The New ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU – EU Guidance

The new ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU is to become effective for items placed on the market from 20 April 2016.

The following “Guidance Document on the ATEX Directive Transition from 94/9/EC to 2014/34/EU” has been published on the official European website and is available from the link below:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/mechanicalengineering/ atex/index_en.htm

As this document makes clear: “… the main changes in the new Directive 2014/34/EU with respect to the previous Directive 94/9/EC are quite limited, and do not concern the most substantial characteristics of the act that remain the same: scope, essential health and safety requirements, categorization and conformity assessment procedures.”

The most significant changes are:

• Reference number
• Definitions are updated
• Economic operators (manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers, distributors) and their obligations are specified.
• Notified bodies: more detailed requirements and procedures outlined.

The guidance document has a list of Frequently Asked Questions with answers.

Transition arrangements state that existing certificates referring to 94/9/EC remain valid. However, any changes after 20 April 2016 will need a new certificate. More detailed guidance is given in the document.

Draft legislation in the UK has been discussed and will be implemented before this date.

You are also reminded that the list of harmonised standards under the 94/9/EC Directive is available on the EU website:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/europeanstandards/ harmonised-standards/equipment-explosiveatmosphere/ index_en.htm

Published: 24th November 2015