EMC Directive

The Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive) governs on the one hand the electromagnetic emissions of this equipment in order to ensure that, in its intended use, such equipment does not disturb radio and telecommunication as well as other equipment. In the other the Directive also governs the immunity of such equipment to interference and seeks to ensure that this equipment is not disturbed by radio emissions normally present used as intended.

There are currently three conformity assessment procedures for such equipment

• The first is self-declaration by the manufacturer where he/she applies the relevant European harmonised standards.
• The second, where such standards are not available, partially applied, or do not cover all of the requirements, involves the completion of a Technical Construction File (TCF), with a report or certificate from a Competent Body.
• The third procedure, which applies to radio-communication equipment and involves Notified Bodies, is now no longer relevant for almost all such equipment, given the advent of the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.

Manufacturers attest to the conformity of their equipment to the provisions of the Directive by establishing an EC declaration of conformity and affixing the CE Mark. The equipment can then be placed on the European market without further regulatory constraints in respect of the aspects covered by the Directive.

The Directive 89/336/EEC will be repealed as from 20 July 2007 by the new Directive 2004/108/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 15 December 2004, on the approximation of the Laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility, published in the OJEU on 31 December 2004 (L 390/24). See the Press Release and also the Info Day “Revised EMC Directive” held in Brussels on 3 February 2005.

The EMC Directive came into force on 1st January 1992, and replaced all existing legislation for electrical and electronic equipment concerned, including fixed installations, from 1st January 1996. It has been subject to three amendments (see also Revision of the EMC Directive) and at present it has been repealed by the new 2004/108/EC Directive as from 20th July 2007.

Consolidated text of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC can be read directly in html format with indications where it has been amended by Directive 91/263/EEC, Directive 92/31/EEC and Directive 93/68/EEC.