The core directive governing ATEX explosion-proof certification is 2014/34/EU, commonly known as the "New Approach" Directive referred to as ATEX 100A, which is the currently valid ATEX explosion protection directive.

Compared with previous directives, Directive 2014/34/EU features a notably expanded coverage scope: it covers both mining and non-mining equipment, encompassing mechanical as well as electrical equipment. Meanwhile, potentially explosive atmospheres are extended to include dust, flammable gases, flammable vapours and mists present in air.

For manufacturers of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, their explosion-proof equipment may be marketed anywhere in Europe provided that the products comply with the provisions of the ATEX Directive and bear the CE marking, without any additional requirements.

The directive applies to an extensive range of equipment, roughly including apparatus used on fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, flour mills and other locations where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist.

ATEX certification is a type of testing and certification approval to verify the safety of products sold to the EU and other international regions. The ATEX certificate is mandatory within the EU. In addition, many countries outside Europe often specify ATEX compliance as a contractual requirement.