Equipment, protective systems and components intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere (ATEX), must comply with the product requirements of the ATEX Directive in Europe. The product requirements are defined by so-called essential requirements. Manufacturers and other economic operators who are planning to place such equipment, protective systems or components on the market and /or put these into use within Europe must meet these requirements. Only after all applicable product requirements of the ATEX Directive and any other relevant CE product requirements have been met, can the CE marking and ATEX marking (Ex) be affixed to the product and can the product be freely placed on the market and/or put into service within the European Union.
A number of products are excluded from the scope of the ATEX Directive. These include, among others, medical devices, equipment intended for use in a domestic or non-commercial environment where potentially explosive atmospheres may be created due to gas leaks; seagoing vessels, and military equipment. These products do not have to meet the requirements of the ATEX Directive.
