The European market operates under strict safety regulations for pressure equipment, ensuring that products are designed, manufactured, distributed, and operated safely. At the heart of this framework are two directives: the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED).

For UK and Irish industries, understanding these directives has become increasingly important post-Brexit, as businesses navigate both EU and UK regulatory landscapes. While the UK now has its own equivalent framework, the PED and TPED remain essential for companies exporting to, or operating within, the EU market. Ensuring compliance not only protects safety but also guarantees smooth market access and avoids costly delays.

PED – Pressure Equipment Directive

1. Overview

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) was first introduced in 1997 as Directive 97/23/EC and was later updated to Directive 2014/68/EU. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety and free circulation of pressure equipment within the EU.

PED covers the full lifecycle of pressure equipment. From design and manufacturing to inspection and materials. This ensures that all equipment meets the EU’s essential safety requirements. Conformity assessments must be carried out by EU-recognised notified bodies, and products that comply bear the CE marking.

By standardising safety and quality expectations across member states, PED supports both human and environmental protection while enabling smooth market access.

2. Scope of PED

The directive applies to pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar, including:

• Pressure vessels – e.g., storage tanks and heat exchangers
• Piping systems – including pipes, fittings, expansion joints, and hoses
• Safety accessories – such as safety valves and bursting discs
• Pressure accessories – e.g., valves, filters, flow meters
• Assemblies – including pressure cookers, fire extinguishers, and compressor units

3. Exemptions under PED

While PED applies broadly, there are exemptions. According to Article 4, paragraph 3 of Directive 2014/68/EU, equipment that meets certain technical thresholds can be designed in accordance with sound engineering practices rather than undergoing a full conformity assessment.

Such equipment must still meet relevant safety standards but is exempt from CE marking requirements, provided it does not conflict with other EU harmonised standards.

TPED – Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive

1. Overview

The Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) was introduced in 1999 (Directive 1999/36/EC) and updated to Directive 2010/35/EU.

TPED applies to transportable pressure equipment used within the EU, covering type approval, manufacturing supervision, initial and periodic inspections, requalification, and internal inspection oversight. Equipment that complies is marked with the π (pi) symbol, enabling its free movement within the EU.

2. Scope of TPED

TPED applies to transportable pressure equipment used in road (ADR), rail (RID), and inland waterway (ADN) transport. This includes:

• Cylinders – e.g., oxygen or acetylene cylinders
• Manifold cylinder pallets – such as refillable long tube bundles for gases
• Transportable pressure vessels – including portable tanks and tank containers
• Valves and accessories on cylinders, tube bundles, and transportable vessels

3. Exemptions under TPED

Similar to PED, TPED includes exemptions, largely aligned with international agreements (ADR/RID/ADN) that govern the transport of dangerous goods. Depending on the nature of the equipment and its intended use, certain exemptions may be applicable to simplify compliance.

Core Differences and Connections Between PED and TPED

While PED and TPED work together, each focuses on a distinct stage of equipment use:

• PED regulates pressure equipment in fixed installations, focusing on design, manufacture, and market placement.
• TPED governs transportable pressure equipment, ensuring ongoing safety during transport.

Both directives share the same foundation of Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) combined with harmonised EN standards, ensuring consistency and safety across both fixed and mobile applications. TPED builds upon PED’s requirements for the design and manufacturing stages, meaning both directives are complementary and interconnected.

FITOK Certification and NVFCL Supply

FITOK holds both PED and TPED certifications, ensuring its fittings, valves, tubing, transportable cylinders, and cylinder valves meet the highest EU standards. Additionally, equipment with a DN of ≤ 25 is designed and manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and relevant national/international standards. This qualifies as “sound engineering practice” and is exempt from CE marking under PED.

As FITOK’s only authorised distributor in the UK & Ireland, NVFCL supplies PED- and TPED-compliant components to industries that rely on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

NVFCL’s Role in Supporting Compliance

Navigating PED and TPED requirements can be complex, particularly for UK businesses trading with the EU after Brexit. NVFCL provides more than just supply — our team offers technical expertise, guidance, and access to certified FITOK components, helping organisations meet regulatory standards with confidence.

Whether you need advice on suitable valve and fitting selections or ensuring your systems meet the relevant directive requirements, NVFCL is here to support you from specification to supply.

Conclusion

Understanding PED and TPED is essential for ensuring the safe design, manufacture, and transport of pressure equipment across Europe. With FITOK’s certified products and NVFCL’s technical support and distribution expertise, UK and Irish businesses can confidently meet EU regulatory requirements.

For more information on FITOK’s PED and TPED certified products, or to discuss your pressure equipment needs, contact NVFCL today.