IECEx vs ATEX Certification — Which Do You Need?

IECEx and ATEX both certify that Ex equipment meets the IEC 60079 technical standards — but they operate through different schemes and are recognised in different markets. Understanding which applies to your work situation is important for equipment selection, specification, and inspection.

ATEX — European and UK Certification

ATEX is the certification scheme used for equipment placed on the EU and UK markets. It is administered through approved Notified Bodies who test equipment against IEC 60079 standards and issue ATEX certificates. Equipment carries the distinctive Ex hexagon symbol. In the UK post-Brexit, the equivalent is the UKEX marking system.

IECEx — International Certification

IECEx is administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission and provides a single certificate recognised in over 50 countries. It uses the same underlying IEC 60079 technical standards as ATEX. Equipment certified under IECEx can be sold into any IECEx participating country without re-certification.

Can IECEx Equipment Be Used in the UK?

IECEx certified equipment can generally be used on UK sites, particularly on offshore installations and in industries where international equipment sourcing is common. Many UK operators accept IECEx certificates as equivalent to ATEX for the purposes of equipment selection and inspection. However, always verify with the site operator or safety authority for their specific requirements.