EMC directive

On January 1, 1992, the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC came into force; it has been applied as national law since January 1, 1996. In Germany it is the EMC law. This directive was created to harmonize the laws of the member states on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This is to achieve an approximation of the European internal market. Products that guarantee conformity throughout Europe are marked with the CE mark.

The 1992 EU Directive was harmonized with the aim of promoting the internal market and thus became the EMC Directive 2004/108/ EC. The EMC Directive of 2004 creates clarity as to which components, assemblies, devices and systems fall under the directive. It also clearly defines products which, due to their physical characteristics, cause very little interference or are very insensitive to interference and do not fall under the EMC Directive.

Since 9.10.1992 the German law for electromagnetic compatibility, EMVG, is in force, and therefore the corresponding EC directive is valid. This means that when it comes to laws, norms and standards, only the EC approvals are decisive. German and national standards and certifications are still possible.