Why you Need Pressure Equipment Directive Compliance?
Legal background
The PED 2014/68/EU replaced the former PED 97/23/EC and has applied as the EU framework for pressure equipment since 19/20 July 2016 (end of the transition). The PED applies to the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure (PS) greater than 0.5 bar. It covers, among others, vessels, piping, safety accessories and pressure accessories.
As regulations grow stricter and enforcement tighter, non-compliance can lead to:
- Products being stopped at customs or removed from the EU market
- Corrective actions, withdrawals or recalls
- Potential CE-marking-related consequences.
- Administrative penalties and enforcement measures
- Reputational damage and long-term market access impacts
Our services
How to Achieve PED Compliance in the European Union?
Obelis provides comprehensive support to help manufacturers achieve and maintain compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU for access to the EU market. We begin by confirming whether your product falls within the PED scope (PS greater than 0.5 bar) and identifying any applicable exclusions. Our experts support the correct classification of your equipment based on hazard level and contained fluid, including identifying cases that fall under Sound Engineering Practice (Article 4(3)) and clarifying the related marking implications. We guide you in selecting and managing the appropriate conformity assessment procedure, including coordinating with Notified Bodies where required. Obelis also assists in interpreting and mapping the essential safety requirements into a structured compliance checklist, building and maintaining the necessary technical documentation, and selecting relevant harmonised standards to streamline conformity demonstration. Beyond initial market access, we provide ongoing compliance and post-market support, including documentation updates, incident handling, and assistance with authority communications, ensuring your pressure equipment remains compliant throughout its lifecycle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The PED is the EU legal framework for pressure equipment and assemblies, aiming to support free movement in the EU while ensuring a high level of safety.
PED classification is based on the hazard level (including stored energy considerations) and the nature of the contained fluid.
Certain pressure equipment/assemblies must be designed and manufactured in accordance with sound engineering practice (SEP) to ensure safe use, and such equipment/assemblies must not bear the CE marking under the PED.
Manufacturers select the applicable conformity assessment procedure based on the PED category, and some routes require Notified Body involvement (e.g., EU type examination and quality assurance routes).
Non-EU manufacturers wishing to place pressure equipment on the EU market typically appoint a professional Authorised Representative to support market access and authority interactions (depending on the distribution model and roles of economic operators).
