Cost of Process Control Equipment
across the UK

# Process Control Equipment Accreditation Guide

In the UK, process control equipment providers may hold accreditation from several recognised bodies depending on their specialisation. The most relevant include the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association (EEMUA), which sets standards for the safe operation and maintenance of equipment in process industries, and BSI (British Standards Institution), which certifies compliance with ISO standards and other technical specifications. For companies working with safety-critical systems, ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) certification is essential, particularly if equipment operates in potentially explosive environments. Additionally, the PAS (Publicly Available Specification) scheme and ISO 9001 quality management certification indicate that a provider maintains documented processes and quality control. Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or similar professional bodies can also signal expertise and accountability, though this typically applies to individual engineers rather than organisations. Understanding which accreditations are mandatory versus voluntary for your specific application is the first step in evaluating a provider.

Verifying a provider's credentials is straightforward and strongly recommended before engaging their services. Check the relevant trade body's register directly—BSI, EEMUA, and ATEX all maintain searchable online databases of accredited organisations and certified equipment. Ask the provider for their accreditation certificate, issue date, and scope of certification, then confirm these details independently rather than relying on marketing materials alone. Many accreditations require annual renewal and periodic audits, so check the expiry date and whether the current certificate is active. It matters because accredited providers have undergone independent assessment, maintain documented systems, and are subject to oversight; if something goes wrong, you have recourse through the accrediting body. Non-accredited providers may be cheaper or equally competent, but you have fewer guarantees and less protection if standards are not met or if equipment fails.

Accredited process control equipment