ATEX vs. EAC Ex Certification

Explosion Protection in the EU and EAEU Countries

Explosion protection follows internationally recognized basic safety principles, which are largely defined by the standards and norms of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). On this technical basis, there is widespread agreement worldwide regarding the design and functional safety requirements for explosion-proof devices and equipment.

Notwithstanding this harmonization, however, the legal framework, conformity assessment procedures, and verification requirements differ considerably between the individual economic areas.

Within the European Union, the placing on the market of explosion-proof equipment is regulated by the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. In contrast, market access in the Eurasian Economic Union is subject to the technical regulations TR CU 012/2011 “On the safety of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.”

An EAC Ex certificate is therefore mandatory for the legally compliant import, distribution, and commissioning of explosion-proof equipment in the EAEU member states. This certificate confirms that the products comply with the relevant technical regulations of the EAEU and is a key prerequisite for market access.

The EAEU comprises the following member states:

• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Armenia
• Belarus
• Russia

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU - Explosion Protection

The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU regulates the essential requirements for placing electrical and non-electrical equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres on the market. It defines the minimum safety requirements, conformity assessment procedures, and obligations of economic operators within the European Union. 

ATEX Zones and Risk Assessment

The zoning of potentially explosive areas is based on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere.

The following zones are distinguished:

Zone 0: Area in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and combustible substances is present continuously, for long periods of time, or frequently.

Zone 1: Area in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.

Zone 2: Area in which an explosive atmosphere does not normally occur during normal operation, or only occurs for a short period of time.

An ATEX certificate has a standardized alphanumeric marking that enables the explosion protection-related properties of the respective product to be clearly identified.

This label describes, among other things:

• the type of explosive atmosphere (gas or dust atmosphere),
• the assigned temperature class or maximum surface temperature,
• the equipment group and equipment category according to the ATEX classification system,
• the design as electrical or non-electrical equipment.

Depending on the device category and the associated risk potential, different conformity assessment procedures are applied. These range from the manufacturer's internal production control to extensive testing and certification procedures involving a notified body. 

EAC Ex Certification According to TR CU 012/2011

The Technical Regulation TR CU 012/2011 “On the safety of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres” establishes binding and uniform safety requirements for explosion-proof devices and protective systems within the Eurasian Economic Union. It forms the legal basis for the marketing of corresponding products in all EAEU member states. 

Until March 15, 2015, market access for explosion-proof equipment was based on national GOST Ex certificates. With the entry into force of the technical regulations of the EAEU states, this system was completely replaced. Since then, only the EAC Ex certification system, which ensures conformity assessment and marking valid throughout the union, has been authoritative for lawful distribution. 

Which Products are Subject to EAC EX Certification?

All explosion-proof products are subject to certification in accordance with TR CU 012/2011, in particular:

• Electrical and non-electrical devices,
• Machines, systems, and technical equipment,
• Products and assemblies with explosion-proof components (Ex components).

Conformity assessment may only be carried out by a certification body accredited by the state in the Eurasian Economic Union. A manufacturer's self-declaration of conformity in the form of an EAC declaration is not permitted under TR CU 012/2011.

Device Groups and Classification in the EAC EX System

The EAC Ex classification system in accordance with TR CU 012/2011 initially distinguishes explosion-proof equipment by device group depending on the intended area of application:

• Group I: Equipment for use in mines, ore processing plants, and quarries,
• Group II: Equipment for use in areas outside underground mining where there is a risk of gas explosion,
• Group III: Equipment for use in areas outside underground mining where there is a risk of dust explosion.

In addition to the device group classification, there is a further classification based on explosion protection-related characteristics. These include in particular:

• Classification into six fire classes,
• Classification into three explosion protection levels (A, B, and C),
• As well as additional protection levels PO, PB, and ПП in the mining sector.

This multi-level classification enables a differentiated assessment of the potential hazard and forms the basis for selecting suitable protective measures and performing the EAC Ex conformity assessment. 

