ASME VIII VS EN 13445

PED 2014/68/EU COMPLIANCE

CE MARKING FOR PRESUURE VESSELS

ASME Section VIII vs EN 13445 for PED 2014/68/EU: CE Marking Requirements for Indian Manufacturers in 2026

By First Welding Certification Technical Editorial Team

08 Min Read

10 Sep 2026

ASME VIII to PED: 7-Step Compliance Flow

ASME VIII Design

Confirm PED Applicability

Determine PED Category

Select Conformity-Assessment Route

Review Design, Materials & Welding

Complete Inspection, Testing & Technical Documents

PED Conformity Assessment → CE Marking

Indian pressure vessel makers often use ASME Section VIII for projects outside their country.If the same equipment is meant for Europe, the manufacturer might also have to prove it meets the rules of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU and follows the rules for CE marking.

This raises a question:

Can a pressure vessel built to ASME Section VIII get a CE mark for Europe, or does it need to be redesigned to fit EN 13445?

The answer isn’t about choosing between ASME and EN 13445.
Before making the equipment, manufacturers have to check whether the PED applies, how the equipment is classified, what type of testing is needed, how it is designed, what materials are used, how it is welded, what inspections are done, what tests are carried out, and what technical documents are needed.

ASME Section VIII vs EN 13445: What Is the Difference?

ASME Section VIII is a set of rules used to make pressure vessels.EN 13445 is a set of rules for pressure vessels used in Europe.

They are not the same as the PED itself.

The PED 2014/68/EU is a law that covers the design, building, and checking of pressure equipment that fits its rules.
It applies to equipment that has a pressure higher than 0.5 bar.

EN 13445 can help show that the equipment meets the safety rules of the PED if the references are in the Official Journal of the European Union.

So:

An ASME U Stamp is not the same as PED compliance or CE marking.
An ASME U Stamp shows that the equipment follows the ASME Section VIII rules.It does not by itself show that it meets the PED rules.

ASME Section VIII vs EN 13445

Aspect	ASME Section VIII	EN 13445 + PED Route
Primary role	Pressure-vessel construction code	European pressure-vessel design standard + PED framework
Main market association	International / ASME-based projects	European market access
Legal framework	ASME code requirements	PED 2014/68/EU
Design	ASME design rules	EN 13445 or another technically justified route
Welding	Applicable ASME requirements	PED requirements plus applicable welding standards/procedures
Materials	ASME material requirements	PED material requirements and applicable standards/documentation
Inspection & testing	ASME/project requirements	PED requirements and applicable harmonised standards
CE marking	Not provided by ASME U Stamp	Based on applicable EU conformity requirements

The main question for an Indian manufacturer isn’t whether they should switch from ASME VIII to EN 13445.The real question is how the chosen method of making the equipment will demonstrate that it follows the PED rules.

Is EN 13445 Mandatory for PED?

EN 13445 is not needed for all equipment under the PED.

The European Commission says that harmonized standards are not required.
Manufacturers can choose different ways to prove their equipment follows the rules.If a standard is listed in the Official Journal, it shows that the equipment likely meets the required rules.

This is especially important for manufacturers who already follow ASME Section VIII.

If you think every ASME vessel needs to be fully changed to EN 13445, you should first check:

– whether the equipment falls under the PED;
– what category it belongs to;
– what steps are needed to check it;
– what safety rules apply;
– which standards or methods can prove the equipment is safe.

Can an ASME VIII Vessel Receive CE Marking?

It is possible.Just being ASME compliant doesn’t automatically mean it meets the PED.

An ASME Section VIII pressure vessel intended for Europe might need to be checked to see if it follows the PED safety rules.

The exact process depends on the equipment and how it is classified.
Depending on what is needed, the check might include:

– PED scope and classification
– Design calculations and drawings
– Materials and tracking
– Manufacturing steps
– Welding tests
– Non-destructive testing
– Checking and testing
– Technical documents
– Checking activities
– CE marking and EU Declaration of Conformity where needed

The PED says that checking is the way to show that the safety rules are met.
That’s why manufacturers should decide how to meet the PED before making the equipment, not after it’s already built.If you are making an ASME pressure vessel for Europe, we provide the checking to make sure it meets the PED 2014/68/EU rules.

What Changes When Moving from ASME to PED?

The biggest error is to focus only on the design calculations.

A review according to ASME VIII and PED should ensure the process is safe.

1.Determine the PED Category: First, check if the equipment is covered by the PED and find the correct level by looking at factors like the type of equipment, the fluid group, pressure, and size.The level determines what steps are needed for the check.

2.Review the Design: Compare the ASME VIII design with the rules required by the PED.Do not assume that ASME calculations automatically meet all the PED requirements.The PED has rules about design including pressure, materials, construction, and final checks.

3.Check Materials and Documentation: Look at:

– types of materials used;
– certificates for the materials;
– tracking of the materials;
– whether the materials are correct;
– documents for verification.

Material documentation can be an issue when moving an ASME-based pressure vessel to Europe. The PED has specific rules about materials and the documents that support them, especially for parts that hold pressure.

4.Check Welding and Testing:

Review the welding process:

WPS → WPQR/PQR → welder test → welding rules → NDT → records

The way parts are joined and the welders involved must be properly managed according to the checking method.
Manufacturers can use our WPS and WPQR to understand how welding steps, testing, and paperwork are connected.For those checking the welding system F, it relates to the EN ISO 3834 certification rules.

