To ensure compliance with the requirements of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, manufacturers must follow the appropriate conformity assessment procedure based on the equipment category, protection level, and intended application. The ATEX Directive provides several certification modules that evaluate product design, production processes, and quality management systems to ensure equipment can be safely used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Module A – Internal Production Control

Module A is a self-assessment procedure in which the manufacturer takes full responsibility for demonstrating compliance with the applicable ATEX requirements.

Under this module, no Notified Body involvement is required. The manufacturer prepares the technical documentation and ensures that the product meets all relevant safety and performance requirements.

Typically used for: Category 3 equipment.

Module B – EU-Type Examination

Module B involves an independent assessment conducted by a Notified Body.

The Notified Body examines the product design and technical documentation to verify compliance with the essential health and safety requirements of the ATEX Directive.

Successful completion results in the issuance of an EU-Type Examination Certificate.

Typically used in combination with: Modules C1, D, E, or F.

Module C1 – Conformity to Type Based on Internal Production Control Plus Supervised Product Testing

Under Module C1, the manufacturer ensures that production remains consistent with the approved type examined under Module B.

In addition, a Notified Body performs periodic product testing or supervised inspections to verify ongoing conformity.

Provides: Additional confidence in product consistency and compliance.

Module D – Conformity to Type Based on Quality Assurance of the Production Process

Module D focuses on the manufacturer's production quality management system.

A Notified Body assesses and approves the production process to ensure that all manufactured products remain compliant with the type approved under Module B.

This module is particularly suitable for manufacturers with established quality management systems and ongoing serial production.

Key focus: Production process quality assurance.

Module E – Conformity to Type Based on Product Quality Assurance

Module E assesses the manufacturer's product inspection and testing procedures rather than the overall production process.

A Notified Body evaluates the quality system used for final inspection and product verification to ensure conformity with the approved type.

Key focus: Product quality assurance and final inspection activities.

Module F – Conformity to Type Based on Product Verification

Under Module F, a Notified Body verifies and inspects individual products or production batches to confirm compliance with the approved type established through Module B.

Each product or batch is subject to direct verification before being placed on the market.

Key focus: Independent product verification.

Module G – Conformity Based on Unit Verification

Module G is designed for individual products, custom-built equipment, prototypes, or limited-production units.

A Notified Body performs a comprehensive assessment of each individual unit to verify compliance with the ATEX Directive.

This module does not require prior EU-Type Examination under Module B.

Typically used for: Unique, bespoke, or one-off equipment.

Choosing the Correct ATEX Certification Module

Selecting the appropriate ATEX conformity assessment module depends on several factors, including:

✔ Equipment category

✔ Type of explosion protection

✔ Production volume

✔ Quality management system maturity

✔ Intended market requirements

Manufacturers should carefully evaluate the applicable ATEX requirements to ensure the correct certification route is selected and compliance is maintained throughout the product lifecycle.

Understanding the differences between Modules A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G is essential for achieving ATEX certification efficiently and gaining access to the European market.