Public Consultation No. 5, dated April 23, 2025, published in the Federal Official Gazette, which proposes amendments to Inmetro Ordinance No. 115 (Conformity Assessment Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres), will close next week (June 26).
Dear Customers,
We would like to inform you that the deadline for Public Consultation No. 5, dated April 23, 2025, published in the Federal Official Gazette, is next week (June 26). This consultation proposes changes to Inmetro Ordinance No. 115, specifically regarding the Conformity Assessment Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres.
Below is a summary of the main proposed changes. The consultation is open for contributions until June 23, 2025, as specified in the following link: https://www.in.gov.br/web/dou/-/consulta-publica-n-5-de-23-de-abril-de-2025-625497341
Main Proposed Changes:
1. Regulatory update on risk situations
In cases where updates occur in the standards listed in item 3.1 due to an identified hazard to be remedied, which create risk situations to worker safety or the industrial environment, the updated version of the cited technical standards must be used, even if not yet internalized by ABNT, or their substitutes (in case of cancellation). It is the responsibility of the OCP, when applicable, to promote the necessary adjustments in the conformity assessment procedures to allow the use of the most recent regulatory basis.
2. Change in the definition of “Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres.
Electrical, instrumentation, automation, telecommunications equipment, and SKIDS — excluding exclusively mechanical equipment — installed in areas where, under atmospheric conditions, flammable, or combustible substances in the form of gas, vapor, or dust mix with air and, upon ignition, allow self-sustained propagation.
3. Inclusion of the item stating that IECEx Qualification Reports (QARs) are not accepted as substitutes for factory audits.
4. Acceptance of test reports issued before the certification process
The OCP shall review test reports previously conducted by the manufacturer and issued before the start of the certification process, when submitted by the applicant. These reports may be accepted provided that all requirements mentioned in 6.1.1.4.1.3 are met.
5. Change in the characteristics of the Conformity Identification Stamp
The OCP must ensure, by appropriate technical means, that the Conformity Identification Stamp has the physical characteristics set out in item 1.1 of Annex II. The minimum durability must be five years.
We recommend that NCC customers review the complete Public Consultation document, available at the link above, and submit their contributions within the stipulated deadline.