ATEX, CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

How to Get ATEX Certification: The Process

How to get an ATEX certificate? We explain the ATEX certification process step by step - from determining the product category and choosing the right module to the technical file and notified body assessment.

Deniz Bellek

14 September 2026

Placing a product intended for use in explosive atmospheres on the Turkish and EU market legally requires an ATEX certificate. So how do you get an ATEX certificate? In this guide we explain the entire ATEX certification process step by step – from determining the product’s group and category to choosing the right conformity assessment module, preparing the technical file and the notified body assessment.

In Summaryin 4 points

An ATEX certificate is mandatory for equipment and protective systems within the scope of 2014/34/EU; the product’s category and type determine the certification route to follow.

The process is broadly: product classification → selecting the right module (B, D, E, G) → technical file → notified body assessment → EU Declaration of Conformity and CE + Ex marking.

For Category 1 and 2 equipment a notified body is involved; for Category 3 gas equipment a manufacturer’s self-declaration may be sufficient.

After the certificate is issued, continued compliance is maintained through production or product quality assurance audits.

01What Is an ATEX Certificate, Who Needs It?

An ATEX certificate shows that equipment and protective systems designed for use in explosive atmospheres comply with the essential health and safety requirements of the 2014/34/EU directive. Devices used in sectors where flammable gas, vapour, mist or dust can occur – chemicals, paint, textiles, flour and grain, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and energy – fall within this scope.

Companies that manufacture or place such products on the market are obliged to obtain an ATEX certificate. Correctly determining whether the product is in scope and which category it falls into is the first and most critical step of the whole process.

The fundamental concepts of ATEX (group, category, zone, Ex marking, types of protection) are covered in detail in What Is ATEX? A Guide to Explosive Atmospheres and Ex Equipment Selection.

02Preparation Before Certification: Group, Category, Zone

Before entering the certification route, the environment the product is designed for must be clarified. These three pieces of information directly determine the module to follow and the required level of protection.

01Group

Equipment groupGroup I is for underground mines; Group II is for all other surface industries.

02Category

Equipment categoryCategory 1, 2 or 3; shown with G (gas) or D (dust) alongside.

03Zone

Zone of useZone 0/1/2 for gas, Zone 20/21/22 for dust; the category must match the zone.

The match between category and zone lets you set the right target in certification. The summary mapping is as follows:

Zone	Required Category	Environment
Zone 0 / 20	`Cat. 1`	Continuous / long-term explosive atmosphere
Zone 1 / 21	`Cat. 2`	Occasionally occurring atmosphere in normal operation
Zone 2 / 22	`Cat. 3`	Rare and short-term atmosphere

Higher-category equipment can be used in a less hazardous area; the reverse is not valid.

03Choosing the Right Conformity Assessment Module

The route to follow in ATEX certification varies according to the equipment’s category and type (electrical/non-electrical). As the risk increases, so does the involvement of the notified body. The modules we offer at EST under 2014/34/EU and their typical use routes are as follows:

Category 1 & 2 · Electrical equipmentModule BModule DNotified body

Category 1 & 2 · AlternativeModule BModule ENotified body

Individual product / small seriesModule GNotified body

BEU Type Examination (Annex III): The product design is examined for compliance with the essential requirements of the directive.

DProduction Quality Assurance: The quality system during production is audited and monitored.

EProduct Quality Assurance: The quality system for final product inspection is audited.

GUnit Verification (Annex IX): Individual products or small series are verified one by one for conformity.

Why is module selection decisive?

Choosing the wrong module can lengthen the process and increase cost. The module to be applied is determined by the product’s category and manufacturing method (series production or individual manufacture); this is one of the most decisive steps in certification.

04The ATEX Certification Process Step by Step

Getting an ATEX certificate is a planned process running from application to certificate. The typical flow is as follows:

AApplication and planning

1Product classificationGroup, category and environment (G/D) are determined; the module to apply is clarified.

2Application and contractAn application is made to the notified body; the scope and module are agreed.

BTechnical assessment

3Technical file reviewDesign, calculations and test reports are evaluated against the essential requirements.

4Tests and type examination (Module B)Required tests are carried out or reviewed; if compliant, the EU Type-Examination Certificate is issued.

CProduction and certification

5Production-stage moduleUnder Module D/E the quality system is audited (or unit verification is carried out under Module G).

6EU Declaration of Conformity and markingThe manufacturer draws up the EU Declaration of Conformity; the CE + Ex marking and, where required, the notified body number are added to the product.

05What the Technical File Must Contain

The technical file is the most important document proving the product’s conformity. An incomplete file is one of the leading causes of delay. The file generally contains the following:

01Design

General description and drawingsProduct description, design and manufacturing drawings, component lists.

02Risk

Ignition risk analysisAssessment of possible ignition sources and the protective measures taken.

03Standard

Applied standardsList and application of harmonised standards such as the EN 60079 series.

04Test

Test and calculation reportsType tests, temperature and protection-type test results.

05Use

Instructions for useInstallation, use and maintenance instructions with marking information.

06Component

Component certificatesCertificates and conformity of cable glands, plugs and Ex components.

06After Certification: Surveillance and Continued Compliance

Obtaining an ATEX certificate is not the end of the process. In production-stage modules such as Module D and E, periodic surveillance audits are carried out to demonstrate that your quality system continues to comply. When there is a significant change in production conditions or design, this must be notified to the certification body and, if necessary, a re-assessment carried out. In this way the product maintains its conformity for as long as it remains on the market.

07Common Mistakes

Determining the wrong category/moduleIncorrectly determining the product’s category leads to proceeding with the wrong module and repeating the process from the start.

Incomplete technical fileFiles missing a risk analysis or test report are the most common cause of delay in assessment.

Assuming CE is enoughCE alone is not sufficient; the appropriate Ex marking and, where required, the notified body number must also be present.

Using an uncertified componentAn unsuitable cable gland or plug invalidates the protection of the entire enclosure.

08Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get an ATEX certificate?

First the product’s group, category and environment (gas/dust) are determined. Then a module appropriate to the category is selected (e.g. Module B + D/E for Category 1-2 electrical equipment, Module G for an individual product), the technical file is prepared and an application is made to the notified body. If the assessment is positive, the EU Declaration of Conformity is issued and the CE + Ex marking is added to the product.

Is an ATEX certificate mandatory?

Equipment, protective systems and components placed on the market for explosive atmospheres and falling within the scope of 2014/34/EU are legally required to undergo conformity assessment and carry the Ex marking together with the CE mark.

Which products are within the ATEX scope?

Electrical and non-electrical equipment, protective systems, safety/control devices and their components designed for use in explosive atmospheres are within scope.

Is a notified body required for an ATEX certificate?

A notified body is involved for Category 1 and 2 equipment. For Category 3 gas equipment a manufacturer’s self-declaration (Module A) may be possible; however there are type-specific rules, such as depositing the technical file with a notified body for non-electrical Category 2 equipment.

How long does it take to get an ATEX certificate?

The time depends on the complexity of the product, the module selected, the completeness of the technical file and the tests required. A complete technical file shortens the process considerably.

Does a CE certificate replace ATEX?

No. For explosive-atmosphere products, the appropriate Ex marking and, where required, the notified body number must appear alongside the CE mark; the CE mark cannot be used without fulfilling the ATEX obligations.

EST Teknik Belgelendirme Hizmetleri A.Ş.

As a TÜRKAK-accredited body (TS EN ISO/IEC 17065), we provide ATEX (2014/34/EU) conformity assessment and product certification services for equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres.

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This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or technical consultancy or a training service.