PED Certification

Notified Body Selection

Pressure Equipment Compliance

How to Select a Notified Body for PED Certification Globally: 10 Things Manufacturers Should Check

By First Welding Certification Technical Editorial Team

6 Min Read Time

07 Nov 2026

Table of Contents

PED Certification Guide

PED Certification Essentials

Pressure Equipment Compliance

European Certification Requirements

PED Manufacturer Checklist

Introduction

Manufacturers supplying pressure equipment to the European market must understand the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU. Depending on the equipment category and conformity assessment procedure, they may need a Notified Body.

Not every certification organisation is authorised or technically qualified to assess every type of pressure equipment. Before selecting one, check its notification, product scope, experience, assessment process, charges and communication. This guide covers ten important checks.

This blog will outline 10 key things to consider.

What is a Notified Body?

A Notified Body is an independent organisation appointed by an EU Member State’s notifying authority and notified to the European Commission. It performs specific conformity assessment activities under European legislation.

PED 2014/68/EU covers the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure (PS) above 0.5 bar. Depending on the procedure, a Notified Body may conduct design examinations, quality management system assessments, product verification and inspections.

A certificate or report alone does not prove that an organisation is authorised for the required PED activity. Always check its notification and scope.

10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Notified Body for PED

  1. Ensure They’re a Notified Body

First, confirm that the organisation is a Notified Body under PED 2014/68/EU. Do not rely only on its website, brochures or claims of international recognition. Check its details in the European Commission’s NANDO database.

Verify the following information:

  • Notified Body name and identification number
  • Applicable legislation: PED 2014/68/EU
  • Notified conformity assessment activities
  • Equipment scope and categories
  • Current notification status

This check helps confirm that the organisation is authorised to perform the assessment you need. If it is not notified for the relevant PED activity, its assessment or certificate may not meet the applicable legal requirements.

  1. Ensure They’re Notified for Your Equipment

Not all Notified Bodies are authorised to assess the same products. Requirements may differ for pressure vessels, industrial piping, boilers, pressure accessories, safety accessories and assemblies.

Tell the organisation exactly what you manufacture. Share details such as the equipment type, pressure, volume or nominal size, and fluid group. Ask it to confirm whether its notification covers your product and the activities required for your assessment.

Do not assume that a body can assess your equipment simply because it offers PED services. Its official scope must match the product and conformity assessment activity.

  1. Experience

Ask whether the organisation has assessed equipment similar to yours, such as:

  • Pressure vessels and heat exchangers
  • Industrial boilers
  • Process equipment
  • Pressure piping
  • Storage tanks that fall within PED scope
  • Fabricated pressure equipment and assemblies

You can also ask about its experience with the conformity assessment modules relevant to your equipment. Experience with similar products can help the team understand your manufacturing process and required records.

  1. Technical Capabilities – Welding & Production

PED compliance involves more than reviewing drawings and certificates. Manufacturing may include welding, material control, inspection and testing. Check whether the organisation has suitable technical personnel to assess:

  • Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
  • Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR)
  • Welder and welding operator qualifications
  • Permanent joints
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT)
  • Material identification and traceability
  • Heat treatment, where required
  • Inspection and testing records

For certain requirements, permanent joining procedures and personnel may need approval by a Notified Body or recognised third-party organisation. Ask how these activities will be assessed.

  1. Conformity Assessment Modules

Your equipment category determines the available conformity assessment procedures. Classification considers equipment type, maximum allowable pressure, volume or nominal size, and fluid group.

Each module has different requirements and third party involvement.

  • Module A – Internal Production Control
  • Module A2 – Internal Production Control with Supervised Product Checks at Random Intervals
  • Module B – EU Type Examination
  • Module C2 – Conformity to Type – Internal Production Control with Supervised Product Checks
  • Module D – Production Quality Assurance
  • Module E – Final Pressure Equipment Inspection & Testing Quality Assurance
  • Module F – Conformity to Type – Product Verification
  • Module G – Conformity – Unit Verification
  • Module H – Full Quality Assurance
  • Module H1 – Full Quality Assurance – Design Examination & Special Surveillance of Final Assessment

Not all modules are available for all pressure equipment categories. You’ll need to identify what modules are available for your equipment from Annex III.

  1. Inspection & Certification Process

Before signing an agreement, ask the organisation to explain its process. Typical steps include:

  1. Initial enquiry and review of product information
  2. Identification of applicable PED requirements
  3. Review of the equipment category and conformity assessment route
  4. Submission and review of technical documents
  5. Design or quality management system assessment, where required
  6. Production inspection and testing, where required
  7. Review of assessment findings
  8. Completion of the applicable conformity assessment procedure

The steps depend on the equipment and module. Confirm what to submit, when inspections will take place and how findings will be communicated.

