CSA Group Offers Guidance on ATEX Following UK Decision to Leave European Union

DEESIDE, Wales, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

CSA Group, a leading global provider of testing and certification services and a UK Notified Body for the ATEX Directive (under Sira Certification Service), is providing key points regarding ATEX certifications following the UK vote to withdraw from the European Union.

"All clients can rest assured that CSA-Sira certifications remain valid and that we remain an EU Notified Body," said Ian Rippin, Managing Director, CSA -Sira. "It is business as usual, and CSA Group will monitor closely further negotiations while continuing to ensure that it provides the best possible solutions and services to our clients."

To assist clients in understanding how the vote affects certifications, CSA Group offers high-level points to some key questions following the vote:

1.    What happens now that the UK is withdrawing from the EU? 

The process for the UK to withdraw from the European Union is long and complicated. The mechanics for a withdrawal will follow Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union. Once invoked, Article 50 specifies a two-year exit period. Any extension to this two-year period must be agreed by the European Council unanimously. Each legal treaty within the EU agreement must be re-confirmed, re-negotiated or subjected to an agreed withdrawal. While this is negotiated, the UK remains part of the EU with rights and obligations. Client business will not be affected, and CSA will continue to provide an ATEX certification.

2.    Will CSA-Sira remain an ATEX Notified Body following the negotiated withdrawal? 

CSA-Sira will remain a Notified Body. All UK-based Notified Bodies are subject to the same negotiations.

CSA Group will closely monitor and work with relevant government organisations in case of any changes in the years to come. 

3.    How can I be certain that CSA-Sira will be able to offer me ATEX certification? 

CSA Group is a global organisation with highly trained experts and sophisticated laboratories around the world, and will be able to provide required services to our clients. 

For now it is business as usual, and all our services remain in effect. CSA will continue to provide ATEX certification and there is no indication that this will change during or after the withdrawal negotiation period.

About CSA Group 
CSA Group is dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompasses membership-based, not-for-profit standards development, training and research.  Through its world-class commercial subsidiaries, it provides advisory solutions and global testing, inspection and certification services across key business areas including: home and commercial, industrial, healthcare and specialized markets and technologies.  The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit http://www.csagroup.org.

For any further information, please contact Ian Rippin +44-(0)1244-670900, ian.rippin@csagroup.org; Media Contact: Allison Hawkins, Manager, Corporate Affairs, CSA, Group, Tel : +1-416-747-2615, allison.hawkins@csagroup.org