I. Domestic Explosion-Proof 3C Certification
What does domestic explosion-proof 3C certification entail?
Based on certification practices in China, the process is structured as follows: **Model**—The fundamental certification model for mandatory certification of explosion-proof electrical products comprises type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification supervision (post-certification supervision involves follow-up inspections, on-site sample testing, or a combination thereof, in accordance with rule CNCA-C23-01:2019); **Rules**—Mandatory Product Certification Implementation Rules for Explosion-proof Electrical Equipment (CNCA-C23-01:2019; updated to CNCA-C23-01:2024; applicable to Class I, II, and III explosion-proof electrical products, including motors, electric pumps, power distribution devices, switch/control/protection devices, starters, transformers, electric actuators, solenoid valves, plug-and-socket devices, monitoring products, communication/signaling devices, air conditioning/ventilation equipment, electric heating equipment, accessories/Ex components, instruments/meters, sensors, etc.); **Process**—Certification Application (applicant enters enterprise and product details into the system; the certification body reviews the application and issues a notice of acceptance, rejection, or a request for rectification and resubmission), Type Testing Plan (formulated after document review; covers sample requirements, quantities, testing standards, test items, and laboratory details; the body accepts compliant type test reports; samples must be manufactured at the production site applying for certification), Initial Factory Inspection (as explosion-proof electrical equipment is critical to personal and property safety and is considered a high-risk product, a pre-certification initial factory inspection is generally conducted on 100% of manufacturing enterprises; inspections are notified in advance and assess quality assurance capabilities and product consistency control), and Certificate Issuance (issued upon successful completion of type testing and factory inspection, typically within 90 days of application acceptance); **Supervision**—Post-certification follow-up inspections and on-site sample testing. In summary, the domestic 3C process involves five steps: application, type testing, factory inspection, certificate issuance (within 90 days), and post-certification supervision; products listed in the catalog may be legally marketed only after completing these five steps.
II. Ex Explosion-Proof Certificate
What to look for in an Ex explosion-proof certificate?
Based on testing practices, here is how to interpret the certificate: Scope/Application—The Ex explosion-proof certificate applies to products outside the CCC catalog, Ex components, equipment for export, or items required by customer tenders (the certificate typically lists the Ex marking, temperature class, equipment protection level, certificate number, and a validity period—usually five years); Documentation—Applications require an instruction manual (including basic parameters, Ex markings, product outline drawings, installation/maintenance/ordering instructions, and user notices regarding the preservation of explosion-proof performance during installation and use); for adhesive-bonded or encapsulated products, provide details on the adhesive/encapsulant (model, name, performance specifications, and process documents); for plastic-enclosure products, provide documentation on the plastic material and its properties; Process—Submission for inspection (submitting the inspection contract and authorization letter), product testing (type testing according to the GB/T 3836 series standards), and certification (issuance upon passing; valid for five years); Changes—Procedures for re-examination upon certificate expiration and procedures for certificate modification (refer to the official website of the Nanyang Explosion-proof Electrical Research Institute); Institutions—CNEX Nanyang Explosion-proof Electrical Research Institute (National Explosion-proof Testing and Certification Network; covers application processes, submission guidelines, re-examination/modification procedures, overseas certification, and CCC mandatory certification for explosion-proof products)—Four steps to the Ex certificate: Prepare documentation (manual, Ex markings, outline drawings), submit for inspection, undergo type testing, and receive the five-year certificate;
completing these four steps ensures compliant export for products outside the CCC catalog.
III. EU ATEX Certification
What to look for in EU ATEX certification?
Based on EU explosion-proof regulatory practice, the certification process involves the following aspects: **Regulations**—ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (mandatory in the EU; applies within the EU; requires compliance with Annex II Essential Health and Safety Requirements [EHSR]; compliance with standards implies compliance with EHSR, though strict adherence to standards is not a mandatory ATEX requirement; most manufacturers use standards to demonstrate EHSR compliance); **Modes**—Most non-electrical equipment relies on the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (sole manufacturer responsibility; supported by technical documentation; sealed technical files must be lodged with a Notified Body for 10 years), while certain equipment (Category 1/M1 and Category 2/M2 electrical) requires an EC-Type Examination Certificate (design-related) plus a Quality Assurance Notification (production-related) or a Product Verification Certificate; **Documentation**—The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is the primary document (comprising technical documentation and the declaration itself); **Assessment**—Risk assessment (verifying compliance with 2014/34/EU ATEX guidelines based on EHSR; determining the product’s explosion-proof classification—Group, Category, Gas/Dust; selecting the conformity assessment procedure; determining the IP protection rating); **Scope**—Legally, only ATEX is required for selling Ex products in the EU, though customers often also request IECEx (based on FAQ data). In summary, ATEX certification involves three key elements: self-declaration vs. Notified Body involvement, 10-year retention of sealed technical documentation, and risk assessment/classification;
the specific path is chosen based on equipment category.
IV. Global IECEx Certification
Key aspects of global IECEx certification.