Differences between ATEX and EAC EX Certifications

Despite many similarities, there are also significant differences:

• Third level of protection for mining in the EAC Ex system (PO, PB, ПП)
• No internal production control (Module A) in the EAEU states
• No EAC Ex declaration, certification is always mandatory

Product testing, audits, and inspections exclusively by accredited bodies: 

Is ATEX Certification a Prerequisite for EAC Ex Certification?

An existing ATEX or IECEx certificate is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining an EAC-EX certificate in accordance with Technical Regulation TR CU 012/2011 on the safety of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX and IECEx certificates are not recognized as independent proof of safety within the EAEU. A valid EAC-EX certificate is therefore always required for the legally compliant distribution of explosion-proof equipment in EAEU member states.

Existing ATEX certificates and associated test documents can support the certification process as they reduce the testing and documentation effort. However, an ATEX certificate never replaces the required EAC-EX certificate. EAC-EX certification according to TR CU 012/2011 is mandatory for legal market access in the EAEU states.

EAC-EX Marking for EAEU Countries 

In addition to the EAC mark, the EAC-EX marking is mandatory for the legally compliant distribution of explosion-proof equipment in EAEU member states. 

Requirements for EAC-EX marking:

• Minimum height: 10 mm
• Ratio X and E: 5/9
• Height and width ratio: 11/8
• Background: white or high contrast 

Mandatory information on the type plate:

• EX mark
• EAC mark
• Manufacturer data
• Certificate number
• Certification body
• Temperature class
• Device category
• Type of protection
• Device group
• Protection class 

Recognition of ATEX Test Reports and Audits

EAC Ex certification is a separate certification process. Existing ATEX test reports can be used as technical references, but they do not replace the steps required for EAC Ex certification, such as product testing in EAEU-accredited testing laboratories, site inspections of the production facility, and quality management audits for series deliveries. 

Use of Explosion-Proof Devices in Safe Areas

Explosion-proof devices with EAC-EX certificates may also be used in non-hazardous areas. However, it should be noted that other relevant regulations may apply, for example:

• 004/2011 TR CU - Certification for low-voltage installations
• 037/2016 TR EAEU - EAC certification for hazardous substances
• 020/2011 TR CU - Electromagnetic compatibility
• 043/2017 TR EAEU - EAC fire safety certification

Important: If a device has an Ex marking, a valid EAC Ex certificate must always be available, regardless of whether it is operated in a potentially explosive atmosphere or not. 

Validity and Renewal of EAC-EX Certificates 

• Validity: up to 5 years
• Renewal: for another 5 years

An EAC-EX certificate may be suspended in the following cases:

• Lack of documentation
• Non-conformity of goods
• Lack of inspection control
• At the request of the certification body
• At the request of the authorized representative
• At the request of the manufacturer or authorized representative

A suspended certificate can be reactivated once the deficiencies have been remedied. A revoked certificate, on the other hand, loses its validity completely and cannot be restored. 

Responsibility for EAC EX Certification

The manufacturer itself is responsible for compliance with the requirements of TR CU 012/2011, provided that it is based in an EAEU member state, or alternatively an authorized representative based within the EAEU and the competent accredited certification body.

Manufacturers outside the EAEU must appoint an authorized representative within the EAEU to act as the legal contact for conformity assessment and the EAC-EX certification process.

Support from AC Inorms GmbH

AC Inorms GmbH provides comprehensive support to manufacturers from Europe, America, and Asia in obtaining EAC-EX certification. Thanks to our strategic presence in Central Asia, we guarantee legal, transparent, and standards-compliant market access to the EAEU member states. 

Our services: 

• Preparation, translation, and review of technical documentation
• Appointment of a legally compliant EAEU representative
• Implementation of the EAC-EX certification process

AC Inorms GmbH provides manufacturers with competent, legally compliant, and efficient support on their path to successful EAC-EX certification and EAC-EX marking for EAEU member states.