Are you working with pressure equipment in the EU market? The European Commission has just released a new implementing decision that affects pressure equipment manufacturers and traders. With 195 harmonised standards, this comprehensive update covers everything from materials to manufacturing processes. This update directly impacts your operations.
The new Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/165, published on 31 January 2025, significantly changes the harmonised standards supporting the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
Materials and components affected
The updated standards cover a wide range of materials and components, including:
Metals and alloys
- Steel (various types including stainless, carbon, and alloy steels)
- Copper and copper alloys
- Aluminium and aluminium alloys
- Nickel alloys
- Cast iron (including spheroidal, malleable, and austenitic types)
- Titanium and zirconium
Components and equipment
- Industrial valves (metallic and thermoplastic)
- Boilers (water-tube and shell types)
- Pressure vessels (fired and unfired)
- Industrial piping systems
- Cryogenic equipment
- Heat exchangers
- Gas infrastructure components
- LPG equipment
Manufacturing processes
- Welding procedures
- Brazing
- Material testing requirements
- Non-destructive testing
- Inspection and documentation
Timeline for implementation
Immediate effect (31 January 2025)
- All 195 harmonised standards are now published and valid
- New technical requirements for various materials and components are in force
- Updated testing and inspection procedures are applicable
Transition period until 31 July 2026
Several standards affecting the following will be withdrawn:
- Industrial valve marking requirements
- Water-tube boiler design and firing systems
- Gas installation pipework
- Cast iron pressure vessels
- Unfired pressure vessel materials and fabrication
- Metallic industrial piping design
What to do?
- Review Annexes I, II, and III of the decision to identify standards relevant to your products
- Focus particularly on materials and components with withdrawal dates
- Plan your transition to updated standards early
- Update your technical documentation
- Revise your conformity assessment procedures
This consolidated decision simplifies the regulatory landscape by bringing all pressure equipment standards under one document. While the initial transition requires attention, it should make future compliance more straightforward.
Need help understanding how these changes affect your specific materials or components? Our team at Alura Group specialises in pressure equipment compliance and can guide you through the transition process to ensure your continued access to the EU market.
