PED 2014/68/EU conformity assessment modules A, A2, B, C2, D, E, F, G, H and H1

PED 2014/68/EU

ASSESSMENT MODULES

EU

12 Sep 2026

PED 2014/68/EU Conformity Assessment Modules Explained: A, A2, B, C2, D, E, F, G, H & H1

By Editorial Team

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The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU establishes the European Union requirements for the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar.

One of the most important parts of PED compliance is selecting the correct conformity assessment procedure. Depending on the equipment category, manufacturers may need to apply different PED modules involving internal production control, notified-body assessment, quality-system audits, product testing or individual verification.

This guide explains the PED conformity assessment modules A, A2, B, C2, D, E, F, G, H and H1, their purpose, and how manufacturers can select an appropriate conformity assessment route.

What Are PED Conformity Assessment Modules?

PED conformity assessment modules are defined procedures used to demonstrate that pressure equipment meets the essential safety requirements of Directive 2014/68/EU.

The modules specify:

  • How conformity is assessed
  • Whether a Notified Body is required
  • Whether a quality-management system must be implemented
  • How products are inspected and tested
  • Whether design or type examination is required
  • How production conformity is verified
  • What documentation and certificates must be maintained

The applicable procedure depends primarily on the PED category of the pressure equipment.

Important: The conformity assessment module should not be confused with the equipment category. The category—I, II, III or IV—is determined through the PED classification rules, while the applicable conformity assessment procedure is selected according to that category and the permitted routes in Annex III.

PED Equipment Categories

Before selecting a conformity assessment module, manufacturers must determine the equipment’s PED category.

PED pressure equipment is generally classified as:

Classification depends on factors such as:

  • Type of pressure equipment
  • Fluid group
  • Maximum allowable pressure
  • Volume or nominal size
  • Pressure/volume relationship
  • Hazard level

Correct PED categorisation is therefore the starting point for determining the applicable conformity assessment procedure.

PED Module A – Internal Production Control

Module A is based on internal production control.

Under this route, the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the pressure equipment satisfies the applicable PED requirements.

The manufacturer must:

  • Prepare the technical documentation
  • Ensure conformity with the essential safety requirements
  • Carry out or arrange the necessary inspections and tests
  • Maintain appropriate production controls
  • Draw up the EU Declaration of Conformity
  • Affix the CE marking

Module A is generally associated with Category I pressure equipment.

A Notified Body does not normally perform the conformity assessment under Module A itself.

PED Module A2 – Internal Production Control Plus Supervised Pressure Equipment Checks

Module A2 builds upon Module A by introducing periodic supervised checks of pressure equipment.

The manufacturer maintains internal production control, while a Notified Body performs or supervises specified product checks at random intervals.

These checks can include:

  • Internal and external examinations
  • Pressure-related testing
  • Verification of conformity
  • Examination of samples from production

The purpose is to provide additional independent verification of production conformity.

Module A2 is particularly relevant where the PED permits this route for the applicable equipment category.

PED Module B – EU-Type Examination

Module B focuses on examination of the design or representative type of pressure equipment.

There are two principal forms:

  • Module B – EU-type examination: production type
  • Module B – EU-type examination: design type

A Notified Body examines whether the type or design satisfies the applicable requirements of PED 2014/68/EU.

Depending on the procedure, the assessment may involve:

  • Technical documentation
  • Design calculations
  • Materials
  • Manufacturing methods
  • Drawings
  • Prototype or representative sample
  • Essential safety requirements

Successful assessment results in an EU-type examination certificate.

Module B is generally used in combination with another module, rather than as a standalone production conformity procedure.

PED Module C2 – Conformity to Type Based on Internal Production Control Plus Supervised Pressure Equipment Checks

Module C2 is used together with an applicable type-examination route such as Module B.

The manufacturer ensures that production pressure equipment remains in conformity with the approved type.

A Notified Body performs random checks of pressure equipment at appropriate intervals.

