---
title: "IECEx"
description: "IECEx is the globally-recognised certification scheme operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. IECEx certifications are accepted in most jurisdictions worldwide — Australia, Brazil, India, China, South-East Asia, the Middle East, Russia and many more."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/iecex"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:39.202Z"
---

**IECEx** is the globally-recognised certification scheme operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. IECEx certifications are accepted in most jurisdictions worldwide — Australia, Brazil, India, China, South-East Asia, the Middle East, Russia and many more.

## Relationship to ATEX

IECEx and [ATEX](/glossary/atex-directive) share the same underlying technical standard ([IEC 60079](/glossary/iec-60079) series). The differences are administrative — ATEX is the EU regulatory implementation; IECEx is the international voluntary certification scheme. Industrial sonic horns sold globally typically carry both ATEX and IECEx certifications to satisfy buyers in any region.

## Practical implications

- EU customers expect ATEX; many also accept IECEx
- Asian, Middle Eastern and most other non-US customers accept IECEx
- US customers expect [NEC Class I Div](/glossary/class-i-div-1-div-2-nec) certification (a different framework)

## Related terms

- [ATEX directive](/glossary/atex-directive)
- [IEC 60079](/glossary/iec-60079)
- [Class I Div 1 / Div 2 (NEC)](/glossary/class-i-div-1-div-2-nec)