Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

What? Why? When? How? Help?

What is it?

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive is an EU Product Directive.

The EMC Directive lays down requirements for nearly all electrical and electronic apparatus. It also covers products that incorporate electrical and electronic components.

Products within the scope of the Directive must comply at the first "putting on the market" or "putting into service" in EEA. Thereafter the Directives carry no bearing on the product's operation and maintenance.  (Individual national regulations apply for the operation and maintenance phases).

Why do we need it?

Prior to the EMC Directive each EU member state had its own regime for regulating such equipment. Each was based upon a national perception of safety hazards. The EMC Directive creates a single legal structure within which electrical and electronic goods can be sold on the entire EU market without having to submit to a multitude of national approval regimes.

A product that complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive in one EU member state must be accepted in all member states.

When does the EMCD come into force?

The Directive has been mandatory since 1 January 1996.  There have been several amendments of the Directive since this date.

How to comply with the EMCD?

The EMC Directive simply requires products to: 

• not emit electromagnetic pollution such that it could cause interference in other equipment
• be immune from a background electromagnetic pollution

The detailed technical levels and frequency bands are not specified in the Directive, but in harmonised standards.  

Conformity with harmonised standards "guarantees" conformity with the Directive. Their application, however, is not mandatory. If harmonised standards are not suited to a specific product, any alternative standard or solution may be applied if it can be shown to carry equivalent safety. It is, however, difficult to demonstrate equivalent safety. One solution to this problem is risk assessment for which CEproof has developed its own software..

Think your product(s) must comply? 

• CEproof's EU Directive Services
• Contact CEproof:
• Text and Standards for EMC Directive
• DTI Guide on the EMC Directive

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