EMC Testing - What are the legalities?

To prevent the occurrence of EMC problems the UK government adopted stringent laws, first back in 1992, forcing all manufacturers and importers of electronic goods to ensure that their products are electromagnetically compatible.

Business customers also often require that the products they buy are CE marked. This mark signifies that the goods meet all the relevant 'CE marking' directives in place in Europe, including the EMC Directive as written into UK law by Statutory Instruments. The legislation in place guides manufacturer's down a route of proving EMC compliance through EMC type Testing. It offers two basic methods to prove EMC Compliance:

EMC Testing to harmonised standards and make a declaration that the product complies (known as the EC Declaration of Conformity).

Agree an alternative or reduced test plan with a 'Competent Body', test and submit all relevant document to the body (known as the Technical Construction File).

Should a case come to court, the manufacture can defend themselves if they can show that they have taken "all reasonable precautions and due diligence". I.e. have checked the product, undertaken EMC Tests and made a concerted effort not to inadvertently break the law.
 

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