Hazardous area certification ensures that equipment used in explosive or potentially dangerous environments meets strict certification standards. Certifications such as IECEx, ATEX and UKEX confirm that products are designed and tested to prevent ignition risks.
May 26, 2026
Navigating hazardous area certification doesn’t have to be complex. We provide expert IECEx, ATEX and UKEX certification services to help manufacturers and facility operators maintain full compliance with constantly evolving regulations across global markets.
As your trusted partner, we deliver end-to-end explosion protection and Ex compliance services from our UK-based Buxton laboratory to help you bring compliant equipment to market quickly and efficiently.
Managing overlapping regulations
Meeting ATEX, UKEX and IECEx requirements involves more than product testing. You must ensure compliance across:
- Equipment design and protection types (Ex d, Ex i, Ex e and more)
- Quality systems (QAR, QAN approvals)
- Installation, inspection and maintenance standards (DSEAR & ATEX workplace directive)
- Ongoing audits and certification updates
Meeting these requirements can be especially challenging for companies operating internationally.
Complete IECEx, ATEX & UKEX compliance support
Our hazardous area certification services cover every stage of your compliance journey:
- Product certification for IECEx, ATEX and UKEX
- Quality assurance approvals (QAR and QAN)
- Explosion protection testing and assessment
- Inspection, risk assessment and audits
- Ex training for manufacturers, installers and operators
We help you reduce risk, avoid delays and improve safety performance, so you can not only achieve compliance, but also maintain it.
Trusted experts in explosion protection
With over 300 years of combined experience, our engineers are specialists in explosion protection and hazardous area compliance. By partnering with us, you will benefit from:
- Direct access to technical experts
- Fast turnaround times and clear guidance
- Support tailored to your product, facility or project
- Insight from professionals involved in IECEx and ATEX standards development
Access global markets with confidence
Whether you are seeking CE marking for ATEX, UKCA marking for UKEX or IECEx certification for international trade, we provide a streamlined, efficient route to compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
IECEx is an international certification scheme, while ATEX applies to the EU and Northern Ireland, and UKEX applies to Great Britain. Each framework has specific requirements, but they are broadly aligned and often overlap in technical standards.
If you plan to sell equipment in the EU or Northern Ireland, ATEX certification is required. For Great Britain, UKEX or ATEX certification is required.
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the product, the type of protection and the completeness of your documentation. Working with an experienced certification body can significantly speed up the process.
A quality assessment report (QAR) and quality assurance notification (QAN) verify that your manufacturing processes meet the required standards for ongoing compliance under IECEx, ATEX and UKEX schemes.
Any electrical or non-electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres, such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical or manufacturing environments, typically requires certification.
Yes, IECEx certification is widely recognized internationally and can support access to multiple markets. It is often used as a foundation for ATEX and UKEX approvals.
Explosion protection refers to the design, testing and certification of equipment to prevent ignition in hazardous environments. This includes protection types such as flameproof (Ex d), intrinsic safety (Ex i), and increased safety (Ex e).
Ready to simplify your hazardous area certification process? Visit our web page for more detailed information
For further information or for tailored advice, pricing and next steps from an expert, please contact:
Andy Leavy
Business Development Manager
Connectivity & Products
United Kingdom
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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