5.Plan Inspection and Testing: Inspection and testing should be planned before manufacturing the equipment.This is especially important since the rules for inspection and testing have changed since 2026.

6.Prepare the Documentation: Documentation should be prepared during the project, not at the end.Depending on the equipment and how it is checked, the documents may include:

– a description of the equipment;
– drawings and pictures;
– design calculations;
– rules used;
– material documentation;
– welding steps and tests;
– inspection and test reports;
– records;
– proof that the equipment meets the rules.

The PED requires enough documentation to verify that the equipment meets the rules.

PED Harmonised-Standard Updates in 2026

There is a difference between a new PED law and changes to the rules that help support it.

The law 2014/68/EU is still the Pressure Equipment Directive.
The current rules from the European Commission still say that 2014/68/EU is the one in use.

The rules that support the PED were changed in 2026 with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/79.
This replaced Decision (EU) 2025/165.The change affects the rules for pressure vessels, flanges, valves, and safety devices.

For manufacturers, the main thing to remember is this:

Do not use old project papers or articles when choosing rules for a European pressure equipment project.
Always check what the current rules are and which ones apply to the equipment.
European Commission – PED Harmonised Standards
EUR-Lex – Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/79.

ASME-to-PED Compliance Checklist

Before starting to make the equipment, an Indian manufacturer should check:

– Is the equipment in the PED area?
– What is its category under the PED?
– What steps are needed for the check?
– Is ASME VIII being used for the design?
– How will the PED safety rules be shown?
– Are the materials and their documents okay?
– Are the welding steps and tests suitable?
– Are the testing rules clear?
– Are the checking and pressure testing steps set up?
– Is a Body needed for the chosen way?
– Is the paperwork planned?
– Are the CE marking and EU Declaration of Conformity rules clear?

This early check can help avoid changes, retests, or paperwork problems later on.

What Indian Manufacturers Should Do Before Production

If your company usually makes pressure vessels according to ASME Section VIII and gets an order for Europe, don’t wait until inspection to check if the equipment meets PED requirements.

Start with a project to compare ASME VIII with EN 13445 and PED.
This helps find any differences early.

Here’s how to move from ASME VIII to PED compliance in seven steps:

1.
Design according to ASME VIII
↓
2.
Check if PED applies to the equipment
↓
3.
Figure out which PED category the equipment falls into
↓
4.
Choose the right conformity-assessment route
↓
5.
Look at the design, materials, and welding methods
↓
6.
Do inspections, tests, and prepare all necessary technical documents
↓
7.
Get PED conformity and add the CE mark if needed

The goal is to spot any missing documents before you start making the equipment.
This makes it easier and cheaper to fix any issues.

For companies making products for Europe, this assessment should be part of a bigger plan to follow EU rules.
First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd offers PED 2014/68/EU certification services that cover all the required conformity-assessment steps.This includes design, materials, manufacturing, welding, inspection, testing, and technical documentation.

First Welding Certification (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ , a.s.) is a Notified Body with number 2408, and their services are approved for this scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ASME pressure vessel be CE marked in Europe?

Yes an ASME-based pressure vessel can potentially achieve CE marking when the applicable PED requirements and conformity-assessment procedure are satisfied. An ASME U Stamp by itself does not establish PED conformity.

Is ASME VIII accepted under PED?

ASME Section VIII is not itself a PED harmonised standard. However PED does not require manufacturers to use harmonised standards. Alternative technical solutions may be used where the applicable Essential Safety Requirements can be demonstrated through the conformity route.

How do I convert an ASME vessel to EN 13445?

There is no one-step conversion. A project-specific comparison of the design materials welding inspection testing and documentation is required. In some projects the existing ASME design may be assessed against the PED requirements rather than simply being rewritten as an EN 13445 design.

Can an ASME U Stamp vessel get PED certification?

An ASME U Stamp does not automatically provide PED certification. The pressure equipment must satisfy the PED requirements through the relevant conformity-assessment process.

What are the PED requirements for ASME pressure vessels?

The requirements depend on the equipment PED classification and conformity-assessment route. They can involve design materials manufacturing permanent joining NDT inspection testing and technical documentation.

Do Indian pressure-vessel manufacturers need CE certification for Europe?

When pressure equipment falls within the PED scope and the selected conformity route requires CE marking the manufacturer must meet the relevant European conformity requirements before placing the equipment on the EU market.

How much does PED certification cost for an ASME vessel?

There is no PED certification price. The cost depends on factors such as equipment category conformity-assessment procedure design review inspection testing documentation welding qualifications and the scope of assessment.

Conclusion

For manufacturers, the real question isn’t just about choosing between ASME Section VIII and EN 13445.

The real issue is:

How can a current ASME pressure vessel design and manufacturing process be adapted to meet the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) in order to enter the European market?

The answer involves reviewing the PED’s classification, conformity assessment, design, materials, welding, non-destructive testing, inspection, testing, and technical documentation.
The 2026 update to the PED harmonized standards makes it even more important to check the current status of the standards being used in European projects.If your company already builds according to ASME VIII, preparing a pressure vessel for the European market requires a specific assessment comparing ASME VIII to PED compliance.This helps find any gaps early, before they lead to expensive rework.

Related Resources

ASME VIII to PED CE Marking

First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.), with Notified Body number 2408, offers conformity assessment services for pressure equipment under the PED, specifically for manufacturers aiming to sell in Europe.

Before starting production, you should determine your PED category, the required conformity assessment procedure, CE marking needs, the technical documentation you must prepare, welding qualifications, and the inspection requirements.