Explosion Protection

Netherlands Council of State Orders New Decision on Exam Institution in Explosives Safety Registration Scheme

The Netherlands Council of State has ruled that the exclusive designation of a sole exam institution for explosives safety registration is a challengeable administrative decision, requiring a new government review by mid-May 2026. This judgment opens the door for competition in safety examination services and signals increased legal accountability for how regulators appoint private entities to manage mandatory safety certifications.

5 Apr 2026, 05:43uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

EU Parliament ENVI Committee Drafts Opinion Amending Product Directives (Including RoHS) on Digitalisation and Common Specifications

The European Parliament is advancing amendments to digitalize compliance documentation across 13 major product directives, including RoHS, ATEX, and the Low Voltage Directive. This shift toward digital conformity data and harmonized technical specifications will require manufacturers to modernize product information systems and supply chain data management.

1 Apr 2026, 14:15eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Updates OSPEX Technical Standards for Equipment and Protection Systems in Explosive Atmospheres

Switzerland updated its designated technical standards for equipment in explosive atmospheres (OSPEX) on March 25, 2026, aligning with the latest EU ATEX harmonised standards. Manufacturers must ensure technical documentation and conformity assessments reflect these updated standards to maintain market access and a presumption of compliance.

27 Mar 2026, 07:55fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

Great Britain Updates ATEX Designated Standards for Offshore Cranes and Explosive Atmospheres Equipment

The UK has updated the list of designated standards for ATEX equipment, introducing EN 13852-1:2025 for offshore cranes to replace the 2013 version. Manufacturers must transition technical documentation to the new standard by July 14, 2027, to maintain a presumption of conformity for products placed on the Great Britain market.

19 Mar 2026, 19:29assets.publishing.service.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Council 4-Column Table On Proposal To Digitalise Product Directives And Align Common Specifications

EU co-legislators are advancing a horizontal proposal to digitalize conformity documentation and introduce "common specifications" across 13 major product directives, including RoHS, ATEX, and the Low Voltage Directive. This shift toward electronic information requirements will streamline compliance processes but necessitates strategic updates to digital labeling, technical documentation management, and product passport readiness.

14 Mar 2026, 07:46eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

UNECE Working Paper Requests Clarification of ADR 9.3.7.3 Wiring Rules for EX/II and EX/III Vehicles

UNECE WP.15 will consider a proposal in May 2026 to clarify conflicting interpretations of ADR rules for electrical wiring in explosive-carrying vehicles. Resolution of these ambiguities may necessitate design modifications or stricter inspection criteria for EX/II and EX/III vehicle load compartments to ensure transport compliance.

11 Mar 2026, 16:30docs.un.orgGlobal

Germany Introduces Single Market Emergency Procedures In Product Safety Ordinances (BGBl I 2026 No. 54)

Germany has adopted emergency procedures for product safety ordinances covering machinery, electronics, and pressure equipment, effective May 30, 2026. This establishes a legal framework for fast-track market access and prioritized regulatory oversight during EU-declared single market emergencies to maintain critical supply chains.

9 Mar 2026, 18:35recht.bund.deGermany

European Parliament Written Question On Industrial Safety And EU Law After Trikala 'Violanta' Factory Explosion

The European Commission is facing parliamentary pressure to investigate Greek industrial safety compliance following a fatal factory explosion involving propane. Businesses should anticipate increased scrutiny of Seveso III and ATEX implementation as the EU considers strengthening oversight and transparency of national inspection regimes.

9 Mar 2026, 15:18europarl.europa.euEuropean UnionGreece

British Columbia Workers’ Compensation Board Adopts Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97) Amendments on Combustible Dusts and Respirator Standards

British Columbia has finalized OHSR amendments updating respirator standards by April 2026 and mandating a new combustible dust management regime by January 2027. Industrial operators must formalize dust risk assessments and implement rigorous control measures for ignition and accumulation to ensure compliance and mitigate explosion risks.

6 Mar 2026, 11:17bclaws.gov.bc.caCanada

Japan: MIC Amends Hazardous Materials Technical Standards And FDMA Clarifies Conditional Automatic Control Systems At Self-Service Fuel Stations

Japan has established formal technical and operational standards for AI-driven monitoring systems at self-service fuel stations. Operators must transition to these new requirements within one year to maintain compliance while utilizing automated safety and surveillance technologies.

