EMC Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD)

• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements in the EU are defined by Directive 2014/30/EU (EMCD).

• The EMCD (Directive 2014/30/EU) applies to non-radio electrical and electronic equipment, while radio devices fall under the RED (Directive 2014/53/EU).

• Products must meet emission limits and immunity levels.

• Manufacturers can self-certify if harmonized standards are fully applied.

• Technical documentation must be retained for 10 years.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ensures that electrical and electronic devices do not interfere with each other. The EMC Directive sets standards to prevent electromagnetic disturbances and ensure reliable operation.

Why is EMC Compliance Important?

• Prevents interference and malfunctions in electronic devices.

• Ensures safety & reliability in interconnected environments.

• Mandatory for CE marking and market access in the European Economic Area (EEA).

How Does the EMC Directive Fit into CE Marking?

The EMC Directive is one of the key regulations alongside:

• Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU – Electrical safety.

• Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU – Wireless communication devices.

It applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, from consumer electronics to industrial machinery.

If you are preparing for EMC certification and require accredited testing services, visit our EMC testing service page for an overview of test methods, laboratory capabilities, and supported product categories.

In addition to defining its scope, Directive 2014/30/EU establishes essential protection requirements to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment does not generate or suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for CE marking and market access within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The directive focuses on two key aspects:

• Emission Limits – Devices must not emit excessive electromagnetic disturbances that could interfere with other equipment.

• Immunity Levels – Devices must be able to function reliably even in the presence of external electromagnetic interference.

Electromagnetic emissions must be controlled to avoid interference with other electrical and electronic devices. These emissions can occur in two forms:

• Conducted Emissions – Electromagnetic disturbances that travel through power or signal cables into the power grid or other connected devices.

• Radiated Emissions – Electromagnetic energy emitted through the housing, cables, or antennas of a device into the surrounding environment.

Emission limits vary depending on the device type and environment, and they are defined in harmonized standards such as EN 55032 and EN 61000-6-3.

Devices must also be resistant to external electromagnetic disturbances to ensure proper functionality. Immunity requirements vary based on device type and operating conditions.

Key immunity factors include:

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) – Protection against static electricity discharges from human contact or surrounding materials.

• Radiated Immunity – Resistance to electromagnetic fields from nearby devices.

• Fast Transients (Burst Immunity) – Tolerance to short electrical spikes, often caused by switching operations in power circuits.

• Surge Protection – Ability to withstand voltage surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations.

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

Compliance with immunity requirements ensures stable device operation in EMI-heavy environments, reducing disruptions and performance issues.

Most manufacturers demonstrate compliance with the EMC Directive by applying harmonized standards, which define test methods and performance limits for emissions and immunity.

Applying harmonized standards provides a presumption of conformity, simplifying the CE marking process and regulatory approval. If harmonized standards are fully applied, manufacturers can self-certify compliance. Otherwise, alternative assessment procedures, including Notified Body involvement, 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.