Online Certificate Database.
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