7 Steps to Achieving PED Compliance: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers and Operators
The guide outlines the seven essential steps manufacturers and pressure equipment operators must take to achieve compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Whether you're new to European market requirements or refining an existing process, this guide helps you navigate PED certification with clarity and confidence.
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a European regulation that ensures the safe design, manufacture, and conformity of pressure equipment. For businesses looking to place pressure equipment on the European market, PED compliance is legally mandatory and vital to safeguarding public safety and supply chain credibility.
Beyond regulatory obligations, PED certification plays a strategic role in enhancing the quality, integrity, and reliability of both your equipment and processes. Non-compliance can lead to serious legal consequences, reputational risk, and loss of market access - making early and accurate alignment with PED requirements critical.
Step 1 – Determine Whether Your Equipment Falls Within PED Scope
Before initiating the certification process, it’s important to confirm whether your equipment is subject to the PED. The directive applies to a wide range of equipment - including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping components, valves, and safety accessories - where the maximum allowable pressure exceeds 0.5 bar. Exceptions are defined in Article 1.2 of the directive.
If your equipment falls within the scope, PED compliance is compulsory for CE marking and market access within the EU.
Step 2 – Classify the Risk Category of Your Equipment
PED classifies pressure equipment into different risk categories depending on the fluid type, pressure, and size. These categories determine the level of conformity assessment required and whether a notified body like LRQA must be involved.
Using tools such as LRQA’s PED Calculator, manufacturers can identify:
- Whether the fluid is gas or liquid
- The applicable fluid group (Group 1 for hazardous, Group 2 for non-hazardous)
- The correct risk category based on volume, diameter, and pressure rating
Correct classification is essential, as it influences every subsequent step of the compliance process.
Step 3 – Select the Appropriate Conformity Assessment Module
Once the risk category is confirmed, you must select a conformity assessment route. The PED outlines 12 modules, ranging from internal production checks to full quality assurance systems. Higher-risk categories require increased oversight and direct involvement from a notified body.
Partnering with an experienced notified body such as LRQA ensures you select the correct pathway and meet the relevant obligations throughout the assessment.
Step 4 – Develop and Maintain Technical Documentation
PED compliance requires a complete and up-to-date technical file for each product. This includes design drawings, hazard and risk assessments, test reports, material specifications, welding qualifications, and operating manuals.
All documentation must reflect the current design and manufacturing process. Regular updates are necessary to maintain compliance, especially if design or production changes occur.
Step 5 – Engage a Notified Body for Inspections and Reviews
If your chosen conformity assessment module mandates it, a notified body will conduct independent inspections, design assessments, and audits. These inspections also include approval of joining procedures and personnel qualifications for welding or other critical tasks.
LRQA brings global expertise and regional authority to PED inspections - offering consistency, speed, and credibility throughout the certification process.
Step 6 – Apply the CE Mark and Issue a Declaration of Conformity
After compliance is confirmed, the CE mark must be affixed to the equipment, and a formal Declaration of Conformity issued. This document should include:
- Manufacturer identification
- Product description
- Conformity procedures used
- Reference to standards applied
- Details of the notified body (if applicable)
Only once this step is completed can the equipment be legally placed on the EU market.
Step 7 – Maintain Compliance and Keep Records Updated
PED compliance is not a one-time exercise. Organisations must regularly review technical files, management systems, and regulatory updates to ensure continued conformity. This includes auditing existing certifications, updating documentation as designs evolve, and adapting to changes in EU legislation.
Ongoing compliance demonstrates operational maturity and helps maintain trust across your customer base and regulatory partners.
Access our detailed implementation roadmap, technical documentation checklist, and notified body readiness insights in the complete guide.
Download the Full Seven-Step PED Compliance Guide
Why Choose LRQA for PED Certification?
Choosing the right compliance partner is critical when navigating the complexities of the Pressure Equipment Directive. At LRQA, we offer more than certification - we provide a collaborative, risk-based approach designed to support your business at every stage of the PED journey.
With operations in over 80 countries, our inspection experts bring a combination of global reach and local regulatory insight, ensuring you receive guidance that is both technically rigorous and contextually relevant to your sector and region. Whether delivered remotely or on-site, our services maintain the highest levels of accuracy, consistency, and audit integrity.
With LRQA as your certification partner, you gain not just compliance - but confidence, credibility, and a clear pathway to placing your pressure equipment safely and successfully on the European market.