In January 2026, the EU Commission published the6th Edition of the ATEX Guidelines for Directive 2014/34/EU.The guidelines serve to ensure aconsistent interpretationof the ATEX Product Directive and are aimed at manufacturers, importers, distributors, notified bodies, and market surveillance authorities.
Important in advance:
👉 The ATEX Directive itself has not been changed.
👉 The guide clarifies, specifies, and closes interpretation gaps from practice.
Why a new edition?
The 6th Edition is based on the decisions of theATEX Expert Group from 28.04.2025and addresses topics that have regularly led to uncertainty in recent years – particularly in borderline cases, responsibility in the supply chain, and digital products.
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.The most important changes at a glance
1. Clearer distinction: What falls under ATEX – and what does not?
The guide clarifies again:
Distinction between device, component, and assembly
When accessories, software, or safety devicesare ATEX-relevantExtended examples in the so-called
Borderline List(e.g., WLAN access points, cables, refrigerators for volatile substances) (z. B. WLAN-Access-Points, Kabel, Kühlschränke für flüchtige Stoffe)
➡️ For operators, this means:“Not electrical” or “only accessories” does not protect against ATEX obligations.
2. Responsibility of economic actors has been sharpened
The obligations of:
Manufacturers
Importers
Traders / Distributors
have not been redefined, butexplained in a much more practical manner.
Clarification, among other things:
Whoever markets a productunder their own name, is legally considered a manufacturer
Also changes to the intended purpose can trigger a new ATEX assessment
Traders must check “with due diligence” – no more blind selling
➡️ Particularly relevant for system integrators and rebranding.
3. Software & digital functions are taken into account more strongly
New is the clearer classification of:
Software as part of safety-relevant functions
measuring, control, and regulation devices with firmware updates
Risks from malfunctions or updates in the Ex area
➡️ ATEX does not end with hardware.
➡️ Software canbe an ignition source or safety risk. sein.
4. Interaction with other EU directives clearly explained
The guide goes into more detail on interfaces, e.g. to:
Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230
Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
EMC and Low Voltage Directive
➡️ Multiple compliance is the rule, not the exception.
5. Market surveillance & documentation
The role of market supervision is clearly defined:
Technical documentation mustbe complete, traceable, and up to date. sein
Traceability along the supply chain is emphasized.
CE marking without reliable documentation is a risk.
➡️ "Just stick on CE" is not enough – not even retroactively.
Conclusion: No revolution – but fewer gray areas.
The 6th edition of the ATEX guide brings:
no new obligations
no tightening of the directive
butless room for interpretation.
For companies, this means:
Better planning
Fewer discussions with inspectors and authorities.
Higher requirements for documentation and diligence.
Or to put it clearly:
Those who have complied with ATEX so far do not need to change.
Those who have interpreted creatively should now follow suit.
Source
ATEX Guidelines– 6th Edition, January 2026, European Commission