Pressure Vessel Regulations in Europe: PED, TPED, SPVD, AD 2000

Due to potential dangers and associated risks, pressure vessel regulations in Europe are complex. Manufacturers must comply with government or jurisdictional rules and regulations for different product standards each targeting specific types of equipment.

Three directives form the legal framework for pressure equipment on the European level: the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU), the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED 2010/35/EU), and the Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (SPVD 2009/105/EC). In addition to these, the AD 2000 pressure vessel code, drawn up by the German Pressure Vessel Association, is applicable in Germany.

The European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU is a guideline for the design and manufacture of pressure equipment as a pre-requisite for CE-Marking. It applies to pressure vessels, steam boilers, pipelines, heat exchangers, storage tanks, pressure relief devices, valves, regulators and other pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar. According to the risk category of your product, you can choose a combination of different modules to comply with the PED authorizing you to use the CE marking.

European PED certification consists of a full range of pressure vessel testing, inspection and certification. We assess conformity and ensure both safety and compliance of your pressure equipment to European guidelines and standards.

As a Notified Body for the PED 2014/68/EU, our qualified experts can support you in gaining PED certification and ensuring compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive. We assist you throughout the entire process of accreditation, manufacturing and inspection. With over 300 approved inspectors worldwide, we offer you a comprehensive range of services, from product to system and personnel certification.

The Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive or TPED, also known as Directive 1999/36/EC in the new revision of 2010/35/EU, applies to type approval assessment, surveillance of manufacture, initial and periodic inspection, the reassessment of conformity and the surveillance of in-house inspection services for transportable pressure equipments and receptacles. The directive also addresses small parts in pressure equipment and applies to transportation by road (ADR - European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), by rail (RID - Regulations Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail) and by inland waterways (AND - Regulations Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by River and Inland Waterways).

The TPED is a series of measures implementing the European agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods. Its purpose is to provide a legal structure within Europe and enable pressure receptacles which are transported under pressure such as gas cylinders, pressure drums or tanks to be manufactured, sold and operated in the EU without falling prisoner to local approval regimes.

The Simple Pressure Vessels Directive or SPVD applies to all welded vessels subjected to an internal pressure greater than 0.5 bar and which are intended to contain either air or nitrogen, but not supposed to be fired. Generally, these pressure vessels are based on simple designs and are produced in mass.

The SPVD is the Directive 2009/105/EC which harmonizes the laws and directives of all EU members, intending to create a single series of technical requirements for pressure vessel equipment throughout the entire EU market.

In addition to the general European standards, manufacturers in Germany and other EU states must also comply with country-specific regulations. The German AD 2000 is a code of practice for pressure vessels and other pressure equipment. It was drawn up by the German Pressure Vessel Association which includes a large number of German associations and institutions specialized in boilers and pressure vessels.

AD 2000 concerns safety standards for pressure vessels and other pressure equipment, but excludes all items and equipment designed for nuclear use. Because harmonization is now obligatory among EU members, the AD 2000 regulation also strictly conforms to the European PED 2014/68/EU. Therefore, with the mandated application of the German AD 2000-rules and regulations, manufacturers can meet the requirement of the EC directive within the framework of this particular approval.