Certifications are the currency of trust in the oilfield equipment industry. For procurement managers, understanding what each certification means — and how to verify it — is essential to supplier qualification. This guide explains the key certifications for oilfield equipment manufacturers, what they cover, and how to verify that a supplier's certifications are current and valid.
API Certifications: The Industry Gold Standard
API (American Petroleum Institute) certifications are the most important credentials for oilfield equipment manufacturers. Unlike ISO certifications which focus on management systems, API certifications verify that the manufacturer's products meet specific technical standards.
Key API Certifications for Wellhead Equipment:
- API 6A: Wellhead and Christmas tree equipment. Covers casing heads, tubing heads, gate valves, choke valves, flanges, and fittings. Required for any manufacturer of wellhead pressure-containing components.
- API 16A: Drill-through equipment (BOPs). Covers ram and annular blowout preventers.
- API 16C: Choke and kill systems. Covers choke manifolds, kill manifolds, and associated equipment.
- API Q1: Quality management system specific to API product manufacturers. Often held alongside ISO 9001.
How to Verify: Visit the API Composite List at compositelist.api.org and search by company name or license number. This is the only authoritative source — never rely on printed certificates alone. An API Monogram license can be suspended or revoked if the manufacturer fails audits.
ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems
ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems. It certifies that the manufacturer has established processes for:
- Design and development control
- Supplier and raw material management
- Production process control
- Inspection and testing procedures
- Non-conformance handling and corrective action
- Continuous improvement
Important: ISO 9001 certifies the manufacturer's quality management SYSTEM, not individual products. An ISO 9001 certificate does not mean products meet API standards — it means the manufacturer has quality processes in place. API product certification (e.g., API 6A) is required in addition to ISO 9001.
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001: Environmental and Safety
While not directly related to product quality, environmental and safety certifications are increasingly important in supplier evaluation:
ISO 14001 — Environmental Management:
- Certifies that the manufacturer has an environmental management system
- Covers waste management, emissions control, resource efficiency, and regulatory compliance
- Important for buyers with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) requirements
OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001 — Occupational Health and Safety:
- Certifies workplace safety management systems
- Covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety training, and incident management
- Indicates the manufacturer prioritizes worker safety
Many major oil companies now require suppliers to hold ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 as a condition of doing business.
How to Verify Certifications Before Ordering
Follow this verification checklist before placing an order with a new supplier:
1. API Certification: Check compositelist.api.org. Verify the license is active and covers the specific product categories you are ordering. Check the expiration date.
2. ISO Certificates: Request copies of current ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certificates. Verify the certifying body is accredited (e.g., UKAS, ANAB, CNAS). Check the scope of certification covers 'manufacturing of oilfield equipment'.
3. Third-Party Audit: For large orders, commission an independent audit by SGS, Bureau Veritas, TUV, or DNV to verify the manufacturer's facilities and processes.
4. Material Certificates: For pressure-containing components, require EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 material certificates for all pressure-containing parts.
5. Reference Checks: Contact reference customers, ideally in your target market, to verify on-time delivery performance and equipment reliability.
Thorough certification verification protects your company from substandard equipment and potential safety incidents. JLD Energy holds current API 6A certification, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications — all verifiable through the API Composite List and certifying bodies. We welcome factory audits and third-party inspections. Contact us to verify our credentials or request a quotation.