CE Marking: Have you tested your product for EMC?

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CE Marking: Have you tested your product for EMC?

Last edited

Jul 19, 2023

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This article emphasizes the critical importance of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing for products seeking CE marking under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. James Daniels, a seasoned expert in product approvals, outlines the necessity of conducting EMC tests to ensure that products neither emit harmful electromagnetic interference nor are susceptible to such interference from other devices. The piece delves into the requirements for compiling comprehensive technical documentation, including test reports, design details, and risk assessments, to substantiate compliance and facilitate market access within the EU.

If you provide an electronic product for use in the European Union, it is required to comply with the EMC Directive harmonized standards under CE Marking legislation. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing measures RF produced as well as subjecting products to electromagnetic disturbances to ensure an electronic device continues to perform as expected when exposed to interference, and to make sure it does not interfere with other equipment.

CE EMC Testing

Most commonly our clients look to qualify their products for CE Marking within Europe, which also provides some confidence when exporting worldwide. Our EMC testing reports are recognized and accepted in many countries and regions around the world, minimizing EMC testing costs for companies looking to gain global market access.

Is EMC required for CE?

If products don’t comply with national and international industry-specific and legislative EMC standards, their time to market can be hugely delayed at a considerable cost to the manufacturer.

What is the CE mark in EMC testing?

A CE mark is a symbol that is applied to products placed on the EU market and is representative of the care taken to ensure products are safe and fit for purpose. Most electrical products and equipment sold within the European market must meet EMC directive 2014/30/EU, and only once all relevant requirements are met can the CE mark be affixed.

“CE EMC testing is not only the best way to determine compliance with the EMC directive, it also provides manufacturers with the confidence they need that their product will not cause interference or be affected by disturbances that are commonly experienced when they are used by customers. Manufacturers need their products to be robust and reliable to ensure their products’ good reputation, and this can only realistically be attained through EMC testing. ”

James Daniels-

Start early with CE EMC testing requirements

The most cost-effective approach to EMC testing and certification is always going to be considering it as early as possible in the development cycle. If a product has to be re-designed, it can be prohibitively expensive and result in delays to market and a loss in consumer confidence. Our pre-qualification (and pre-compliance) service makes sure you understand from the outset the implications of EMC compliance to help you achieve success the first time when you reach the testing, approvals, and certification phase.

The Element advantage

Working closely with your design team, our experts make sure that costs are kept to a minimum, and that your product gets to market quickly and successfully.

If you would like to find out more about Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing requirements, please contact us today.