The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

Made: 15-11-2016 | Laid: 16-11-2016 | Forced: 08-12-2016

Overview

The 2016 Regulations set out the requirements that must be met before products can be placed on the GB market. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure safe products are placed on the GB market by requiring manufacturers to show how their products meet the essential requirements.

The essential requirements are that:

equipment must be designed and manufactured to ensure that the electromagnetic disturbance generated does not exceed the level above which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment cannot operate as intended; and
the equipment has a level of immunity to the electromagnetic disturbance to be expected in its intended use which allows it to operate without unacceptable degradation of its intended use.

The Regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment which is liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, with some notable exceptions. Some exceptions include:

equipment covered by other specific instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements;
aeronautical apparatus, parts and appliances referred to in Regulation (EC) 216/2008; and
equipment which is incapable of generating electromagnetic interference that is harmful to radio and telecommunication equipment.

For a full list of exceptions please refer to the 2016 Regulations. Nothing in the Regulations affects the application of legislation regulating the safety of equipment.