INMETRO explosion atmosphere (INMEx) certification

The INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality), an agency of the Federal Government, has made it compulsory to certify several types of electrical and electronic equipment for explosive atmospheres before being sold in the Brazilian market, whether manufactured domestically or imported, through the following regulation:

• INMETRO Ordinance 179/2010 (updated by INMETRO Ordinances 23/2012 and 89/2012). Electrical and electronic equipment that can be installed in locations classified as Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22 must obtain INMETRO Ex certification.

The first step is to choose one of the certification models indicated in item 5.3 of Ordinance INMETRO 179/2010 and then send all the technical documentation related to the products to be certified, in addition to information about the manufacturer (if it is not the applicant). From this point on, the certification process follows these steps:

1. Certification request (applicant)
2. Commercial proposal presentation (TÜV SÜD)
3. Contracting according to commercial proposal (applicant)
4. Define laboratory to be used and collect samples from the manufacturer (TÜV SÜD)
5. Audit the manufacturer and collect samples for testing in the laboratory (TÜV SÜD)
6. Execution of tests according to the applicable plan and requirements (laboratory)
7. Audit the local complaints handling system (TÜV SÜD and legal representative in Brazil)
8. Analysis of the documentation (TÜV SÜD)
9. Issuance of the certificate and registration in the INMETRO system (TÜV SÜD)

The certificate issued is valid for three years for model 5 (QMS certification). The certificate is provided with the marks that can be applied to the product, as well as detailed instructions on the contract and responsibilities for maintaining the certification.

In order to maintain the validity of the issued certificate, it is mandatory to carry out maintenance audits every 18 months (this situation is not applicable to batch certifications or special cases of imported products). Any changes that occur after certification, whether in the product or in the production facilities, must be formally reported to TÜV SÜD so that it can evaluate and define any necessary actions.

1. Audit the manufacturer (TÜV SÜD)
2. Define the laboratory to be used and collect samples, if applicable (TÜV SÜD)
3. Execute the tests according to the applicable plan and requirements (TÜV SÜD)
4. Audit the local complaints handling system (TÜV SÜD and legal representative in Brazil)
5. Analysis of the documentation (TÜV SÜD)
6. Issue maintenance confirmation letter (TÜV SÜD)