News Letter
Pressure Equipment Directive
2026
PED 2014/68/EU: 7 Evidence Checks Before Releasing Pressure Equipment
October 2026 Edition | Steel Trade & Compliance Update
Stay informed with the latest developments in international welding standards and certification requirements. This month’s update focuses on the current status of EN ISO 15614-1, one of the most important standards governing welding procedure qualification for metallic materials.
A helpful newsletter for people who make and check pressure equipment Making pressure equipment is just one part of the job.
Before a product is ready to be sold, manufacturers need to make sure all the rules for design, making, checking, and proving that the product meets standards are followed and written down.
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU sets the rules for pressure equipment and parts that fit under its rules.
This usually includes equipment that has a maximum pressure higher than 0.5 bar, unless there are exceptions. But how can manufacturers gather the right proof to make the release process go more smoothly?
Here are seven useful steps to add to your PED compliance process.
1 Confirm the equipment classification
First, check if the product is covered by PED. Find out what type of equipment it is and use certain factors like maximum allowable pressure (PS), temperature (TS), volume (V), nominal size (DN), and fluid group to figure out its classification. This classification is important because it will tell you which conformity assessment process to follow. Don’t pick a conformity assessment method before you have properly determined the classification based on the rules.
2 Verify material traceability
The materials used in parts that hold pressure need to be right for the conditions they will be used in. Make sure the material labels, the proper certificates, and the records for each part matchup. If needed, track the specific batch numbers and certificates of the materials through the manufacturing records to the parts they were used in.
3 Review welding and permanent joining records
For pressure equipment that is welded, make sure the welding methods and the people doing the welding follow the correct rules.
The type of proof needed depends on the equipment’s category and the way it is checked.
This proof could include:
- Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
- Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR)
- Records showing that welders are qualified
- Permanent welding approvals, if needed
- Records of making the equipment and checking the welding
- Don’t assume that the same rules apply to all equipment types.
4 Check non-destructive testing records
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a way to check welds and other parts without breaking them.
Depending on what is needed, different methods can be used like visual testing, radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, and penetrant testing.
Make sure the chosen method, how much is checked, the skills of the people doing the test, and the reports all follow the right technical standards.
5 Confirm inspection and pressure testing
The final check might involve a final look at the item, testing to confirm it works properly, and checking any safety parts if needed. Look at the inspection plans, testing steps, acceptance records, and reports. Make sure any issues found have been fixed before allowing the item to be used.
6 Assemble the technical documentation
A full technical file needs to show that all the required standards have been met.
Depending on the product and the testing process, the records might include design calculations, drawings, information about materials, production methods, welding logs, non-destructive testing reports, pressure testing results, and user manuals.
Before the final check, use a controlled document list to find any missing, old, or conflicting records.
7 Verify conformity documentation and CE marking
Before putting pressure equipment into the EU market, make sure the necessary conformity assessment process has been finished.
If needed, the manufacturer has to create the EU Declaration of Conformity and put the CE marking on the product as required.
The CE marking alone isn’t enough; it shouldn’t replace the actual technical proof that the product meets the standards.
PED release checklist at a glance
| Evidence area | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Classification | Scope, equipment type, PS, TS, V/DN and fluid group, as applicable |
| Materials | Specifications, certificates and traceability |
| Welding | Procedures, personnel qualifications and applicable approvals |
| NDT | Examination methods, personnel qualifications and reports |
| Testing | Final inspection and applicable pressure test records |
| Technical file | Drawings, calculations, manufacturing and inspection records |
| Final conformity | Applicable assessment completed, Declaration of Conformity and CE marking where required |
A simple way to organise the release process
Instead of gathering all the documents at the very end of the production process, it’s better to assign someone responsible for each piece of evidence throughout the design, purchasing, manufacturing, and inspection stages.
This approach helps find missing information or problems sooner, fix any issues quickly, and create a more thorough release dossier.
The main idea is: PED compliance isn’t just about making equipment that functions properly.
It’s also about showing that all the necessary requirements have been met through proper engineering, controlled production, inspection, and proper documentation.
Need support with pressure equipment certification?
First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd, linked to PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s. , offers certification and inspection services as allowed by their scope. Go to PZVAR to find out more about PED 2014/68/EU certification and talk about your project needs.