ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
The ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) European Union (EU) Directive 2014/34/EU - On the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; entered into force and application on 18th April 2014. The legislation provided for the withdrawal of the previous ATEX Directive 94/9/EC on 20th April 2016. The new ATEX directive was ?recast? to reflect the New Legislative Framework (NLF) published on 9 July 2008.
The ATEX Directive applies to all equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the EU and since April 2014 it is mandatory for these devices to have an EU Type Approval. The objective of ATEX is to ensure the free movement of goods throughout the EU, by offering one harmonised compliance procedure accepted by all EU countries, eradicating the need for differing national standards. Certification (EU Type Approval) ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely. For product certification; samples of the equipment will need to be tested by a laboratory of an appropriate Notified Body. Compliant Ex product will be issued with an EU-Type Examination Certificate.