The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which from 20 April 2016 replaces the previous edition 94/9/EC of 23 March 1994, applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The manufacturer is responsible for the conformity of the product with the essential safety requirements established by the Directive, compliance with which is guaranteed by the full application of the harmonised standards, which establish good construction practices and test and evaluation methods.

The manufacturer may affix the CE marking to the equipment after having prepared a technical file, carried out an adequate risk analysis and drawn up the EC Declaration of Conformity.

The Directive 2014/34/EU, and especially the previous edition 94/9/EC, is often associated with the Directive 99/92/EC: it contains the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers who may be exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres. This Directive also provides information on the classification of hazardous areas.