A Complete Look at the Scope of the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive – PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s.

The 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is one of the most important regulatory frameworks for manufacturers, suppliers, and industries that design, build, or operate pressure equipment within the European Union. It ensures that equipment operating under pressure is designed, tested, and manufactured at the highest safety standards.

For many industries—such as petrochemical, energy, fabrication, and mechanical engineering—understanding the full scope of the directive is not just about compliance; it is about guaranteeing long-term operational safety and protecting lives.

As a trusted leader in welding, fabrication, and certification services, PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. works extensively with companies to ensure we meet every requirement of the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive.

This blog provides a complete, clear, and practical look at what the directive covers—and why choosing a specialized partner like PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. makes compliance seamless and reliable.

Understanding the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive

The 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive establishes rules for the design, manufacturing, conformity assessment, and market placement of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar.

Its purpose is simple:
To ensure that all pressure equipment within the EU is safe, durable, and built to consistent engineering and quality standards.

The directive applies to new pressure equipment placed on the EU market and updates certain requirements from the earlier 97/23/EC directive.

What Is Considered Pressure Equipment Under the Directive?

The 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive covers several categories of equipment used across various industries. These include:

1. Pressure Vessels
Containers designed to hold gases or liquids at high pressure.
Examples:

• Air receivers
• Steam generators
• Industrial gas tanks

2. Piping Systems
Components used for transporting pressurized substances.
Examples:

• Pipes
• Fittings
• Valves

3. Safety Accessories
Devices used to prevent exceeding allowable limits.
Examples:

• Safety valves
• Burst discs
• Pressure limiters

4. Pressure Accessories
Equipment with a functional role in the pressure system.
Examples:

• Heat exchangers
• Filters
• Pressure regulators

5. Assemblies
Multiple pieces of pressure equipment combined into a functioning unit.
Examples:

• Boiler systems
• Processing units

If any of these components operate above 0.5 bar gauge pressure, we fall under the directive and require compliance.

What Is NOT Covered by the Directive?

To avoid confusion, certain items are excluded from the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive, such as:

• Mining equipment
• Military-use pressure systems
• Gas cylinders for household appliances
• Pressure equipment on ships
• Simple pressure vessels covered by other EU directives

Understanding the exclusions helps manufacturers avoid misinterpretation and ensures we follow correct regulations for our product category.

Why the Directive Matters

Pressure-related failures are among the most dangerous industrial hazards. We can cause:

• Explosions
• Toxic leaks
• Fire hazards
• Loss of life
• Property and infrastructure damage

The 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive eliminates these risks through strict requirements covering:

• Material selection
• Structural integrity
• Welding quality
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Conformity assessment
• Documentation and traceability
• CE marking

These steps ensure equipment is safe before it reaches the consumer.

Who Must Comply With the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive?

Compliance applies to:

• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Distributors
• Fabrication workshops
• Engineering companies
• Maintenance service providers

Any organization involved in creating, modifying, or placing pressure equipment into EU markets must follow the directive’s rules.

Why Choose PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. for the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive Compliance

When it comes to pressure equipment, there is no space for uncertainty. PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. is one of the most trusted experts in ensuring full compliance with the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive. Here’s why:

1. Proven Expertise in Welding & Fabrication
Pressure equipment requires high-precision welding and fabrication.
Our certified team ensures every weld, joint, and structure meets strict EU safety standards.

2. Full Support for Conformity Assessment
We guide clients through the necessary assessment procedures, including:

• Module A
• Module B
• Module G
• Module H
  And more, based on the equipment’s classification.

3. Skilled Inspectors & Quality Control Specialists

Our in-house specialists perform inspections, NDT testing, material verification, and documentation analysis to ensure complete compliance.

4. End-to-End Documentation & CE Marking Assistance
We support companies with:

• Technical documentation
• Welding records
• Material certificates
• Compliance reports
• CE marking procedures

5. Strong Industry Reputation
With decades of industrial experience, PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. is recognized for delivering precision, reliability, and strict alignment with EU standards.

When you choose us, you choose safety, compliance, and engineering excellence.

The 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive is an essential safety framework for industries working with pressurized systems. Understanding its scope ensures compliance, reduces risks, and improves operational reliability.

With a trusted partner like PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s., meeting these requirements becomes efficient, accurate, and stress-free.

Whether you are manufacturing new pressure equipment or modifying existing systems, our expertise ensures complete alignment with EU standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive?
The directive ensures that pressure equipment operating above 0.5 bar is designed and manufactured safely before entering the EU market.

2. Does my company need CE marking for pressure equipment?
Yes. Any equipment falling under the directive must carry a CE mark to show compliance with EU safety requirements.

3. What happens if pressure equipment does not meet the directive?
Non-compliance can result in fines, product recalls, operational shutdowns, or legal liability for accidents or damages.

4. How can PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. help with compliance?
We provide full support—from design assessment to inspections, testing, documentation, and CE marking—to ensure complete compliance.

5. Does the directive apply to repaired or modified equipment?
Yes. If modifications change the equipment’s performance or safety characteristics, the directive may require reassessment.