KNPC: rules and approvals
Kuwait's communications regulator, CITRA, extended type approval validity from one to three years, with renewal timing set in advance, so handset certificates need diary control.
KNPC · ATEX and IECEx
ATEX and IECEx Smartphone Supplier for KNPC
KNPC is the downstream arm of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, covering refining, gas processing and local marketing of petroleum products. KNPC was established in October 1960, became fully government-owned in 1975 and was placed under Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in 1980, so its refineries have a long operating history. This page sets out how an ATEX and IECEx smartphone supply route to KNPC will work for the IS-04Z1, and what is and is not available before launch.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Marking targetEx ib IIC T4Intrinsic safety, Zone 1 / 21 design target · certification in progress
AvailabilityQ4 2026via authorised distributors
Search topicATEX and IECEx
DeviceSmartphone
RouteSupply
WhereKNPC
Short answer. An ATEX and IECEx smartphone for KNPC cannot be bought yet: the SAMS IS-04Z1 is pre-launch (certification in progress, no certificate issued), and the datasheet, certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
Status: pre-launch. IECEx, ATEX, UKEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress and no certificate has been issued; launch is planned for Q4 2026. A buyer's engineering review is separate from the certificate. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
At a glance · ATEX and IECEx
Checklist: ATEX and IECEx smartphone for KNPC
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Marking | II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 on the rating plate | Design target; not yet marked |
| EU-type examination certificate | Notified body number and certificate ID | In progress with TÜV; not issued |
| IECEx certificate of conformity | Number listed on the IECEx online register | In progress; not issued |
| Where it applies | KNPC: Refinery process units, Gas processing trains, Fuel storage and export piers | Classified by the site operator |
Product · Kuwait
The product behind this search: the SAMS IS-04Z1.
SAMS IS-04Z1
An intrinsically safe Android smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas in Kuwait. It is pre-launch: IECEx, ATEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
- IP68 sealed
- 4,000 mAh battery
- 50 MP camera
- Android 16
- Zone 1 / Zone 21 design target
The organisation · KNPC
Working with Kuwait National Petroleum Company: sites and classified areas
The main sites and the hazardous-area types a portable device is likely to meet at this organisation.
Sites and areas
- Mina Al-Ahmadi
- Mina Abdullah
- Al-Zour
- Shuaiba oil berth
Classified areas
- Refinery process units
- Gas processing trains
- Fuel storage and export piers
Supplier approval · KNPC
Supplier registration at KNPC
Supplier registration and equipment approval are run by the organisation itself; confirm current requirements with its procurement and HSE teams. The Ex certificate and an organisation's own vendor or engineering approval are two separate timelines; SAMS is working towards both and holds neither today.
Field notes · KNPC
More about KNPC that matters for portable equipment
KNPC: projects and investment
The Shuaiba refinery, built in 1966 as the first refinery in the region built by a national company, was shut in March 2017 so its facilities could be reused for the Clean Fuels Project.
KNPC: projects and investment
Ultra-low-sulphur diesel production began at Mina Al-Ahmadi in 2014, so desulphurisation capacity is part of the refinery process mix.
KNPC: industry on the ground
Mina Abdullah refines about 280,000 barrels a day, while Mina Al-Ahmadi has a published capacity of roughly 346,000 to 466,000 barrels a day, so both operating refineries are very large process sites.
The term · ATEX and IECEx
What “ATEX and IECEx” means for a smartphone
ATEX is the European legal framework for equipment used in explosive atmospheres (Directive 2014/34/EU). IECEx is the international certification scheme built on the IEC 60079 standards. Buyers outside Europe often ask for both: an IECEx certificate is the technical evidence most national regimes build on, while ATEX is the legal route into the European market.
For the IS-04Z1 both routes are in progress with TÜV in Germany and neither certificate has been issued. The marking target is II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4: equipment Group II (surface industry), Category 2 (Zone 1 gas), protection concept ib (intrinsic safety), gas group IIC and temperature class T4.
In KNPC. A KNPC reviewer would expect certificate evidence before a handheld enters refinery process units or LPG plants at Mina Al-Ahmadi, Mina Abdullah or Al-Zour. Large refinery projects involve international EPCs and licensors, so a dual ATEX and IECEx route lets one product answer both families of paperwork. The IS-04Z1 is in certification and no certificate exists.
The route · supply
Sourcing the IS-04Z1 for KNPC
Supply of the IS-04Z1 to KNPC starts only after certification, through authorised distributors. Until then a buyer can request the datasheet and the written certification schedule, and arrange a safe-area evaluation unit, which puts the site on the list for the right local channel at launch.
- 01
Request the datasheet
The technical specification, marking target and conditions of use, sent by email.
- 02
Ask for the certification schedule
Which certificates are in progress, in what order, and what is still to be confirmed.
- 03
Evaluate in a safe area
Evaluation units can be used for connectivity, MDM enrolment and workflow testing outside classified areas.
- 04
Register for launch
Tell us the site, zone, gas group and quantity so the right authorised distributor can contact you.
Questions · KNPC
Frequently asked questions
Can KNPC buy the IS-04Z1 today?
Not yet. The IS-04Z1 is pre-launch and its certification is still in progress ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. No unit goes into a classified area before the certificate covering it exists. The datasheet, the certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
What does an ATEX and IECEx smartphone for KNPC cost?
There is no list price yet. SAMS gives indicative pre-launch pricing in writing, against a stated quantity and site, and does not commit to a lead time before certification completes.
Is the IS-04Z1 ATEX and IECEx certified?
Not yet. Both routes are in progress with TÜV in Germany and no certificate has been issued. Any listing that says otherwise is wrong.
How does KNPC approve suppliers?
Supplier registration and equipment approval are run by the organisation itself; confirm current requirements with its procurement and HSE teams.
How will SAMS supply KNPC?
Through authorised distributors once certificates exist. Until then SAMS can send the datasheet and certification schedule and arrange safe-area evaluation units.
How large are KNPC's main refineries?
Mina Al-Ahmadi covers about 10.5 million square metres and Mina Abdullah about 7.8 million, located 40 km and 46 km south of Kuwait City. Distances inside the sites are long, so plan for vehicle transport, battery capacity and gate times.
Does KNPC set its own supplier and equipment rules?
Typically yes. KNPC runs its own vendor registration, safety procedures and equipment approvals for contractors, and these may differ between refineries. Confirm current requirements with its procurement and HSE teams, and also check the CITRA type-approval status of any radio device.
Does the KIPIC merger change who to approach at KNPC?
The merger is reported near completion, with Al-Zour joining KNPC, so the final legal entity should be checked. Equipment approval is run by the organisation itself, through its procurement and HSE teams. Ask them for current requirements. The IS-04Z1 has no certificate yet.
Related guides
Keep exploring
Related guides for KNPC and for Kuwait.
Explosion-Proof Mobile Phone for KNPCSame place, different guide
IECEx Mobile Phone for KNPCSame place, different guide
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Phone Supplier for KNPCSame place, different guide
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone for KNPCSame place, different guide
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone Supplier for PICElsewhere in Kuwait
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone Supplier for KOCElsewhere in Kuwait
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone Supplier for EQUATEElsewhere in Kuwait
Kuwait market guideCertification route and regulators
All guides for KuwaitEvery route we cover
Certification statusWhat is in progress
Enquiry · KNPC
Ask about the IS-04Z1 for KNPC, Kuwait
Share the site details and quantity. You will get the datasheet and the certification schedule back by email; pricing is indicative only until launch.
Enquiry · KNPC
Launching Q4 2026
Planning for KNPC?
Send the zone and gas group of your site and we will reply with the datasheet and schedule.