Shaping the future of refrigeration product certification

Change is underway at Europe’s largest HVACR product certifier. Following the restructuring of its refrigeration department, Eurovent Certification has now proposed significant revisions to its Heat Exchanger programme. Headlining these developments is a proposed new scheme for dry coolers and adiabatic dry coolers in partnership with the USA based Cooling Technology Institute (CTI). As the time for transformation approaches, Eurovent Certification is inviting industry stakeholders to two dedicated kick-off events, designed to help shape the future of refrigeration product certification.

Transforming heat exchanger certification

As demand continues to grow for CO₂ refrigeration technologies and advanced heat rejection solutions, Eurovent Certification is preparing the next generation of product certification programmes for the refrigeration industry. The proposed changes include a restructuring of the Eurovent Certified Performance for Heat Exchangers programme, creating a dedicated certification scheme for dry coolers and adiabatic dry coolers, while concentrating the Heat Exchanger programme on commercial refrigeration applications. Through these developments, Eurovent Certification aims to deliver greater programme flexibility, stronger market surveillance, and wider international recognition.

The revamped Heat Exchanger programme will certify products across two distinct pathways based on refrigerant type, separating CO₂ from HFC/HFO products. The two sub-programmes will include:

• CO₂ heat exchangers (including DX air coolers and gas coolers)
• HFC/HFO heat exchangers (including DX air coolers and air-cooled condensers).

Other proposals include changes to surveillance-testing frequency, streamlining audits so they complement not duplicate ISO 9001, tightening surveillance through annual factory audits and additional periodic gas-cooler test conditions.

New dry cooler certification includes adiabatic for first time

The proposed new programme for dry coolers and adiabatic dry coolers introduces an internationally credible certification pathway for manufacturers serving industrial and process applications, including the rapidly growing data centre market. Sitting at the heart of the programme is a collaboration that combines the Cooling Technology Institute’s internationally recognised thermal performance certification standards with Eurovent Certification's governance model, annual factory audits and market surveillance activities. This is especially strategic for dry and adiabatic cooling, where market demand is growing and manufacturers need one clear, trusted certification pathway.​

Under the proposed framework, performance testing would be aligned with CTI STD-201 and the associated Acceptance Test Codes (ATC), ensuring consistency with internationally recognised certification practices. The programme would also introduce a more flexible product-line certification approach, replacing the current "certify-all" principle. In addition, instead of the conventional third-party laboratory testing, manufacturers would benefit from expanded testing options, including approved participant laboratories and field testing conducted under the supervision of an independent licensed agency. To support a smooth transition, a dedicated fast-track pathway has also been proposed for existing Eurovent-certified dry cooler ranges supported by valid EN test reports.

Together, these developments aim to strengthen international recognition, streamline certification processes and facilitate broader access to independently certified dry cooling solutions.

Industry consultation and kick off events

To ensure the programmes meet the needs of manufacturers and the wider HVACR industry, Eurovent Certification will present and discuss the proposals during two hybrid kick-off events on 10 November 2026. Participants can attend online or in person at the Hilton Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, France. The events, held in English, will bring together manufacturers, certified participants and other key stakeholders from across the refrigeration and cooling sectors.

Kick-off event 1: Commercial Refrigeration Heat Exchangers Certification Programme

10:00-13:00 (Paris time)

The first kick-off event will focus on the proposed evolution of the Heat Exchanger certification programme, including its future structure and scope, the introduction of dedicated CO₂ and HFC/HFO sub-programmes, enhancements to certification and surveillance processes, developments in gas cooler testing, and the proposed implementation timeline for the revised certification framework.

Kick-off event 2: Eurovent Certification - CTI Dry & Adiabatic Certification Programme

14:00-17:30 (Paris time)

The second kick-off event will focus on the new programme for dry and adiabatic coolers. Topics for discussion will include the Eurovent Certification-CTI partnership, certification based on CTI STD-201 and associated Acceptance Test Codes, the product-line certification approach, testing routes, factory audits and market surveillance activities, transition arrangements for existing certified products, and programme implementation plans.

To book your place, please email Japhet Habimana at j.habimana@eurovent-certification.com