Understanding the Pressure Equipment Directive
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), Directive 2014/68/EU, governs the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure vessels, piping, steam generators, and safety accessories operating above 0.5 bar. Equipment in scope must meet the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) of the directive before it can bear the CE mark and be placed on the EU market.
CHS Intl supports manufacturers, importers, and authorised representatives through every stage of the PED compliance process — from initial classification and design review to the final declaration of conformity. Our combined simulation and regulatory expertise means we can simultaneously optimise your design and certify it, compressing what is often a 6–12 month compliance journey into a single integrated workflow.
Our PED Services
- PED scope and category determination
- Conformity assessment route selection (Modules A–H1)
- Design code calculations (EN 13445, ASME VIII)
- FEA-based design-by-analysis (DbA)
- Technical documentation preparation
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC) drafting
- CE marking support
- Material certification review (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
- Risk assessment per PED Annex I
- Piping system classification and design review
- Notified Body liaison and audit preparation
- Periodic re-assessment for modified equipment
Applicable Standards & Codes
- Directive 2014/68/EU (PED)
- EN 13445 (Unfired pressure vessels)
- EN 13480 (Metallic industrial piping)
- EN 12952 / EN 12953 (Boilers)
- ASME VIII Div. 1 & 2
- AD 2000 Merkblatt
- EN 10204 (Material certificates)
- EN ISO 15614 (Welding procedures)
Industry Applications
Our Compliance Process
-
Classification & Scoping — We determine whether your equipment falls within the PED scope, assign the fluid group, and identify the applicable conformity assessment category (I–IV).
-
Conformity Route Selection — We select the appropriate assessment module (A through H1) and, where required, identify the correct Notified Body.
-
Design Calculations & Review — Pressure design calculations are performed or reviewed to applicable harmonised standards (EN 13445, etc.) or ASME codes.
-
Technical File Compilation — We compile the full technical documentation package: design drawings, material certs, weld records, calculations, test reports, and risk assessment.
-
Notified Body Liaison — We coordinate with the Notified Body to address technical queries, schedule inspections, and ensure a smooth audit process.
-
Declaration of Conformity & CE Marking — Once assessed, we prepare the final DoC and advise on correct CE marking application to the equipment.
Example Outcome
A Belgian manufacturer of shell-and-tube heat exchangers was targeting CE marking under PED Category III (Group 1 fluid, PS × V > 50 bar·L) for a new product range. Their internal team had produced design-by-formula calculations to EN 13445-3, but the Notified Body raised 23 technical queries during the first design examination, largely around nozzle reinforcement and saddle support stress analysis. CHS Intl was engaged to perform a parallel Design by Analysis study, resolving all 23 queries with documented stress linearisation results. The revised technical file was re-submitted and approved without further queries at the second examination.
CE marking achieved in 6 weeks from CHS engagement — 4 months ahead of original scheduleFrequently Asked Questions
What equipment falls under the Pressure Equipment Directive?
The PED (Directive 2014/68/EU) applies to pressure vessels, piping, steam generators, steam boilers, and safety accessories with a maximum allowable pressure (PS) greater than 0.5 bar. It covers both new equipment placed on the EU market and significant modifications to existing equipment. Certain categories — such as simple pressure vessels covered by 2014/29/EU and transportable pressure equipment under 2010/35/EU — are excluded from PED scope.
What are the PED conformity assessment categories?
The PED assigns equipment to Categories I through IV based on the fluid group (Group 1: dangerous fluids; Group 2: all others), the type of equipment, and the pressure-volume product (PS × V) or pressure-diameter product (PS × DN). Category I is the lowest risk level (Module A, manufacturer self-declaration), while Category IV is the highest and requires full quality assurance assessment by a Notified Body. CHS Intl determines the correct category and conformity module at the outset of every project.
What is a Notified Body and do I always need one for PED?
A Notified Body (NB) is an independent third-party organisation accredited by a EU member state to perform conformity assessments on behalf of the regulatory authority. For PED Category I equipment, no Notified Body is required — the manufacturer self-declares conformity. For Categories II, III, and IV, NB involvement is mandatory, ranging from design examination to full quality management system approval. CHS Intl works with your chosen Notified Body or can recommend one appropriate to your equipment category and fluid type.
What is Design by Analysis (DbA) and how does it relate to PED?
Design by Analysis is an FEA-based approach permitted by EN 13445-3 Annex B and ASME VIII Division 2 as an alternative to design-by-formula. Rather than using simplified pressure formulae, DbA uses detailed stress analysis to classify stresses (primary membrane, bending, peak) and compare them against code allowables. It is particularly valuable for complex geometries, nozzle reinforcements, and non-standard configurations where design-by-formula is overly conservative or inapplicable.
Does the PED apply to equipment that was manufactured before 2016?
The revised PED (2014/68/EU) replaced the original 97/23/EC from 19 July 2016. Equipment legitimately placed on the market under the old directive remains compliant. However, if the equipment undergoes substantial modification — defined as changes affecting safety that could not have been foreseen at the time of original manufacture — the modified equipment must be reassessed under the current directive. CHS Intl advises on whether a planned modification triggers a re-assessment obligation.
What material standards are accepted under PED for pressure-bearing parts?
PED requires that pressure-bearing materials are fit for purpose and have known and reproducible properties. Materials covered by harmonised European standards (e.g. EN 10028 for flat products, EN 10216 for seamless tubes) are presumed conformant. Materials not covered by a harmonised standard must be assessed by a European Approval of Materials (EAM) issued by a Notified Body. Material certificates must meet EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 requirements for Category II and above equipment.
