Simple Pressure Vessels Directive 87/404/EC
The Simple Pressure Vessels Directive is a European Single Market Directive that covers certain vessels which are intended to contain
air or nitrogen.
Subject area
The Directive covers simple pressure vessels which are intended to contain air or nitrogen at a gauge pressure greater than 0.5 bar but less than or equal to 30 bar and not intended to be exposed to flame. They are manufactured in series and are of welded steel or aluminium construction.
Intention of legislation
To enable the free trading of products within the EEA by removing the need for separate documentation and testing for each individual European market. Manufacturers may use a single CE mark on their products to show compliance with this (and any other relevant) Directive.
Implementing legislation
The Directive has been implemented in the UK by the the Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/2749) as
amended (SI 1994/3098). The Regulations came into force on 31 December 1991.
The Regulations and amendment are available to download from The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).
Notified Bodies
A list of Notified Bodies accredited under SPV can be found by following this link to the European Commission's NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.
The list can be sorted by country or by Notified Body name by clicking on the column headings. The contact details, accreditation information and information on the Directive modules for which the organisation is notified can be found by clicking on the Notified Body name. Please note that UK based companies are not restricted to using UK Notified Bodies.
CAUTION: The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment. Please see further information in the attached warning note (DOC, 42 Kb) .
Enforcement
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the enforcement of the UK Regulations.
Guidance and further information
A guide to the UK Regulations, and a list of UK Conformity Assessment Bodies appointed by the Secretary of State, are available through the link below.
European guidelines, along with the text of the Directive are available from the European Commission's Pressure Equipment website through the link below.
Contact
Andrew Lunnon,
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
4th Floor, Orchard 1
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel 020 7215 0158, Fax 020 7215 6862
Email: andrew.lunnon@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Please note that we can generally only offer advice on policy interpretation; if you require complex technical advice, please contact one of the Conformity Assessment Bodies. A list is available above.
