Directive 2014/68/EU, as of 19 July 2016, replaced the previous Directive 97/23/EC of 29 May 1997 and constitutes the harmonisation of the laws of the Member State on pressure equipment. 

The Directive is applicable to the design, production and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies subject to a maximum allowable pressure PS of more than 0.5 bar. 

The pressure equipment which is subject to the Directive is: vessels, pipes, safety accessories and pressure accessories. 

The manufacturer may affix the CE marking to the machine after having prepared a technical file, carried out an adequate risk analysis and drawn up the EC Declaration of Conformity, which must be attached to each model sold. 

The Directive sets out criteria and methods for the assessment of permanent joints and join staff (ART. 3.2.1 of Annex I) which are also carried out by third parties, i.e. Notified Bodies, which carry out the examinations and tests required by the harmonised standards. 

The Directive sets out criteria and methods for the assessment of personnel involved in non-destructive testing (NDT) (art 3.1.3 of Annex I) which are also carried out by thid parties who carry out the examinations required by the harmonised standards.