Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

Legislative Background

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 implements into UK law an EU Directive (2014/30/EU) on electromagnetic compatibility (commonly called the EMC Directive). The EU Withdrawal Act 2018 preserves the Regulations and enables them to be amended so as to continue to function effectively now that the UK has left the EU.

Accordingly, the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit)

Regulations 20191 fix any deficiencies that arose from the UK leaving the EU (such as

references to EU institutions) and make specific provision for the GB market.

There is therefore one set of UK 2016 Regulations, but some of the provisions apply

differently in NI for as long as the Northern Ireland Protocol is in force. References to the

2016 Regulations in this guidance are references to those Regulations as they apply in

Great Britain.

For guidance on placing on the Northern Ireland market, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electromagnetic-compatibility-regulations2016

Scope

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