Explosion-proof equipment certification

Conformity assessment procedures must always be carried out for products in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The provision, issue or first use of equipment and protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheres, as well as their components and required safety, monitoring and control devices, is regulated by the Product Safety Act.

Normally, a conformity assessment procedure must be carried out in accordance with Annexes III to IX of Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX Directive).

However, the market surveillance authority may, upon duly justified request, authorise the placing on the market or putting into service of products for which no conformity assessment procedure has been carried out, provided that the use of such products is necessary in the interest of the protection of persons, domestic animals or property. This regulation only applies to the territory of the country concerned and not to components. The applications are usually submitted by (specialist) companies.

Application content informal (in writing):

• Description and specification of the product incl. the planned deviation
• if it concerns the placing on the market of individual equipment, protective systems or devices (custom-made products) or
• the modification of equipment, protective systems or devices already placed on the market at the operator's premises by a service provider

Evidence:

• that a conformity assessment procedure according to Directive 94/9/EC would involve a disproportionate effort or delay, or that the use of the products is in the interest of health and safety protection, whereby this interest may be hindered e.g. by the delay resulting from the conformity assessment procedures,
• the safety of the products is ensured by other means (e.g. specially trained personnel, acceptance test by a ZÜS).
• that the products to be approved are limited to the territory of the Member State concerned.

• Form description: not applicable
• Link to the aforementioned form, if applicable: no
• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: no

• no conformity assessment procedure has been carried out
• The use of these products is in the interest of the protection of people, domestic animals or goods.
• The safety of the products is guaranteed by other means (e.g. specially trained personnel, acceptance test by a ZÜS).
• Use of the products applied for only in Germany
• Sufficiently substantiated and complete application to the competent authority

It is possible to appeal within the time limits in the appeal.

• Written procedure upon request (informal)
• Discretionary decision (optional decision)

There are no special legal deadlines to be observed.

If the application documents are complete, they will be processed within one month, max. 3 months.

LV 53 Instructions for Market Surveillance in Area 11 GPSGV" at: