Updated: New ATEX Stakeholder report dated March 2014 added.
Overview
The ATEX Directive is a European single market directive that applies to electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The directive replaces 2 previous directives on electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (76/117/EC and 82/130/EC) which came into force on 1 March 1996.
ATEX Directive: what it applies to
The directive applies to both electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. These include:
equipment and protective systems for use within potentially explosive atmospheres
devices for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres, but which are required for, or contribute to the safe functioning of equipment and protective systems located inside such atmospheres
components relating to the above
The potential for explosive atmospheres can exist in a range of mainly industrial locations such as mines, factories, agricultural silos, and oil and gas platforms, water and other chemical processing environments. There is a wide range of products intended for use in such areas, including control equipment and sensors, transformers, fans, pumps, compressors, fork lift trucks, and lighting.
Legislation of ATEX products
Legislation enables the free trading of ATEX products within the European, Economic Area (EEA) by removing the need for separate documentation and testing for each individual European market. Manufacturers may use a single CE mark on their products to show compliance with this (and any other relevant) directive.
The directive has been implemented in Great Britain by the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (SI 1996 No.192) which came into force on 1 March 1996. The regulations were amended by SI 2001 No.3766 which came into force on 21 December 2001. The amendment principally covers the concept of ‘putting into service’.
The regulations and the amendment are available to download from The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).
The directive was implemented separately in Northern Ireland on 29 July 1996 (SR 1996/247).
Related regulations
The ATEX 137 Workplace Directive 1999/92/EC, (also known as the ‘Use’ directive) is implemented by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) (SI 2002/2776) in the UK.
Guidance to DSEAR is published by HSE. For further information please visit the Safety Policy Directorate’s website.
Enforcement
The Health and Safety Executive has the responsibility for the enforcement of both sets of UK regulations.
Notified bodies
A list of notified bodies accredited under ATEX can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
The list can be sorted by country or by notified body name by clicking on the column headings. The contact details, accreditation information and information on the directive modules for which the organisation is notified can be found by clicking on the notified body name. Please note that UK based companies are not restricted to using UK notified bodies.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Guidance and further information
European guidelines, along with the text of the directive are available from the European Commission’s ATEX website.
Product standards - equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - guidance notes on the UK regulations
(PDF, 112KB, 51 pages)
Guidelines for organisations seeking notified body status under the ATEX Directive
ATEX Stakeholder Report: March 2014
MS Word Document, 73KB
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Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Please note that we can generally only offer advice on policy interpretation; if you require complex technical advice, please contact one of the ATEX notified bodies (experienced companies who carry out conformity assessment procedures).
Consumer safety
We are responsible for:
policy matters relating to domestic gas and electrical safety
a range of legislation which controls the safety of domestic gas and electric appliances
We advise ministers on the need for changes to existing safety legislation or new measures, including proposals for new or amended EU directives, have responsibility for the negotiation, post-implementation policy and administration of the Low Voltage Directive and the Gas Appliances Directive, together with their associated regulations.
Current legislation controlling the safety of domestic gas and electrical equipment - the following legislation exists to control the safety of domestic gas and electrical appliances. For further information please click on the subject:
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994
Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995
Enforcement of safety legislation
Trading standards officers are responsible for the day to day enforcement of consumer safety legislation. They have the power to remove unsafe product from the market and to bring prosecutions. Supplying an unsafe product can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months.
Consumers who consider that they have bought an unsafe electrical or gas appliance should contact their local authority trading standards department in the first instance. Consumers who feel that they have cause for complaint, but are unsure about what, if any, redress is available to them should contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No 3260), implementing Council Directive 2006/95/EC
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 implement the Council Directive 2006/95/EC (commonly known as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD)). They regulate the safety of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage ranges.
Coverage
Broadly the regulations apply to most consumer, commercial and industrial electrical equipment designed for use within the voltage ranges 50 V ac to 1000 V ac and 75 V dc to 1500 V dc.
Intention of legislation
To remove technical barriers to trade and establish a European Union single market and provide a high level of protection for consumers.
Products covered by this legislation are required to carry the CE Marking. The regulations cover products when first placed on the market.
The regulations can be viewed on the Legislation.gov.uk website.
Enforcement
The regulations are enforced by the local authority Trading Standards departments in respect of electrical equipment intended for the consumer, and by the Health and Safety Executive in respect for equipment intended for the workplace.
Trading Standards
HSE - Electrical safety at work
HSE - local offices
Local authority Trading Standards departments are requested to notify the department of enforcement actions using the attached form.
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations: notification of enforcement action
(MS Word Document, 123KB)
There are regular co-operation meetings between the Commission and member states to harmonise enforcement. In support the Commission has issued opinions and recommendations.
Notified bodies
The regulations provide for self-assessment by the manufacturers of their products complying with its requirements. However, notified bodies are appointed under the directive for purpose of providing, on request, opinions (Article 9) to the Commission and reports (Article 8) to manufacturers.
A list of LVD notified bodies, including the UK, is available from the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System. The list can be sorted by country or by notified body name by clicking on the column headings. Please note that UK based companies are not restricted to using UK notified bodies.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Guidance and further information
Product standards: electrical equipment (implementing the Low Voltage Directive) - guidance notes on the UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/3260) March 2007
(PDF, 210KB, 41 pages)
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994: guidelines on the appointment of UK notified bodies
(PDF, 127KB, 12 pages)
Electrical supply tolerances and electrical appliance safety
(PDF, 79.5KB, 2 pages)
Child appealing research: research into child awareness of risk - use of electrical equipment
(PDF, 754KB, 111 pages)
The effect of ceiling-mounted re-circulation fans on domestic open-flue appliances
(PDF, 79.1KB, 12 pages)
The European Commission has its own website dedicated to matters relating to electrical safety. Information available on this site includes:
Text of Directive 2006/95/EC
European Commission LVD reference documents
A list of LVD notified bodies of all member states can be found at NANDO.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Other directives/regulations which may affect electrical equipment:
For information on some of the other directives/regulations which may have an effect on electrical equipment, please see the subject heading:
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2004/108/EC
The Machinery Directive - 98/37/EC & 2006/42/EC
Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Directive 94/9/EC
The Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994, SI 1994 No.1768
Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No 730) implementing the RTTE Directive (98/13/EC)
Energy-using Products (EuP)
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005 No 2748) implementing The Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (2002/95/EC) as amended by Commission Decision 2005/618/EC establishing the maximum concentration values for certain hazardous substances
EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
New approach directives and the free movement of goods in the European Community
The free movement of goods lies at the heart of achieving an open market for business in Europe. In May 1985, European Community ministers agreed on a ‘New approach to technical harmonisation and standards’ to fulfil this objective.
New approach directives (that is Community law) set out the essential requirements (on safety for example), written in general terms which must be met before products may be sold in the UK or anywhere else in the European Community. European harmonised standards provide the detailed technical information enabling manufacturers to meet the essential requirements. The directives also explain how manufacturers are able to demonstrate conformity with the essential requirements. Products which meet the essential requirements are to display the CE marking, as described in the particular directive, which means that the products can be sold anywhere in the Community/EEA.
A list of references to harmonised standards in the context of the new approach directives can be found on the European Commission website.
Main features of the legislation
legislation is limited to goal-setting essential health and safety requirements
standards bodies draw up the technical specifications - European Standards - needed to ensure conformity with these requirements
the standards are voluntary
products made to European Standards enjoy a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the directives
Further information
As a result of the new approach review, see New legislative framework for EU Community harmonisation legislation for products’ for information on the new regulation setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance (RAMS, 765/2008/EC) and a decision on a common framework for the marketing of products (768/2008/EC).
Further information can be found on the new approach directives and CE marking on www.newapproach.org.
See also the EC Commission’s own ‘Guide to the implementation of directives based on the new approach and global approach’ (the so-called ‘Vade Mecum’).
The European Commission has issued a communication the ‘Role of European standardisation in the framework of European policies and legislation’ which identifies the priorities for standardisation policy. It is supported by a staff working paper dealing with the challenges for European standardisation.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Electromagnetic compatibility
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC, which is implemented into UK law by the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006. The directive applies to most electrical and electronic apparatus, that is, finished products and systems that include electrical and electronic equipment.
Its intention is to remove barriers to trade within the EEA whilst ensuring that the electromagnetic disturbance generated by apparatus does not exceed a level allowing radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate as intended, and that apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic disturbance to enable it to operate as intended.
The EMC Directive 2004/108/EC was adopted on 15 December 2004 and published in the Official Journal on 6 January 2005. It replaces and repeals Directive 89/336/EC.
Directive 2004/108/EC was transposed into UK Law by the EMC Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/3418), which came into force on 20 July 2007. These regulations replaced and repealed the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2005.
The regulations require that all electrical and electronic apparatus marketed in the UK, including imports, satisfy the requirements of the EMC Directive. The regulations implement a separate regime for fixed installations.
Intention of legislation
To remove barriers to trade and ensure open means of access by member states to Community markets.
Latest developments
We have published guidance on specific issues of interpretation in the EMC Regulations 2006 to assist manufacturers and suppliers of electronic and electrical equipment to understand the effect of the regulations.
Notified bodies
A list of notified bodies accredited under EMC can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Guidance and further information
Guide to the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulations 2006
(PDF, 260KB, 25 pages)
UK Regulations Transposing Directive 2004/108/EC: guidance on some specific issues of interpretation
(PDF, 125KB, 6 pages)
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006: guidelines for the designation of notified bodies: April 2007
(PDF, 172KB, 24 pages)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006: notified bodies designated by the Secretary of State
(PDF, 128KB, 4 pages)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Members of the National Forum for CE Compliance
(PDF, 277KB, 1 page)
The new Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulations: regulatory impact assessment - January 2007
(PDF, 383KB, 35 pages)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive: study of the effect on industry of complying with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
(PDF, 79.3KB, 21 pages)
Implementing the new Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2004/108/EC in the United Kingdom
(PDF, 1.6MB, 113 pages)
Implementing the new Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive in the United Kingdom: DTI response to the public consultation - May 2006
(PDF, 132KB, 24 pages)
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulations.
Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/1629) Implementing the Council Directive 2009/142/EC
The contents relate to the Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995 which regulate the safety of most domestic and commercial gas appliances.
Subject area
The Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/1629) implement the Council Directive 2009/142/EC relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels (commonly known as the Gas Appliances Directive (GAD), which is a codified version of repealed Directive 90/396/EEC).
Coverage
The regulations apply to domestic and commercial gas appliances used for cooking, heating, hot water production, refrigeration, lighting or washing and having where applicable, a normal water temperature not exceeding 105 degrees Celsius and includes forced draught burners and heating bodies to be equipped with such burners. Most appliances for use in industrial processes on industrial premises are excluded. The regulations also apply to certain components.
Intention of legislation
To remove technical barriers to trade, to establish a European Union single market in safe gas appliances and provide a high level of protection for consumers.
Products covered by this legislation are required to carry the CE Marking. Use of notified bodies is also required. See below for details.
The regulations cover products when first placed on the market.
Enforcement
The regulations are enforced by the local authority trading standards departments in respect of gas appliances intended for use by the consumer, and by the Health and Safety Executive in respect of appliances intended for the workplace.
Trading Standards
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Gas health and safety
HSE - local offices
Local authority Trading Standards departments are required to notify the department of enforcement actions - see contact details.
Notified bodies
A list of notified bodies accredited under GAD can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
CAUTION: The department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the attached
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Guidance
The European Commission has its own website dedicated to matters relating to this directive. Information on this site includes:
Text of Directive 2009-142-EC
Harmonised Standards
Commission guidance for the application of the directive
Further information
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2451)
Within the UK there are strict controls on installations and maintenance of gas appliances, HSE have responsibility for this legislation.
The Health and Safety Executive advises that all gas appliances and/or flues should be regularly maintained and a safety check carried out annually or at any other time if there is a safety doubt. This work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered installer.
Further information on gas safety installation and maintenance issues can be found on the HSE website.
Gas Safe Register
For information on finding Gas Safe registered installers and questions relating to gas safety issues, visit the Gas Safe Register website.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product Regulation.
Household Appliances (Noise Emission) Regulations
The Household Appliances (Noise Emission) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/161) as amended implements into UK law the provisions of Council Directive 86/594/EEC.
Overview
The Household Appliances (Noise Emission) Regulations1990 as amended implements into UK law the provisions of Council Directive 86/594/EEC.
The regulations apply to household appliances supplied by way of sale, lease, hire or hire-purchase consisting of any machine, part of a machine or installation manufactured principally for use in dwellings, including cellars, garages and other outbuildings.
Am I affected?
Application of the regulations by manufacturers is voluntary, and they are therefore not legally required to provide information on the airborne noise emitted by a product in the UK. However, if a manufacturer wishes to refer to the level of airborne noise emitted by an appliance in its marketing, then it must apply the provisions of the regulations.
Although application of the UK regulations is voluntary, manufacturers should be aware other member states may require mandatory application of the requirements in their national legislation.
Consumer information
The directive provides the procedures to ensure that information available to customers wishing to select less noisy appliances is accurate, pertinent and comparable.
Contact us
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Lifts Directive
The Directive applies to lifts whose speed is greater than 0.15m/s which permanently serve buildings and constructions, and specified safety components.
Intention of legislation
To assist industry by harmonising the laws of member states regarding the safe design, manufacture, installation and placing on the market of lifts and the supply of safety components, while ensuring high levels of protection for health and safety.
It defines the wide choice of procedures by which compliance with the provisions of the directive must be demonstrated.
Coverage
Lifts for the purposes of the Directive are defined as appliances whose speed is 0.15m/s or greater serving specific levels, having a car moving along guides which are rigid and inclined at an angle of more the 15 degrees to the horizontal and intended for the transport of persons, persons and goods, or goods alone but which persons could enter without difficulty and which have controls which are reachable by persons inside.
It also covers six categories of safety components listed in Annex IV of the Directive.
Specific kinds of lifts and lifting equipment are excluded from the Directive’s application in Article 1(3).
Current position
The Lifts Regulations (SI 1997/831) originally came into force in 1999 and were amended by the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/1597) which came into force on 29 December 2009.
Notified bodies
A list of notified bodies accredited under the Lifts Directive can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
CAUTION: The department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Machinery Directive
This directive, 2006/42/EC, replaces Directive 98/37/EC with effect from 29 December 2009.
It places requirements on manufacturers to ensure their products, when supplied, are safe. Its scope covers industrial machines to domestic appliances. Where the provision of other EC directives apply eg. the Low Voltage Directive, these must be taken into account in order to achieve full compliance with the directive.
Intention of legislation
To assist industry by reducing barriers to trade within the Single Market by ensuring a common policy of safety and supply of machinery across the European Economic Area (EEA).
Coverage
Essentially most machines which are either complete or partly completed and which have at least one moving part, assemblies such as those in bottling or car assembly plants, interchangeable equipment which can modify the function of a machine, and safety components.
There is a strong emphasis on safety and some products which are perceived to have a higher than normal safety risk to the operator require third party testing carried out by an appointed Notified Body which will have been assessed for its technical competence to carry out this work. Such items are identified in Annex IV of the directive.
Current position
You should be aware that the European Commission published a decision dated 19 January 2012 requiring member states to prohibit the placing on the market of flail-type cutting attachments for portable hand-held brush cutters. This does not require an amendment to the Supply of Machinery Regulations 2009 and can be dealt with under existing legislation in the UK. The Health & Safety Executive is the enforcement agency for this type of equipment and they have issued a safety notice on their website requiring suppliers to stop supplying the flail cutters. A copy of the Commission decision can be sent by email on request.
Directive 2006/42/EC is implemented into UK law by means of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/1597).
Machinery in the supply chain prior to 29 December 2009 is subject to the requirements of Directive 98/37/EC.
Guidance
To aid industry, the department has published
Machinery: guidance notes on the UK regulations
(PDF, 423KB, 39 pages)
, which, in Annex N details additional sources of references.
It also produces periodic reports on the meetings of the Machinery Directive Working Group in advance of the official Commission minutes.
Additionally, a comprehensive body of guidance on the directive has been published by the European Commission. This guidance will only be internet based so as to facilitate quick and easy updating, be subject to regular review; and be available in a limited number of European languages.
Notified bodies
A list of notified bodies accredited under Machinery can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Contacts
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations
The scope of the Outdoor Noise Directive comprises a wide range of construction plant and equipment, equipment for gardens, for lifting, pumps, drills, saws, etc.
Overview
The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No1701) as amended by SI 2001 No 3958 and SI 2005 No 3525 implements into UK law the provisions of Council Directive 2000/14/ EC.
It lays down the conditions governing the monitoring and control of noise of equipment for use outdoors so as to reduce noise nuisance and to remove technical barriers to trade arising out of Members States different noise requirements.
The Noise Emission Regulations cover 57 types of equipment of which 22 have to meet noise limits. The scope of the Regulations is wide and includes construction, horticultural and agricultural equipment. Noise test methods are in keeping with the harmonised standards wherever possible, with a choice of conformity assessment procedures.
Am I affected?
The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure the product is designed, manufactured and conformity assessed to the sound power level. With the declaration of conformity having been issued of equipment placed on the Community market. The manufacturer is required to measure the sound power level and ensure labels are affixed in a visible, legible and indelible form to each item showing the guaranteed sound power level.
A copy of the EC declaration of conformity must be sent by the responsible person to the European Commission, as well as to the Member State where the equipment is first placed on the market. In the United Kingdom the Vehicle Certification Agency manages the database on behalf of the Department for Business.
A list of notified bodies approved by the UK for the purpose of the regulation who can offer advice can be found on the NANDO database.
Enforcement of the regulations is carried out by the Vehicle Certification Agency.
Consumer information
The CE marking symbolises the conformity of the product imposed on the manufacturer and shall be accompanied by the indication of the guaranteed sound power level. When affixed to a product does indicate the product conforms to all applicable provisions and appropriate conformity assessment procedures. Any other marking may be affixed to the equipment provided that the visibility and legibility of the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level is not thereby reduced.
Latest developments
The European Commission is expected to make a formal proposal to amend the Council Directive 2000/14/EEC during 2011/12 taking into account the requirements of the New Legislative Framework. No exact timetable is available at present but member states will be informed accordingly.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation.
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No 1144) implements into UK law the provisions of the Council Directive 89/686/EEC. It lays down the conditions governing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ) placed on the market. The free movement within the Community and the basic safety requirements which PPE must satisfy in order to ensure the health, safety and protection of the user.
Overview
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No 1144) implements into UK law the provisions of the Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPE) 89/686/EEC.
For the purposes of the PPE Directive 89/686/EEC. PPE means any device or appliance designed for use in domestic, leisure and sports activities or for professional use. To be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards in the execution of a specific activity. The scope of the PPE Directive is wide and includes such items for protection such as clothing, footwear and headgear against adverse atmospheric conditions. Damp, water and heat. PPE also includes respiratory protective equipment and equipment intended for the rescue or protection of persons in falls from heights.
The Directive provides for three categories of PPE simple design, complex design, and PPE that is neither simple or complex, known and intermediate. Often referred to as Category one, two and three.
Am I affected?
The manufacturer or person placing the PPE on the Community market has an obligation to ensure the product is designed, manufactured and conformity assessed to the essential requirements of the PPE Directive. Products claiming to have a higher level of protection covered by categories two and three would require the manufacturer or his authorised representative to have submitted the product to a Notified Body for type examination as part of the conformity assessment process.
Although a manufacturer may not claim protective qualities for the product but by its very nature the product could be perceived by the consumer to offer protection the product should legally meet the requirements of the PPE Directive.
A list of Notified/Approved Bodies approved by the UK and other Member States who can offer advice can be found on the NANDO database.
Consumer Information
The CE marking symbolises the conformity of the product imposed on the manufacturer. When affixed to a product does indicate the product conforms to all applicable provisions and appropriate conformity assessment procedures.
Trading Standards are responsible for enforcing consumer related legislation under the PPE Directive working with government and stakeholders. The objective of monitoring products placed on the market is to verify that they comply with the applicable directive. The EC declaration of conformity and technical documentation relating to the a product must be made available by the person placing the product on the Community market to the market surveillance authority immediately on request.
BIS is responsible for policy advice on the PPE Regulations. However, Trading Standards should be the first point of contact for any concerns.
Latest developments
The European Commission is expected to make a formal proposal to amend the PPE Directive during 2011/12 taking into account the requirements of the New Legislative Framework. No exact timetable is available at present, but Member States will be informed accordingly and be required to carry out a public consultation. Comments made by the wide range of stakeholders on the proposals will be raised by the UK with the European Commission as part of the process.
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to Product regulation
Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1768)
The regulations apply to electrical plugs, sockets and adaptors ordinarily intended for domestic use at a voltage of not less than 200 volts and to fuse links suitable for use with such plugs and adaptors for use in the UK.. They also require that most domestic electrical products must be supplied correctly fitted with a fused and approved UK three-pin plug (BS 1363) or approved ‘conversion plug’, ie. a device which may be engaged with a socket conforming to BS 1363 and which is designed to enable a non-UK plug to be engaged with such a socket.
Coverage
The legislation relates specifically to domestic appliances.
Intention of legislation
Most electrical equipment intended for use in and around the home will need to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994. Additionally the Regulations require that the majority of such equipment, when placed on the UK market, must be fitted with a plug that has been approved by a notified body and either conforms to BS 1363 or offers an equivalent level of safety.
As an alternative to fitting a BS 1363 plug, it is permissible, to fit a ‘conversion plug’ The ‘conversion plug’ must be approved by a notified body and meet various conditions set out in the Regulations. An ‘adaptor’ is not a conversion plug.
Certain electrical appliances are excluded from the Regulations: Please see Part II Regulation 11 and Schedule 3 of the Regulations.
Implementing legislation
The regulations are a national regulation and apply only to the UK market.
The regulations can be viewed and purchased from the OPSI website.
For information on similar regulations relating to the various member states of the European Union contact European Market Access Unit, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, telephone: 020 7215 2833.
The regulations are enforced by the local authority Trading Standards department. No specific written guidance is available. Suppliers seeking advice should contact their local authorities’ Trading Standards department.
Notified bodies
Notified bodies are responsible for the approval of standard plugs and ‘conversion plugs’. As to which bodies are notified bodies and route to appointment see definition of notified bodies in regulation 3 (1) ‘Interpretation’ and regulation 7 of the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.
Guidance and further information
Product standards: electrical equipment- requirements for plugs and sockets etc guidance notes
(PDF, 155KB, 24 pages)
Contacts
All enquiries should be sent to Product pegulation.
Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC
The Pressure Equipment Directive is a European single market directive that covers pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure PS greater than 0.5 bar. It came into force on 29 November 1999.
It overs pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure PS greater than 0.5 bar. Pressure equipment means vessels, piping, safety accessories and pressure accessories. Assemblies means several pieces of pressure equipment assembled to form an integrated, functional whole.
Intention of legislation
To enable the free trading of products within the EEA by removing the need for separate documentation and testing for each individual European market. Manufacturers may use a single CE mark on their products to show compliance with this (and any other relevant) directive.
The directive does not deal with in-use requirements which may be necessary to ensure the continued safe use of pressure equipment.
Coverage
The directive covers a wide range of equipment such as, reaction vessels, pressurised storage containers, heat exchangers, shell and water tube boilers, industrial pipework, safety devices and pressure accessories. Such equipment is widely used in the chemical, petrochemical, biochemical, food processing, refrigeration and energy industries and for power generation.
Implementing legislation
The directive has been implemented in the UK by the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2001) which came into force on 29 November 1999. The regulations were amended by SI 2002 No.1267 which came into force on 30 May 2002.
The regulations and amendment are available to download from the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).
Conformity assessment bodies
A list of conformity assessment bodies accredited under PED can be found by following this link to the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified/conformity assessment bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the attached
Warning note: organisations falsely claiming to be notified bodies
(MS Word Document, 42.5KB)
.
Enforcement
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the enforcement of the UK regulations.
Related regulations
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations will cover in-use requirements and other aspects not covered by the Pressure Equipment Regulations and the Health and Safety Executive should be contacted for further information.
Guidance and further information
European guidelines, along with the text of the directive are available from the European Commission’s Pressure Equipment website through the link below.
Product standards: pressure equipment guidance notes on the UK regulations
(PDF, 578KB, 58 pages)
Product standards: simple pressure vessels guidance on the UK regulations
(PDF, 106KB, 38 pages)
Guidelines for organisations seeking conformity assessment body status under the Pressure Equipment Directive
Pressure Equipment Stakeholder Report: March 2013
MS Word Document, 80KB
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