5 Mar 2026, 09:30fdma.go.jpJapan

Switzerland Designates Technical Standards for Gas Appliances Under Product Safety Act and Gas Appliances Ordinance

Switzerland has updated the designated technical standards for gas appliances under the Federal Act on Product Safety (March 2026). Businesses must ensure their products align with these updated standards to maintain compliance and facilitate conformity assessments for the Swiss market.

2 Mar 2026, 11:31fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

Austria: Labour Inspectorate Sets Inspection Priorities for 2026

Austria's Labour Inspectorate has prioritized "green jobs," cleaning services, and working time compliance for its 2026 enforcement and advisory agenda. Companies in the recycling, renewable energy, and facility management sectors should audit OHS protocols—specifically regarding hazardous agents and machinery safety—to mitigate increased inspection risks.

26 Feb 2026, 20:08arbeitsinspektion.gv.atAustria

Illinois Pollution Control Board Proposes Rules On Management Of Used EV Batteries

Illinois has proposed comprehensive safety and storage standards for used EV batteries to mitigate fire and environmental risks at storage and recycling facilities. Impacted businesses must prepare for stringent facility design requirements, emergency planning mandates, and financial assurance obligations for end-of-life battery management.

25 Feb 2026, 18:55ilsos.govUnited States

European Parliament IMCO Report on Proposal To Amend RoHS and Product Directives for Digitalisation and Common Specifications

The European Parliament's IMCO Committee has issued its report on proposed amendments to 13 EU product directives, including RoHS and ATEX, to introduce digital solutions and common technical specifications. This signals a shift toward digital compliance documentation and harmonized fallback standards, requiring manufacturers to prepare for modernized conformity assessment and labeling workflows.

18 Feb 2026, 19:50eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Updates Designated Technical Standards for Equipment Used in Explosive Atmospheres (OSPEX)

Switzerland has updated its designated technical standards for equipment in explosive atmospheres (OSPEX) to maintain alignment with the latest EU ATEX harmonised standards. Manufacturers must ensure technical files and conformity assessments reflect these updated references to maintain the presumption of safety and uninterrupted market access.

11 Feb 2026, 11:06fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

US OSHA Finalises Modifications to NRTL Test Standards and Scopes of Recognition

OSHA has finalized the removal of several withdrawn ISA and UL electrical safety standards from the NRTL Program, effective February 3, 2026. Manufacturers must ensure product certifications for hazardous location equipment transition to current replacement standards to maintain compliance and market access.

3 Feb 2026, 15:46federalregister.govUnited States

US OSHA Expands NRTL Recognition for Element Materials Technology Portland – Evergreen Inc.

OSHA expanded EMT's recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) on February 3, 2026, adding ten standards for hazardous location equipment. This provides manufacturers with broader certification options for electrical and explosion-protected products, facilitating market access and safety compliance.

3 Feb 2026, 15:46federalregister.govUnited States

EU Commission Updates ATEX Harmonised Standard For General-Purpose Offshore Cranes

The EU has adopted EN 13852-1:2025 as the new harmonised standard for general-purpose offshore cranes under the ATEX Directive. Manufacturers have until July 2027 to transition from the 2013 version to ensure continued presumption of conformity for equipment in explosive atmospheres.

15 Jan 2026, 07:38eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

IMO Brings IGF Code Safety Amendments Into Force For Ships Using Gas And Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels

Stricter IMO safety standards for ships using gas or low-flashpoint fuels (IGF Code) enter into force globally on 1 January 2026. Operators and shipbuilders must update design specifications and fire-protection equipment to comply with enhanced bunkering, structural, and hazardous area requirements.

13 Jan 2026, 11:19wwwcdn.imo.orgGlobal

Germany (BAuA) Updates List of Approved Monitoring Bodies Under ÜAnlG and BetrSichV

Germany’s BAuA has updated the official list of approved monitoring bodies (ZÜS) for high-risk installations, effective January 1, 2026. Operators of pressure equipment, lifts, and explosion-risk systems must ensure their inspection providers maintain valid authorization to avoid compliance gaps and operational risks.

11 Jan 2026, 18:44baua.deGermany