Explosion-proof equipment (EX equipment) includes electrical and non-electrical equipment as well as machines for use in potentially explosive environments, the construction of which prevents an explosion or a fire due to the operation.
Since the operation of such equipment poses an increased risk to people, property and the environment, the proof of conformity with the security requirements of the EAEU in the form of the EX certification is mandatory for placing on the market.
EAC EX certification
The EX certificate is an official confirmation that the machine meets the Technical Requirements for explosion-proof equipment in Russia and the EAEU of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
All explosion-proof equipment and machines, including those that contain EX components are subject to EAC EX certification. This excludes:
- medical technology
- devices which can explode when explosive substances and unstable chemical compounds are present
- household appliances
- personal protective equipment
- seagoing vessels and barges, mobile offshore platforms and oil rigs
- air, road, rail or water vehicles
- nuclear weapons and nuclear research facilities
EX equipment is divided into three groups:
- Group I - equipment for mines, quarries and ore processing plants
- Group II - equipment for use in areas exposed to gas, other than underground mining
- Group III - equipment for use in areas subject to explosion hazard due to dust exposure, other than underground mining
Each group is subdivided into three protection levels of the explosion protection A, B and C, as well as six classes of fire protection.
Legal framework
Until 15 February 2013, the EX certificate of conformity in Russia was carried out in accordance with the GOST standards from the Soviet Union. The GOST certificate was used as an EAC EX certificate of conformity. As a result of the coordination of the Technical Regulation in the EUEA between Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, the entry into force of the Technical Regulation TR CU 012/2011 "On safety of the equipment for operation in explosive atmospheres" applies new EAC certification rules.
Since the reform, the certification of the explosion-proof equipment has been carried out exclusively in the form of EAC certification. The EAC declaration for the explosion-proof equipment is not provided.
The Technical Regulations TR CU 012/2011 "On safety of the equipment for operation in explosive atmospheres" was adopted on 18 October 2011 by Commission Decision № 825.
The EAC EX certification in the EUEA is similar in many respects to the European System of ATEX certification according to Directive 2014/34 / EU or Directive 94/9 / EC. Nevertheless, there are significant differences. If you already have an ATEX certificate for your equipment, this can simplify the EX certification for the Russian market but not replace it.
The EAC EX certificate is required for the export of explosion-proof equipment to Russia, Kazakhstan and the EUEA and cannot be replaced by the ATEX certificate.
Required documents:
- information on the manufacturer
- customs tariff number
- technical passport
- ignition hazard assessment for EX equipment
- instruction manual
- test reports
- detailed product description
- technical drawings
- technical data sheet
- ATEX certificate
In addition, product samples are necessary for the tests. The number of necessary product samples depends on the type of equipment.
Certification matrix
For the EAC EX certification of complex explosion-proof equipment, it is advisable to create a certification matrix yourself or let the experts do it. The certification matrix provides an overview of which explosion-proof components require which certificates of conformity and additional documents.
The matrix is mostly written in Excel format and consists of the following fields:
- name of the product
- Information about the manufacturer
- ATEX marking
- designation of the required certificate of conformity
- designation of the required technical documentation
Certification procedure
The certification is carried out on an analytical basis of the technical documentation and the test protocols provided by notified bodies, as well as on site manufacturing audits.
The EAC EX certificate for explosion-proof equipment may only be issued by a notified body accredited by the Federal Office for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart).
The certificate is valid for up to five years.
Only a company established in the territory of the EUEA can apply for an EAC EX certificate and therefore an authorized representative within the EAEU is required. If you need an authorized representative, we will be pleased to offer you a suitable company.
Schemes of EX certification
| Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| 1C | is intended for series production. In this case, samples are to be tested and a manufacturing audit is to be carried out. |
| 3C | is intended for a batch delivery. In this case, samples are to be tested and a manufacturing audit is to be carried out. |
| 4C | is intended for a single delivery. In this case, samples are to be tested and a manufacturing audit is to be carried out. |
Mandatory marking of products
Upon receipt of the EX certificate, the equipment must be marked with a special EX mark. In addition, the group, level and class of the explosion protection shall be marked.
Period of validity of EAC conformity assessment certificates
The validity period of the EAC certificate or EAC declaration for Explosion-proof equipment differs depending on the applied technical regulations, the selected scheme, the type of production (serial production, individual delivery, etc.) and equipment and ranges on average from one to 5 years. Those parameters are determined in the respective technical regulation.
Duration and costs for EAC certification
The duration and costs associated with an EAC certificate application for Explosion-proof equipment depend on several different factors, such as the classification of the product, any required laboratory checks and the complexity of all examinations. As such the exact conditions of the EAC certification are always determined individually based on the required documentation.
Please note that an application for an EAC certificate can take several weeks to process.
Authorized representative
If the producer doesn't have a location in the EAEU, it does not have the right to apply for a required conformity assessment of its products. In order to still be able to be the subject of a conformity assessment, the foreign producer must give a representative in the EAEU power of attorney. They will defend the interests of the foreign producer when working with the certifying bodies with regard to safety and quality of products and in accordance with technical regulations.
As the law stands and in accordance with the Technical Regulation of the economic union only an operator based in the territory may be named power of attorney.
Delivery of the documentation
If you order the EAC Certificate on Explosion-proof equipment, you will receive a copy of it via email immediately after our successful certification procedure. The original document and two certified copies will be sent by post.
