A Growing Threat to Safety !!
Counterfeit ATEX equipment is an alarming and escalating risk in today’s industrial supply chains. These fake products often carry false certifications and misleading markings, making them appear genuine. In reality, they are untested, unsafe, and capable of triggering catastrophic explosions in hazardous areas.
The danger goes beyond non-compliance. Lives, facilities, and reputations are at stake. A single piece of counterfeit equipment can undermine all other safety measures, exposing workers to injury and businesses to severe legal and financial consequences.
To combat this threat, companies must do to avoid fake ATEX equipment:
1. Supplier Verification
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Buy only from authorized distributors or manufacturers.
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Avoid “too cheap to be true” offers, especially online.
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Check company registration, history, and physical address.
2. Certificate Validation
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Request the Declaration of Conformity + ATEX/IECEx certificate.
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Cross-check with the issuing Notified Body database (e.g., IECEx online registry).
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Ensure product model, type, and serial number match the certificate.
3. Product Marking Inspection
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Look for full ATEX code (e.g. II 2 G Ex d IIC T6 Gb).
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Verify CE/UKCA/IECEx logos are properly applied, not misaligned or misspelled.
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Poor engraving/printing = red flag.
4. Technical Documentation
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Ensure manuals, datasheets, and installation guides are included.
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Check that they reference the same certificate number + markings.
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Missing or generic documentation = warning sign.
5. Training & Awareness
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Train buyers, engineers, and technicians on ATEX basics.
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Keep sample “real vs fake” markings for comparison.
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Include ATEX awareness in toolbox talks.
6. Audit & Reporting
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Regularly audit installed Ex equipment.
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Replace any suspected counterfeit immediately.
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Report fake equipment to safety authorities or certification bodies.
Remember: Fake ATEX = not just non-compliance, but direct risk of explosion, injury, or fatalities.
