Changes for Certification of ATEX Devices

On December 4, 2023, the regulation of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) number 176 dated November 30, 2023, was officially published. 

This regulation approved amendments to the Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union TR CU 012/2011 - EAC certification of ATEX devices and equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

EAC Approval for ATEX Equipment

The amendments concern the exception of the preamble to the regulation and the relocation of the information regarding the scope to the corresponding section. 

Furthermore, the glossary in the regulation has been updated: the new version includes the term "importer," and a new term "cable for external electrical circuits" has been added.

Changes for ATEX Devices and Equipment

In the text of the regulation, the term "devices for use in explosive environments" is replaced by "devices and Ex-components." The safety requirements for devices (Article 4 of the regulation) have been specified.

This applies, for example, to devices and Ex-components intended for use in underground mining operations in mines and shafts that are hazardous due to gas and dust, as well as in zones where an explosive gas environment is present permanently or for extended periods.

For such devices, the use of cables for external electrical circuits of any kind with aluminum conductors or in aluminum sheathing, as well as with aluminum bands or wires as protection, is prohibited. For the final approval of the amendments, the document will be submitted to the Council of the Eurasian Economic Union for review.