EMC Directive 2014/30/EU has now replaced 2004/108/EC
The new EMC Directive, 2014/30/EU, is similar in scope to the 2004 version in that it applies to all “equipment” placed on the market in the European Union that is not covered by the Radio Equipment Directive, requirements for aeronautical products, or is amateur radio equipment. The 2014 version contains additional product traceability and labeliing measures as part of alignment with the New Legislative Framework, or NLF, but does not contain additional technical requirements.
“Equipment” means any apparatus or fixed installation where:
- Apparatus is any finished appliance or combination thereof made available on the market as a single functional unit, intended for the end user.
- fixed installations are a combination of several types of apparatus assembled, installed and intended to be used permanently at a predefined location.
In order to demonstrate that apparatus complies with the EMC Directive, the manufacturer must perform an electromagnetic compatibility assessment with a view to meeting the protection requirements set out in Annex I of the Directive. The assessment must take into account the normal operating conditions and is usually done by the correct application of all the relevant harmonised standards. Standards are normally “applied” by a combination of testing and technical argument.
The manufacturer must compile and collate technical documentation detailing how the product meets the EMC Directive. It must cover the design and manufacture of the apparatus, in particular:
- A general description of the apparatus;
- Evidence of compliance with the harmonised standards, if any, applied in full or in part;
- Where the manufacturer has not applied harmonised standards, or has applied them only in part, a description and explanation of the steps taken to meet the essential requirements of the Directive, including a description of the electromagnetic compatibility assessment set out in Annex II, point 1, results of design calculations made, examinations carried out, test reports, etc.
- Details of quality control during manufacture so that the manufacturer can be sure of the build state of all products made and so declare that they comply with applicable directives.
Latest EU guidance documents on 2014/30/EU:
Guide for the EMCD (Directive 2014/30/EU)
Questions and answers on the transition from Directive 2004/108/EC to 2014/30/EU.
EMC ADCO information for economic operators and Word version of recommended DoC.
Application of EMC Directive and/or EMC Vehicle Directive to After-Market Equipment
We can guide you through the product approval process to demonstrate compliance with the EMC Directive by:
- Reviewing any existing CE Technical File and identifying the standards applicable to the product.
- Provide design advice and support during early stage design reviews and product development.
- Create streamlined test plans for Pre-Compliance and Compliance testing and writing technical argument where testing is not required.
- Perform and/or manage sub-contract testing at 3rd party test facilities.
- Produce Test Reports and the Technical File that should be retained by the manufacturer to support the CE mark.
For more information, or a free initial telephone consultation,
please send us an email or call us on +44 (0)7946 624317.