The Old and New EMC Directives Compared

The new European directive on electromagnetic compatibility differs from its predecessor in many ways, large and small. Some of the changes ease the regulatory burden on equipment manufacturers, while others add requirements. Following is a summary of key changes.

Regulatory Relaxations

• Requirements for fixed installations and apparatus intended for specific fixed installations are reduced.
• Benign equipment is explicitly excluded.
• Protection requirements for immunity are now related to intended environment and use.
• The involvement of third-party assessment bodies is not compulsory in any circumstances.
• Manufacturers have a right to receive explicit information on enforcement actions and to present their own points of view.

Increased Requirements

• Components and subassemblies for end-user incorporation into apparatus are now included, even if they have no direct function.
• Administrative requirements now are part of the essential requirements.
• Requirements relating to the use of harmonized standards are tightened.
• An EMC assessment is required unless harmonized standards are applied in full.
• New technical documentation requirements have been added.
• New information requirements have been added.