Based on IECEx system practices, here is how to view the certification: **Positioning**—IECEx is an international certification (recognized globally across all countries, fully compliant with IEC international standards, and the only certification scheme officially endorsed by the UN as the recommended model of global best practice for regulatory bodies); **Characteristics**—Evaluations are conducted by ExCBs (Certification Bodies) and ExTLs (Testing Laboratories) following a unified international process (managed and approved by the IECEx Management Committee, with on-site assessments by expert teams), and all certificates are publicly viewable on the IECEx website (a single central online repository; if a certificate does not appear there, it has not been issued), involving comprehensive equipment testing (regardless of the product’s intended zone of use); **Application**—Apply to an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) (register and submit applications via the China Quality Certification Centre [CQC] website; applications must be completed in both Chinese and English; options include applying for an IECEx Certificate of Conformity [CoC]—which encompasses the ExTR and QAR—or applying separately for an IECEx Test Report [ExTR] or Quality Assessment Report [QAR]; required documents include the product certification service agreement, applicant’s business registration proof, organization code certificate, manufacturer’s business registration proof, product certification application form, and manufacturer information sheet); **Verification**—Verifies product compliance with applicable standards and ensures the production site meets the quality assurance requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 80079-34; **Acceptance**—Accepted by over 35 countries (utilizing the same “Zone” system as ATEX). In summary, the IECEx certification process involves four steps: selecting an ExCB, submitting a bilingual (Chinese/English) application, undergoing comprehensive sample testing and factory QA assessment, and ensuring the certificate is verifiable on the official website—completing these four steps grants global market access.
V.
Selection of Certification Body
What to consider when selecting a certification body.
Based on explosion-proof certification practices, here is how to make a selection: **Domestic**—CNEX (Nanyang Explosion-proof Electrical Apparatus Research Institute; covers the full process including the national explosion-proof testing/certification network and the combination of the Explosion-proof Certificate and Explosion-proof 3C certification), SITIIAS (Shanghai Institute of Instrumentation & Automation Systems Testing; handles Mandatory Product Certification implementation rules SITIIAS-C23-01:2024 and applications via www.sitiias.com.cn), and CQC (China Quality Certification Centre; handles rules CQC11-390701-2020, covering type test protocols, sample specifications, testing standards, and IECEx applications); **Designated Laboratories**—Check the national public service platform for certification and accreditation (cx.cnca.cn) for the list of designated labs (e.g., Shanghai Institute of Quality Inspection and Technical Research/National Luminaire Quality Inspection and Testing Center for CNCA-C23-01 scope, covering products excluding oil-immersed “o” type equipment with operating voltages >1600V and high-voltage increased-safety motors); **International**—DNV (ATEX for non-electrical equipment), PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), UL Solutions (ExCB/ExTL), Intertek, and TÜV Rheinland (Notified Bodies); **Acceleration**—Existing valid IECEx certification can serve as a basis for explosion-proof CCC certification to streamline the process (MPR China data); **Timeline & Costs**—Certification issued within 90 days (from acceptance); type testing duration depends on product complexity, and costs are based on the certification type and agency quotes. **Selection Strategy**—Evaluate four aspects: domestic agencies (CNEX, SITIIAS, CQC), the designated laboratory list, international Notified Bodies, and the IECEx-to-CCC acceleration pathway;
choose the best combination based on market needs.
Conclusion
How to apply for explosion-proof certification for automation equipment components? The conclusion is to make a decision based on five dimensions: Domestic, Ex, ATEX, IECEx, and the specific certification agency.
Domestic — Mandatory 3C explosion-proof certification (comprising type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification surveillance; governed by rules CNCA-C23-01:2019/2024; applicable to 18 categories of explosion-proof electrical equipment across Groups I, II, and III; certificate issuance within 90 days of application acceptance; includes on-site production sampling/surveillance); Ex — Explosion-proof Certificate of Conformity (for products outside the mandatory catalog, Ex components, auxiliary equipment, export goods, and client tenders; valid for five years; requires documentation such as user manuals containing explosion-proof markings, outline drawings, and safety precautions; testing based on the GB/T 3836 series); ATEX — EU mandatory directive 2014/34/EU (most equipment requires a Declaration of Conformity plus technical file retention by a Notified Body for 10 years; Category 1/M1 and Category 2/M2 electrical equipment require an EU-Type Examination Certificate and Quality Assurance Notification; involves risk assessment and classification); IECEx — Global scheme (UN-endorsed; accepted in over 35 countries; certificates verifiable online; bilingual Chinese-English applications handled by CQC; requires ExTR and QAR to obtain CoC); Institutions — CNEX (Nanyang Explosion-proof Research Institute), SITIIAS, CQC (for IECEx), designated laboratory lists, and international Notified Bodies (TÜV, Intertek, DNV);
a valid IECEx certificate can simplify the process for domestic explosion-proof 3C certification.
In summary, explosion-proof certification boils down to this: mandatory domestic 3C, five-year Ex certificates for non-catalog items, EU ATEX self-declaration, and global IECEx (verifiable online)—secure these four certifications and one component approval, and you have full explosion-proof market access.
