This is erroneous.
The basic definition for raceways in Article 100 and the specific definitions for IMC and RMC in Articles 342 and 344 respectively indicate that they are not actually part of a wiring method until the conductors are installed. Before that, they are simply pieces of pipe. They will possibly need to be bonded under various conditions of Article 250, but they do not necessarily need to be sealed. Even if they did, they wouldn?t need to be explosionproof under the basic rule in 501.15(B) (2). Since I don?t know the details it is quite possible, even likely, that either Exception 2 or 4 would also apply ? if they need to be sealed ? but they don?t.
Finally, understanding the proper installation of seals would indicate that a seal would afford no greater protection than a cap in the system described in the OP. In fact, 501.15 FPN No 1 recognizes that ?? conduit and cable seals are not intended to prevent the passage of liquids, gases, or vapors at a continuous pressure differential across the seal.? The major entry into the conduit system is the threads for either seals or caps. So a cap may actually be better.