The EMC Directive applies to systems. A system is defined as a combination of several finished products (see below), apparatus and/or put together by the same person (system manufacturer) intended to be placed on the market for distribution as a single functional unit for an end user and intended to be installed to operate together to perform a specific task.

In a common language, the word system is used for a combination of several apparatus to perform a specific task where the end-user is the person who decides which apparatus belong to his/her so-called system and where the apparatus were not intended to be placed on the market as a single functional unit.

Apparatus	Complete System
Monitor Keyboard Computer Scanner Plotter Printer

The system as a whole is a final apparatus, in the sense of the EMC Directive it is an apparatus, it can enjoy free movement within the EEA. Therefore it must be designed and put together so as to comply with the EMC essential requirements in any situation that can be reasonably expected in any designed electromagnetic environment and in any of its configurations. A combination of parts may be considered as a system if the manufacturer lists all parts in the instructions for use and declares for the attention of the installer and /or end user that this combination forms a system. The system manufacturer assumes the responsibility for compliance of the system as a whole with the Directive and must therefore provide clear instructions for assembly - installation, interconnection, integration, use and maintenance (when applicable) as well as limitations for connection and use.

Several Case systems

Case 1: Systems assembled from only CE marked apparatus
Case 2: Systems assembled from apparatus including some not CE marked
Case 3: Systems or apparatus with various configurations