European Union Directives
European Union (EU) Directives
Member Countries
Applicable
Directives
Compliance
NOTE: The information contained in this section is intended as a guideline and is based on our interpretation of the various standards and requirements. Since the actual standards are issued by other parties and in some cases Governmental agencies, the requirements can change over time without advance warning or notice. Changes or additions to the standards can possibly invalidate any part of the information provided in this section.
This area of certification and approval is absolutely vital to anyone who wants to do business in Europe. One of the key tasks that faced the EU member countries and the European Economic Area (EEA) was the requirement to bring several similar yet distinct standards together into one common standard for all members. The primary purpose of a single standard was to make it easier to sell and transport goods between the various countries and to maintain a safe working and living environment. The Directives that resulted from this merging of standards are now legal requirements for doing business in Europe. Products that meet these Directives are required to have a CE mark to signify compliance.
As of January 1, 1997, the members of the EU are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway together with the EU members make up the European Economic Area (EEA) and all are covered by the Directives.
There are several Directives that apply to our products. Directives may be amended, or added, as required.
SElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) — this Directive attempts to ensure that devices, equipment, and systems have the ability to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbance to anything in that environment.
SMachinery Safety Directive — this Directive covers the safety aspects of the equipment, installation, etc. There are several areas involved, including testing standards covering both electrical noise immunity and noise generation.
SLow Voltage Directive — this Directive is also safety related and covers electrical equipment that has voltage ranges of
SBattery Directive — this Directive covers the production, recycling, and disposal of batteries.
Certain standards within each Directive already require mandatory compliance. The EMC Directive, which has gained the most attention, became mandatory as of January 1, 1996. The Low Voltage Directive became mandatory as of January 1, 1997.
Ultimately, we are all responsible for our various pieces of the puzzle. As manufacturers, we must test our products and document any test results and/or installation procedures that are necessary to comply with the Directives. As a machine builder, you are responsible for installing the products in a manner which will ensure compliance is maintained. You are also responsible for testing any combinations of products that may (or may not) comply with the Directives when used together.