EMC Directive
For those of you who track by the Directive numbers, the old EMC Directive 2004/108/EC was replaced by 2014/30/EU. The changes or enhancements in language in the recast EMC Directive include:
- Specifically requires the name and address of the manufacturer on the apparatus unless it is not possible, then on the packaging (Article 7)
- Retention of documentation and DoC for 10 years after placing the product on the market (Article 7)
- Traceability via a type, batch, serial number, or other means of identifying the product (Article 7)
- The DoC shall be translated into the language or languages required by the member state in which the apparatus is placed or made available on the market (Article 15)
- Market surveillance procedures have been added (Chapter 5)
When is it effective?
- The old EMC Directive was repealed on April 20, 2016. (Article 45)
- The recast EMC Directive went into force on April 20, 2016. (Article 46)
How do you know if you are subject to the EMC Directive?
- If your product is available on the market as a single function unit, intended for the end user, and liable to generate an electromagnetic disturbance or if the performance of the product is likely to be impacted by electromagnetic disturbances.
- The Directive provides for some exemptions in very special cases. (See Articles 2 & 3)
What should you do?
- Check the standards your product was tested to and make sure the testing is up to date with changes in the standards. If not, you will want to have testing conducted to ensure the product meets the latest adopted standard in the Official Journal. You can check the harmonized standards that are published in the Official Journal at the following URL: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/index_en.htm and then select the EMC Directive. The list of harmonized standards are not changing between the old and recast Directive.
- Update your DoC to reflect the Directives and standards the product complies with. Products being placed on the market in the EU on or after April 20, 2016 subject to the EMC Directive should reference the recast EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
- Review your CE marking on your product and ensure it complies with the requirements.
- Make sure your retention policy for your technical construction file meets the 10 year requirement in the EMC Directive from the time the product is placed on the EU market.