The manufacturer is responsible for:

  • Maintaining production controls
  • Ensuring conformity with the examined type
  • Performing required inspections and tests
  • Preparing the EU Declaration of Conformity

The Notified Body provides additional surveillance through supervised checks.

Typical combination

Module B + Module C2

This combination means:

Type examination → production conformity → supervised random checks

PED Module D – Conformity to Type Based on Quality Assurance of the Production Process

Module D focuses strongly on the manufacturer’s production quality system.

It is generally used in conjunction with Module B.

The manufacturer operates an approved quality system covering areas such as:

  • Manufacturing
  • Production processes
  • Inspection
  • Testing
  • Quality control
  • Record keeping

A Notified Body assesses and monitors the quality system.

Typical combination

Module B + Module D

This approach is particularly useful for manufacturers with established and controlled production processes.

PED Module E – Conformity to Type Based on Product Quality Assurance

Module E uses a quality-management approach focused specifically on product quality assurance.

The manufacturer operates an approved quality system covering areas such as:

  • Final inspection
  • Testing
  • Product conformity
  • Quality records

A Notified Body assesses and monitors the relevant quality system.

Module E is normally combined with a suitable Module B type-examination procedure.

Typical combination

Module B + Module E

The key distinction is that Module D is focused on production-process quality assurance, whereas Module E focuses on product quality assurance.

PED Module F – Conformity to Type Based on Product Verification

Module F involves verification that manufactured pressure equipment conforms to the type described in the EU-type examination certificate.

A Notified Body carries out appropriate examinations and tests.

Depending on the equipment, verification can involve:

  • Examination of each product
  • Testing
  • Pressure testing
  • Verification of documentation
  • Review of conformity with the approved type

Module F is generally used following an applicable Module B type examination.

Typical combination

Module B + Module F

The emphasis is on product verification rather than production quality-system certification.

PED Module G – Conformity Based on Unit Verification

Module G is intended for pressure equipment manufactured as individual units or where a type-production approach is not appropriate.

The Notified Body examines the individual pressure equipment and verifies conformity with the PED requirements.

The assessment can include:

  • Design examination
  • Technical documentation review
  • Manufacturing inspection
  • Material verification
  • Non-destructive testing where applicable
  • Pressure testing
  • Final inspection

Module G is particularly important for one-off or specially designed pressure equipment.

Unlike type-based modules, Module G focuses on individual product verification.

PED Module H – Full Quality Assurance

Module H is based on a manufacturer’s comprehensive quality-management system covering design, manufacture, final inspection and testing.

The Notified Body assesses and monitors the quality system.

The manufacturer must demonstrate that its quality system enables consistent compliance with the PED essential safety requirements.

Module H is associated with the higher-risk conformity assessment routes permitted by PED.

It provides a quality-system-based approach rather than requiring individual verification of every item.

PED Module H1 – Full Quality Assurance Plus Design Examination and Special Surveillance

Module H1 builds on Module H and introduces additional requirements, including design examination and enhanced Notified Body involvement.

The Notified Body assesses the manufacturer’s quality system and examines the design.

Additional surveillance may apply to specific aspects of the conformity assessment.

Module H1 represents one of the most comprehensive PED conformity assessment procedures.

It is particularly relevant to the highest PED conformity assessment category where this route is permitted.

PED Modules Comparison

How to Choose the Correct PED Conformity Assessment Module

Manufacturers should not select a PED module based solely on preference.

The selection process should generally follow these steps:

  1. Identify the pressure equipment

Determine whether the product is:

  • Pressure vessel
  • Piping
  • Safety accessory
  • Pressure accessory
  • Assembly
  • Other equipment covered by PED
  1. Determine the fluid group

The PED distinguishes between different fluid groups, which influence classification.

  1. Determine the applicable classification parameters

Consider:

  • Maximum allowable pressure (PS)
  • Volume (V)
  • Nominal size (DN)
  • Fluid characteristics
  • Equipment type
  1. Determine the PED category

Establish whether the equipment falls into:

Category I, II, III or IV.

  1. Select a permitted conformity assessment procedure

Once the category is established, consult Annex III of PED 2014/68/EU to identify the applicable conformity assessment routes.

  1. Implement the required assessment

Depending on the selected module, this may involve:

  • Technical documentation
  • EU-type examination
  • Quality-system assessment
  • Product inspection
  • Testing
  • Design examination
  • Notified Body surveillance

PED Notified Body: When Is It Required?

A Notified Body is an organisation designated by an EU Member State to perform specific conformity assessment activities under applicable EU legislation.

For many higher-category pressure equipment routes, Notified Body involvement is mandatory.

The extent of involvement depends on the selected module.

For example:

  • Module A: generally no Notified Body
  • Module A2: supervised checks
  • Module B: type/design examination
  • Module D/E/H: quality-system assessment
  • Module F/G: product or unit verification
  • Module H1: quality-system and design-related assessment

Manufacturers should verify that the selected Notified Body is appropriately notified for the relevant PED conformity assessment procedure.

PED Technical Documentation Requirements

Regardless of the selected route, manufacturers need appropriate technical documentation demonstrating compliance.

Depending on the equipment and module, documentation may include:

  • General description
  • Engineering drawings
  • Design calculations
  • Manufacturing drawings
  • Material specifications
  • Welding documentation
  • Welding procedure specifications
  • Welder qualifications
  • NDT records
  • Pressure-test records
  • Inspection records
  • Risk/hazard analysis
  • Applicable standards
  • Quality-system documentation
  • Certificates
  • EU Declaration of Conformity

For welded pressure equipment, documentation relating to welding procedures, welders, NDT and material traceability can be particularly important.

PED CE Marking and Declaration of Conformity

After completing the applicable conformity assessment procedure, the manufacturer must prepare the EU Declaration of Conformity.

Where required, the CE marking is followed by the identification number of the Notified Body involved in the applicable conformity assessment procedure.

The manufacturer is ultimately responsible for placing compliant pressure equipment on the EU market.

CE marking is therefore the result of completed conformity assessment—not a substitute for it.

Common PED Conformity Assessment Mistakes

Manufacturers frequently encounter problems because they:

  1. Select the module before correctly determining the PED category.
  2. Confuse PED category with conformity assessment module.
  3. Use an inappropriate Notified Body.
  4. Maintain incomplete technical documentation.
  5. Fail to establish material traceability.
  6. Have inadequate welding documentation.
  7. Treat CE marking as a simple certification exercise.
  8. Fail to maintain conformity between the assessed design and production equipment.
  9. Apply harmonised standards incorrectly.
  10. Assume that ISO 9001 certification automatically satisfies PED quality-system requirements.

PED 2014/68/EU Compliance Checklist

Before placing pressure equipment on the EU market, manufacturers should verify:

  • PED applicability confirmed
  • Equipment type identified
  • Fluid group determined
  • PS, V/DN and other parameters established
  • PED category determined
  • Applicable conformity assessment module selected
  • Notified Body identified where required
  • Technical documentation prepared
  • Design assessment completed where required
  • Materials verified and traceable
  • Welding requirements addressed
  • NDT requirements fulfilled
  • Pressure testing completed
  • Quality system implemented where required
  • Required Notified Body activities completed
  • EU Declaration of Conformity prepared
  • CE marking applied correctly
  • Technical records retained as required

Final Takeaway

The PED 2014/68/EU conformity assessment modules provide different routes for demonstrating that pressure equipment complies with the Directive’s essential safety requirements.

The key modules are:

  • A and A2 — internal production control
  • B — EU-type examination
  • C2 — conformity to type with supervised checks
  • D and E — quality-assurance-based conformity assessment
  • F — product verification
  • G — unit verification
  • H — full quality assurance
  • H1 — full quality assurance with additional design examination and surveillance

The correct route depends on the pressure equipment classification and the conformity assessment options permitted by PED Annex III. Manufacturers should therefore determine the equipment category first and then select the appropriate conformity assessment procedure.

For companies manufacturing, exporting or supplying pressure equipment to the European market, understanding these modules is essential for PED compliance, CE marking and regulatory conformity.