Information on the Directive, Competent/Notified Bodies, Standardisation etc is available from :-

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the European Union established the EMC Directive ?
The objective of the EMC Directive is to provide for uniform technical regulation amongst the member states in order to foster trade between them. The EMC Directive requires products to generate no harmful emission and to be immune to electromagnetic disturbances. Emissions are regulated on the basis of prevention of interference to radio and telecommunications as well as malfunctions in nearby equipment. On the assumption that other, nearby equipment may itself emit electromagnetic disturbances, devices are required to have a degree of inherent immunity to ensure reliable operation.

Do all products have to comply with the Directive ?
The field in which the Directive is valid comprises all electric and electronic systems and installations. For a number of products, exceptions have been made or a special rule applies.

Does the EMC Directive apply to simple components ?
The EMC directive does not apply to simple components, such as resistors, connectors or switches etc., that do not have an inherent function in themselves. However, it is appropriate to test and apply the CE Marking to so-called complex components, meaning those that not only have an inherent function but also must be available to the end user. CE Marking is thus indicated for such devices as personal-computer plug in cards, thermostats, motors and industrial sensors.

What methods are used to check compliance with the Directive ?
There are 3 methods of compliance :
a) Self declaration. Test may be performed by manufacturer if the requirements of the harmonised standards can be met. Alternatively a third-party EMC laboratory may do the testing.
b) For radio transmitter equipment have a type certification done by a notify body.
c) Assemble a technical construction file (in the case where the harmonised standards have not been applied) and have this certified by a Competent Body

What are essential EMC requirements ?
The products must be constructed in such a way that when they are used for their inherent function, the electromagnetic disturbance (emission) is minimal and the equipment is sufficiently immune to disturbances emanating from the environment.

Where do we have our products registered ?
The Directive does not carry a notification obligation of the product to an authority. The manufacturer or importer is responsible for putting on the market products that comply with the essential requirements of the EMC Directive. Product data must be available for an official check by national Competent Authorities at their specific request.

Do products for own use have to comply ?
The EMC Directive also regulates the use of products that have to comply. This can be achieved by manufacturing and using these products with the same care as products to be marketed.

Do we have to check our production ?
In some EMC standards requirements have been inserted for compliance of mass produced appliances. In principle a regular spot check must be made, applying a statistical analysis.

If the manufacturer modifies the equipment, can he still use the existing declaration ?
If the modification has an effect on EMC aspects a new manufacturer's declaration must be made. Probably only a partial test will then be necessary. If the modification has no effect on EMC aspects, the original declaration remains valid. If the product identification is changed (ie model number), the declaration must be adapted.

If the manufacturer makes a series of products all with the same basic construction, does he/she need to draw up a declaration for each product ?
In principle a declaration must be drawn up for each type of product. For testing purposes, a selected worst case can be chosen. If that type complies, declaration of conformity can be made via the technical construction file route.

How do I know, as a user, whether a product complies ?
By checking whether a CE-mark is present on the equipment.

What happens if the manufacturer put on a CE-Mark without complying ?
If a product proves not to comply then the sale of it can be forbidden and the product banned from the market. The European commission will be notified and the name of the product and that of the manufacturer or importer are published. The use of a fraudulent CE-mark is based on a signed manufacturer's declaration of conformity.

Where should the CE-mark be attached ?
On the equipment or if that is not possible on the packaging the guarantee slip or the instruction sheet.

Is the CE-mark itself sufficient ?
The CE-mark must be supported and based on a manufacturer's declaration of conformity containing the background information.

Is the CE-mark used for other purposes than the EMC Directive compliance ?
Yes, the CE-mark is also used for other product aspects in the field of e.g. toys, gas appliances, medical devices etc. The application of the CE-mark means that the product complies with the requirements of all relevant Directives in force at that moment.

What is the technical construction file ?
A file assembled by the manufacturer that describes the equipment and explains how compliance with the EMC requirements of the Directive has been achieved (both emission and immunity). This file must contain a technical report or a certificate drawn up by a competent body.

What is a Declaration of Conformity ?
A declaration in which the equipment is identified, indicating which Standards have been applied. Besides this the signatory who has a mandate to represent the manufacturer must be identified. The declaration is also known as the 'manufacturer's declaration'.

When and by whom should the manufacturer's declaration be drawn up ?
The declaration must be drawn up by an authorised person within the manufacturer's organisation before the CE-mark is applied and the equipment is put on the market.

Which bodies produce the standard for the EMC Directive ?
For the Directive CENELEC has been appointed to draw up the EMC standards related to telecommunications network equipment and for radio-communications equipment.

How do I know which standards will apply in future ?
When a standard has become applicable for the EMC Directive, the reference is published in the EC Official Journal.

How do I get hold of the standards ?
They are available from the National Standardisation Bodies.

What happens if no product standards exist ?
Then only the Generic Standards can be used or the technical construction file procedure.