The EMC Directive applies to most electrical and electronic equipment, with the main objective to regulate the compatibility of equipment regarding EMC. In order to achieve this objective, provisions have been put in place so that:

1. equipment (apparatus and fixed installations) needs to comply with the requirements of the EMC Directive when it is placed onto he EU market and/ or taken into service; and

2. the application of good engineering practice is required for fixed installations, with the possibility for the competent authorities of Member States to impose measures if non-compliances are established.

The conformity assessment for apparatus involves "Self-Declaration" by the manufacturer, with the voluntary option of using a "Notified Body" in the assessment of the manufacturers "Technical File".

Manufacturers attest to the conformity of their apparatus to the provisions of the EMC Directive by establishing an EC declaration of conformity and affixing the "CE Mark". The equipment can than be placed onto the EU Market without further regulatory constraints in respect of aspects covered in the EMC Directive.

The EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) was adopted on 15 December 2004, and transposed into UK law by the EMC Regulations (SI 2006/3418), which came into force on 20 July 2007. These Regulations replaced the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2005. Guidance on these Regulations can be downloaded from the BIS website.

An "EMC Guide" to the application of the EMC Directive has also been published by the European Commission and can be downloaded from the ec.europa website