What Is IECEx Certification?

IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) is the world's leading certification system for explosion-protected equipment and services.

The primary objective of IECEx Certification is to facilitate international trade while maintaining a high level of safety for products used in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may be present.

By providing a globally recognized certification framework, IECEx helps eliminate technical barriers between countries and reduces the need for repetitive testing and certification when products enter multiple international markets.

The IECEx system is mainly based on the following international standards:

• • IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres

• • ISO 80079 Series – Non-electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres

As global industries continue to expand across borders, IECEx Certification has become one of the most important credentials for manufacturers of explosion-proof equipment.

How Does the IECEx Certification System Work?

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued based on two key documents:

1. ExTR (Explosion Protection Test Report)

The ExTR contains detailed testing results demonstrating that the product complies with applicable IEC standards.

2. QAR (Quality Assessment Report)

The QAR verifies that the manufacturer's quality management system consistently produces products that comply with certified designs and safety requirements.

Within the IECEx system:

• • Ex Testing Laboratories (ExTLs) perform product testing and prepare the ExTR.

• • Ex Certification Bodies (ExCBs) review the reports, conduct factory assessments, issue the QAR, and ultimately grant the IECEx Certificate of Conformity.

Manufacturers can apply for IECEx Certification through any recognized ExCB participating in the IECEx Scheme.