International certification schemes for potentially explosive atmospheres.

When it comes to safety in potentially explosive atmospheres, we do not limit ourselves to European directives: there are various regulatory schemes at global level that regulate and certify products and installations. These systems facilitate international trade, guarantee compliance and ensure safety, especially when equipment is to be used outside the European Union.

The main international standards and certification systems are:

• IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres): the most widespread international system outside Europe, which allows IEC standards to be recognised in different countries, facilitating export.

• UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed): introduced by the UK after Brexit, replaces CE marking for the British market.

• NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): in the US, NFPA standards regulate safety in areas at risk of explosion, in particular through the NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) standard.

• EAC (Eurasian Conformity): mandatory for Russia and the countries of the Eurasian Customs Union, it ensures that products comply with the general technical requirements of the region.

• KOSHA (Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency): In South Korea, this scheme verifies the compliance of electrical equipment intended for use in hazardous areas.

• CCC Ex (China Compulsory Certification Ex): Mandatory certification in China for products intended for use in explosive atmospheres in accordance with local standards.

• INMETRO (Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia): Brazil requires special certificates for Ex equipment, which are issued by the national metrology authority.