  1. Certification Charges

Cost matters, but do not select a provider only because its quotation is the lowest. Ask for a written breakdown.

Check whether the quotation covers:

  • Application and technical review
  • Design assessment, where required
  • Quality management system audits
  • Production inspections
  • Travel and accommodation, where applicable
  • Additional inspections or assessments
  • Certificate maintenance or surveillance, where required

Also ask when extra charges may apply, such as when documents are incomplete or further assessment is needed. A clear quotation helps you compare providers and plan costs.

  1. Location & Inspection Support

If your manufacturing facility is outside Europe, confirm how the Notified Body will support assessments at your location.

Ask whether it can coordinate inspections at your facility, how inspection dates are arranged, whether remote technical support is available, and who your main contact will be. Also check whether its arrangements can support your production schedule.

Location alone does not determine suitability; confirm its scope and practical arrangements.

  1. Communication & Support

Clear communication is important, especially when preparing PED documents for the first time. The organisation should explain the application process, identify required documents, answer questions, provide feedback on non-conformities, coordinate inspections and update you on progress.

At the same time, remember that a Notified Body must remain independent and impartial. It assesses conformity but does not take over the manufacturer’s legal responsibilities. Ask what guidance it can provide and understand any limits to that support.

  1. Reputation & Experience

Review the organisation’s background and ability to carry out the assessment consistently. Check its PED notification, experience with similar equipment, technical capability, process and communication. Where possible, seek feedback from manufacturers who have used its services.

Be careful when comparing certificates issued under different European directives or standards. Recognition under one piece of legislation does not automatically mean that an organisation is notified under PED 2014/68/EU. Always verify the relevant PED notification and scope.

Common Mistakes

Choosing a Notified Body without checking if they are officially notified can cause unnecessary issues.

Common mistakes include;

  • Choosing them due to low price.
  • Assuming all certification bodies are authorised for PED.
  • Not checking if they are listed in the NANDO Database.
  • Not checking if they are notified for the correct equipment.
  • Confusing ISO 9001 with PED.
  • Not considering the requirements for welders & NDT personnel.
  • Choosing a conformity assessment module without checking what category your equipment is.
  • Assuming they take on your legal responsibilities.

These checks should be done before starting your certification.

Documentation Required

Having some basic information will help when you have your initial conversation.

Depending on your equipment and conformity assessment procedure you may need;

  • General Product Description
  • Equipment Drawings & Calculations
  • Maximum Allowable Pressure (PS)
  • Maximum & Minimum Allowable Temperature (TS)
  • Volume (V) or Nominal Size (DN) of Equipment
  • Fluid Group
  • PED Category & Module
  • Material Certificates & Traceability
  • Welding Procedures & Qualifications
  • Welder Qualifications
  • NDT Procedures & Reports
  • Inspection & Testing Plans
  • Quality Management System Documentation
  • Previous Inspection/Test Records (if applicable)

The exact documentation required will depend on your equipment, PED requirements and module.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify whether a Notified Body is authorised for PED certification?

You can verify a Notified Body through the European Commission’s NANDO database. Check its identification number, PED 2014/68/EU notification status and authorised conformity assessment scope.

Consider the organisation’s PED notification, equipment scope, technical expertise, experience with similar products, inspection capabilities, certification process and charges.

Common documents include equipment drawings, design calculations, material certificates, WPS, WPQR, welder qualifications, NDT reports, inspection and testing plans, and quality management system documentation. Requirements depend on the equipment category and conformity assessment module.

Yes. Indian manufacturers can undergo the applicable PED conformity assessment procedures through an appropriately notified organisation authorised for the required activities. The equipment must meet the applicable PED requirements before being placed on the European market.

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Conclusion

Choosing a Notified Body is an important step for manufacturers supplying pressure equipment to the European market. They should have the correct authorisation, technical capabilities and experience for the correct conformity assessment activities. Make sure to check they are listed in the NANDO Database, they are notified for the correct PED activities, understand what modules are available, and what their inspection process and commercial terms are.

Being well informed will help you prepare better, have a good understanding of the technical requirements and move forward with confidence through the PED conformity assessment.

Planning to place pressure equipment on the European market?

Connect with First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.).to discuss your PED certification requirements and identify the appropriate conformity assessment route for your equipment.

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