Entering the EU Market: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

The EMC Directive imposes a two-way requirement: the equipment must not radiate unacceptable interference into its surroundings and must itself be able to operate as expected under interference.

Where harmonised standards are applied in full, the manufacturer makes its own declaration. Where a standard is not applied, or only partly applied, the route in which the opinion of a notified body is obtained is chosen.

• Product block diagram, cabling and earthing arrangement
• Emission and immunity test reports
• The list of harmonised standards applied
• The operating mode during testing and the definition of the performance criterion
• The EU Declaration of Conformity

1. 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
2. 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
3. 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
4. 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
5. 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
6. 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
7. 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
8. 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.

• Radio equipment is outside the scope of EMC; its EMC requirements are addressed within RED
• In an immunity test the product need not be entirely unaffected; acceptable behaviour is defined in advance
• There are separate provisions for fixed installations

1. 01EMC and LVDThey apply together to the same product; LVD addresses user safety and EMC compatibility with the electromagnetic environment. They are two separate test programmes and two separate sets of requirements.
2. 02EMC and REDFor a product carrying a radio interface, the EMC requirements are met within RED; no separate EMC declaration is made. RED additionally requires the efficient use of the radio spectrum.
3. 03EMC and automotive EMCVehicles and vehicle components are subject to their own EMC requirements within the vehicle type approval framework rather than the general EMC directive; the test arrangements and limits differ.
4. 04EMC and harmonics/flicker requirementsHarmonic current and voltage fluctuation fed into the supply network are governed by separate standards and are part of the EMC file; they must not be confused with the emission tests.

This page describes entry into the European Union market. The scheme itself — its scope, process, validity period and required documents — is covered in detail on the certification page.

This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.