A separate EU declaration of conformity must be produced for all devices identified as pressure equipment under the directive (e.g. pressure vessels or pipes). The manufacturer himself can decide which assessment procedure to take as the basis (quality assurance system, type approval test or individual inspection). Also, a CE mark must be attached before the device can be placed on the market.
The Pressure Equipment Directive classifies the pressure equipment into Categories I to IV – depending on the hazard potential. The criteria used in determining the hazard potential are maximum operating pressure, volume or fluid group.