PED: Pressure Equipment Directive

A Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) certification applies to pressure equipment sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of PED certification, including its significance, steps required for certification, benefits of implementation, and more.

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What is the Pressure Equipment Directive? Copied

The PED is a mandatory safety directive for manufacturers of pressure equipment in the European Economic Area [1]. A PED certification shows that manufacturers comply with requirements set by the directive, which encompass pressure equipment’s design, manufacture, and testing.

Pressure equipment that falls under the PED includes parts and components that are subject to a pressure equal to or greater than 0.5 bar, such as:

  • Vessels
  • Piping
  • Boilers
  • Heaters
  • Valves
  • Switches
  • Discs
  • Rods
  • Safety accessories
  • Pressure accessories

Who needs a PED certification? Copied

Those involved in pressure equipment’s design, production, assembly, installation, sale, and use – and potentially those involved with import, supply, and authorized representation – must have a PED certification.

Additionally, a PED certification is required for pressure equipment organizations that are seeking ISO 9001 certification.

How to earn a PED certification Copied

A PED certification is earned on a product-by-product basis. When an organization creates or designs pressure equipment, the product must pass rigorous tests that prove that it adheres to the directive.

PED compliance encompasses:

  • Design and manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Pressure testing and quality control

Often, organizations implement a quality management system (QMS) that integrates the testing and manufacturing standards required by the PED.

Should pressure equipment be manufactured according to the directive, it will earn a CE mark, which signifies that a product conforms with certain EU directives.

To earn a CE mark, pressure equipment organizations usually work with an EU-approved “notified body”, which assesses products’ conformity with various EU regulations and standards. A full list of approved notified bodies is available on the New Approach Notified and Designated Organizations (NANDO) [2] website, which is linked in the “Resources” section below.

Renewal requirements for PED certifications Copied

A CE mark for products that fall under the PED is valid for the product’s entire lifecycle. However, certain situations may call for a product to re-earn its CE mark. These include:

  • Changes in regulations
  • Changes in product design or manufacturing
  • Audits that result in findings of non-compliance

In the above cases, products would need to be recertified under the PED.

The benefits of PED certification Copied

Earning a PED certification offers several benefits to organizations. Some key advantages include the following.

Market access

PED certification is the only method of accessing the EEA market. Adherence to the directive is mandatory.

Improved product quality

PED certification improves product quality – as well as trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders, as it focuses on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance for pressure equipment.

Legal compliance

Meeting PED requirements ensures legal compliance within the EEA. This reduces the risk of fines, legal disputes, and other issues that may arise from non-compliance.

Challenges in PED certification Copied

Earning PED certifications for products may pose several challenges to organizations. They include the following.

Complex requirements

PED compliance involves adhering to complex technical specifications and conformity assessment procedures. This means an organization’s employees must possess significant expertise and resources in the area.

Resource intensiveness

Earning a CE mark for products that fall under the PED requires substantial investment in testing, documentation, and a QMS.

Regulatory updates

Staying current with PED regulations and standards means you will need a way to track, manage and adapt to say compliant.

Tips and strategies for preparing for PED certification Copied

Here are a few tips for preparing for a PED certification:

  • Familiarize yourself with the PED’s standards
  • Implement a QMS that aligns with PED regulations
  • Work with a notified body to ensure that your products are aligned with the PED

Resources for PED certification Copied

For more information and guidance on PED certification, you can refer to the following resources.

European Commission. The European Commission’s website houses a dedicated page for the PED. It should be the first stop for organizations that design or manufacture pressure equipment that may fall under the directive.

NANDO database. The NANDO database is a centralized repository for all EU-approved notified bodies. There, organizations can find a notified body that is specialized in the PED.

ISO 9001 certification guide. AG5 offers a free certification guide for ISO 9001 – a standard organizations often integrate with PED certifications

Manufacturing skills matrices. AG5 offers free, industry-specific skills matrices dedicated to various manufacturing practices. You can use them to identify, track, and manage skills related to PED certifications in your organization.

Skills management for PED certifications Copied

AG5 stores all certifications in the cloud, providing all authorized personnel with access to the right version of approved certifications. This helps you easily keep track of all data and documentation related to PED certifications across your organization.

Using AG5’s skills management software, you can monitor the status of any type of certification that is relevant to your workforce, leveraging intuitive dashboards that provide you with a clear understanding of exactly what is needed to keep your employees skilled and safe.

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Frequently asked questions about the PED Copied

  • What is the scope of the PED?

  • Is PED certification mandatory?

  • How long does it take to obtain PED certification?

  • What are the cost considerations for PED certification?

  • What is the validity period of PED certification?

  • Can PED be integrated with any management systems?

  • How can you learn more about PED certification?

Sources Copied

  • Change view: Table
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Source number Source title Description Date retrieved Source URL
1Pressure Equipment DirectiveEuropean Commission24 May 2024 16:23:05https://single-market-economy...
2Notified bodies (NANDO)European Commission24 May 2024 10:20:26https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/s..

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Original version | May 24, 2024

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