EMC Directive – Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMCD)

• The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) applies to electrical and electronic equipment without radio functionality.

• Products must comply with emission limits and immunity requirements.

• Self-declaration is typically possible when harmonized standards are fully applied.

• Technical documentation must be retained for at least 10 years after market placement.

• Important: Radio equipment (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) falls under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU, not the EMCD.

Beyond defining its scope, Directive 2014/30/EU sets out essential protection requirements to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment does not generate unacceptable electromagnetic disturbances and is sufficiently immune to external interference. Meeting these requirements is mandatory for CE marking and market access within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The directive addresses two fundamental aspects:

• Emission Limits – Devices must not emit electromagnetic disturbances that could interfere with other equipment. (See also the definition of EMI.)

• Immunity Levels – Devices must continue to operate reliably in the presence of external electromagnetic disturbances. (See also the definition of EMS.)

Devices must limit electromagnetic emissions to ensure they do not interfere with other electrical or electronic equipment. The EMC Directive distinguishes two main types of emissions:

• Conducted Emissions – Disturbances that travel through power or signal cables into the mains network or connected devices. → Conducted Emissions

• Radiated Emissions – Electromagnetic energy emitted from the device housing, connected cables, or antennas into the surrounding environment. → Radiated Emissions

The applicable emission limits depend on the device type and intended environment. They are defined in harmonized standards such as EN 55032 (multimedia equipment), EN 61000-6-3 (residential/commercial), and EN 61000-6-4 (industrial environments).

To ensure stable operation, devices must be sufficiently resistant to external electromagnetic disturbances. The required immunity tests depend on the device type and its intended operating environment.

Key immunity factors include:

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) – Protection against discharges from human contact or charged objects.

• Radiated Immunity – Resistance to electromagnetic fields present in the surrounding environment.

• Fast Transients (Burst) – Tolerance to short, rapid voltage spikes typically caused by switching operations.

• Surge Immunity – Ability to withstand high-energy overvoltage events resulting from lightning activity or power grid disturbances.

• Conducted Immunity – Protection against interference signals coupled into the device through power or data lines.

Meeting these immunity requirements ensures reliable device performance even in electromagnetically demanding environments and helps prevent malfunctions or operational failures.

Compliance with the EMC Directive is typically demonstrated by applying harmonized standards. These standards specify the required test methods and limit values for both electromagnetic emissions and immunity performance.

Applying harmonized standards provides a presumption of conformity, which simplifies the CE marking process and the overall conformity assessment. When harmonized standards are fully applied, manufacturers can generally self-declare conformity. If the standards are not applied in full, or if additional risks must be evaluated, alternative assessment procedures — including optional involvement of a Notified Body — may be required.

CE marking is the final step in demonstrating EMC compliance, allowing products to be legally placed on the EU market. To ensure transparency and enforcement, manufacturers, importers, and distributors must fulfill specific obligations, and market surveillance authorities monitor ongoing conformity.

Before placing an electrical or electronic product on the EU market, manufacturers must:

• Ensure compliance with EMC requirements – The product must meet emission limits and immunity levels as defined by harmonized standards or alternative assessment methods.

• Prepare technical documentation – A technical file must be compiled, including test reports, risk assessments, and compliance statements.

• Issue an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – The manufacturer must confirm that the product meets the EMC Directive and all other applicable EU regulations.

• Affix the CE marking – The CE mark must be visible, legible, and permanently attached to the product before market placement.

The CE marking indicates that the product complies with all applicable EU regulations, not just the EMC Directive.

Market surveillance authorities in the European Economic Area (EEA) monitor compliance by:

• Conducting random inspections and laboratory testing.

• Requesting technical documentation from manufacturers and importers.

• Issuing corrective actions, such as product recalls or sales bans for non-compliant products.

Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal actions, and reputational damage. Economic operators must cooperate with authorities to ensure product safety and regulatory adherence.