What Is the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)?

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a European regulation (2014/68/EU) that establishes safety requirements for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment. It applies to equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar, including vessels, piping, safety accessories—and notably, valves.

This directive ensures that equipment placed on the European market is safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. 

Scope of the PED: When Does It Apply?

The PED applies broadly to:

Pressure vessels

Heat exchangers

Boilers

Industrial piping

Valves and other pressure-retaining components

Specifically, the PED is relevant for valves integrated into pressure systems, but only above a certain nominal size do they require CE marking.

CE Marking Requirements for Valves Under PED

Valves are regulated under the PED when they:

Are part of a system with pressure above 0.5 bar, and

Have a nominal size (DN) greater than DN 25

Key Points:

Valves ≤ DN 25 do not require a CE mark under the PED.

These smaller valves must still be engineered to standard best practices, complying with basic safety and performance expectations.

Valve Classification Under the PED

Valves above DN 25 fall into specific PED categories, depending on the nature of the fluid they handle (neutral, toxic, flammable) and the level of risk.

Common PED Categories for Valves:

Category I

Category II

Most valves over DN 25 fall into these two categories. The classification affects the level of conformity assessment and the type of third-party involvement required.

Conformity Assessment & Module H Certification

To comply with the PED, manufacturers must follow a conformity assessment procedure. One such procedure is Module H, which involves:

Full quality assurance by the manufacturer

Oversight and certification by a Notified Body

Multiple EU Directives: CE Marking Explained

In addition to the PED, pressure equipment may be subject to other EU directives, such as:

EMC Directive (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

What Does the CE Mark Indicate?

The CE marking on a valve or pressure system component is a declaration of conformity with all relevant EU directives, including:

The Pressure Equipment Directive (for applicable sizes)

Any other applicable regulations affecting product safety and performance

For Category II valves, the CE mark will be accompanied by the Notified Body’s identification number (e.g. CE 0045 for TÜV Nord), confirming third-party verification. 

Connexion Developments Ltd conduct annual review's or immediate review due to any changes in UK or EU law from all suppliers to obtain evidence of conformity.   

EU Directives helpful links:

Understanding RoHS Compliance

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

ATEX and IECEx Explained

Understanding the WEEE Regulation Directive

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ISO 14001 AWARENESS

UK Valve Inspection Checklist for PSSR Compliance

Understanding REACH Regulation 

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