The global HazLoc impact of the IECEx scheme

The IECEx scheme is an international certification scheme intended to facilitate global trade in electrical equipment for use in hazardous (classified) locations. Such hazardous locations are also commonly referred to as explosive atmospheres, with the equipment for use in such locations or atmospheres commonly referred to as HazLoc equipment or Ex equipment. The scheme provides a structured system to achieve global acceptance for explosion-protected equipment designed for hazardous locations. Scheme members declare that they will abolish national differences for product requirements in their countries during the coming years. This international scheme will greatly impact the free trade explosion-protected apparatus needed for the petrochemical and chemical industry if the scheme members recognize and accept harmonized worldwide International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. The goal is to develop and maintain uniform product evaluation to protect users against products that are not compliant with the required level of safety. Markers for trade in explosion-protected apparatus are growing as a result of global market integration and industry mergers across national and regional boundaries. The abolition of differences in the relevant national standards is especially important for products used in hazardous locations. Furthermore, relationships between conformity assessment bodies, such as testing agencies, can help accelerate the merging of markets.