FAQ

New CE Marking EMC Directive

Complying with the new EMC Directive 2014/30/EC

The new European EMC Directive 2014/30/EC has replaced EMC Directive 2004/108/EC which expired in April 2016.

Conformity assessment procedures are not changed significantly however…

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure that they comply with the new provisions.  The new directive will be required for all EMC compliance files and declarations of conformity (DoC) referencing 2004/108/EC will no longer be valid. The essential requirements listed in Annex I of the directive remain unchanged and continue to be stated in very general terms in relation to Electromagnetic disturbances and the Protection Requirements.

The harmonised standards route to compliance remains as the best means of conformity assessment, however the TCF route is still possible using EMC Technologies Notified Body status.

 The Key Changes include:

• Requirements for Distributors and Importers to keep additional information in the Technical File.
• Multilingual DoCs
• Notified Body requirements

     Check List to Maintain the New CE Marking Compliance

1. The Revision date of the Harmonised Standard in the reports should be current.
2. Update the CE Marking DoC
   1. Reference EMC Directive 2014/30/EC
   2. Update the list of EN standards
   3. Identify the product
   4. Translate copies into language of intended EU countries.
3. Update the Technical File. For self-declared products Include all technical documents listed in Annex II (3)
4. Review CE Labelling. Ensure that model number and contact information are shown.
5. Review User/operator instructions manual. Ensure that it complies with Article 18.
6. Check for other possible applicable directives.

Consult with our Experts:

For questions concerning the new EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, other directives such as R&TTE, RED and LVD, the conformity assessment process, or CE Marking testing services contact the experts at EMC Technologies.

We can review your current technical documentation and consult to ensure that you are in full compliance.

Please contact us on +61 3 9365 1000 or via the website contact form.

What if I fail?

If your product happens to fail any tests, EMC Technologies can draw on the experience gained from thousands of EMC and Safety fixes to provide the most cost effective and appropriate solution to the problem. Our highly trained and experienced engineers are here to assist. Investigations and re-testing can often be completed on the spot so that you leave with a compliant product. Consulting and re-testing fees may apply depending on the amount of time spent.

RCM – Regulatory Compliance Mark

What is RCM? Where and how does it apply? Click here for details.

Compliance testing – How much does it cost?

RCM testing (Australia) – It depends! RCM testing costs usually range from around $1500 for basic devices up to several thousand dollars for more complicated devices. Products with intentional transmitters that do not have RCM approval (or equivalent overseas approval) must be tested adding 3-6K to costs. Devices that require electrical safety testing and certification (RCM/ERAC level 3/high risk) add 1-6K to costs. If you have overseas test reports this may negate the need for extensive RCM testing (Refer overseas test reports FAQ below).

CE marking testing (Europe) – Typically 5-15K. EMC Emissions and immunity testing is required and for mains powered devices harmonics and flicker. Several directives usually apply to most electrical and electronic equipment such as EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), R&TTE (radio directive) and LVD (low voltage directive).

FCC compliance (USA) – Similar to RCM compliance in that only EMC and radio (emissions) testing is required. Certification of intentional transmitters is mandatory, adding 1-2K of TCB certification and handling fees.

IC compliance (Canada) – Similar to FCC compliance in that only EMC and radio (emissions) testing is required. FCC test results are generally accepted meaning additional testing is not required. Certification of intentional transmitters is mandatory, adding 1-2K of TCB certification and handling fees.

Other world markets – in general CE test reports are accepted although a local certification body must assess them. Some countries have OCD (Obsessive Certification Disorder) and insist on in-country testing.

For a comprehensive quotation please contact us.

Why use a NATA lab?s

NATA accredited testing adds value to your product testing because it is accepted as final proof of compliance by regulators. With NATA accredited testing, you will have peace of mind that your report will be accepted internationally. You should be very wary of accepting a cheap quote as often it means that the testing is not carried out in strict accordance with the relevant standards. Furthermore it probably means that non-compliant or uncalibrated test equipment and substandard facilities are being used, not to mention questionable proficiency. Non-accredited testing will always be cheap however your hard earned money will have been wasted if the compliance of your product is ever questioned.

EMC – Electromagnetic Compatibility – What is EMC?

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) refers to the ability of an electrical or electronic device or system to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic interference (EMI) to devices in that environment (such as radio receivers or other electronic equipment) and without itself being affected by EMI from other devices in that environment. You may have seen a similar statement on FCC compliant devices which is a mandatory requirement of FCC rules. Most other markets simply require the presence of a label such as the RCM or CE mark to indicate this.

EMC encompasses controls of both unintentional emissions (EMI testing) from a range of products that can interfere with radio-communications and protection of a range of devices that may be susceptible to intentional transmissions (immunity testing).

RCM – Responsibilities and using overseas test reports

Who is responsible for product compliance?

• Manufacturers in Australia of electrical and electronic products, and vehicles and devices with internal combustion engines
• Importers in Australia of electrical and electronic products, and vehicles and devices with internal combustion engines
• Authorised agents in Australia acting on behalf of manufacturers or importers of electrical and electronic products, and vehicles and devices with internal combustion engines
• Anyone selling the product

The local supplier accepts total responsibility for device conformity and needs to ensure that the compliance documents including test reports are available.

I am importing a product from overseas for sale in Australia, do I need proof of RCM (or C-tick, A-tick) compliance?

Yes, you must have proof in the form of a full formal EMC test report(s) to an EMC standard(s) accepted by the ACMA.
Note: Compliance certificates and Declaration of Conformity statements (DoC’s) are not acceptable proof of compliance!!

Can I use an overseas test report for proof of compliance?

A test report from an overseas test laboratory may be used to demonstrate RCM compliance provided a suitable standard has been applied, the limits are not exceeded, the report categorically proves testing has been performed correctly and the product is clearly identified.

Acceptable ACMA EMC standards are listed on the ACMA website.

Test reports from overseas laboratories must be written in English, stored electronically and original or certified copies to be made available on request.

How do I know the report and the information within is acceptable?

Adequate technical knowledge of the applicable ACMA accepted RCM (C-tick, A-tick) standards is essential. EMC Technologies regularly perform technical reviews of overseas EMC test reports for many satisfied customers. We issue a detailed report of our findings highlighting any required action and recommendations. We also detail other RCM (C-Tick, A-tick) housekeeping requirements. We can also provide any RCM testing services that may be required to help you reach the market as quickly as possible.

What happens if an existing EMC test report is not available or is technically not acceptable as proof of ACMA EMC compliance?

The product will require RCM testing to meet the applicable ACMA approved EMC standard. This may involve complete or partial EMC testing, depending on the report assessment findings.

Is the cost of technical review worth it?

Having peace of mind that the experts have reviewed your documents to ensure your products meet the requirements set by the ACMA makes commercial sense. Banning of sales, fines or product recalls are possible. Report assessment can prevent this before importation and distribution have occurred when it may be too late.

Are test laboratories, competency and test reports around the world the same?

From our experience of technically reviewing many overseas test reports, including those from accredited laboratories, unfortunately no!! There is a major discrepancy in the standard of RCM testing services and technical understanding amongst testing laboratories worldwide and in Australia. Many test reports are rejected due to insufficient evidence to demonstrate compliance to the applicable ACMA EMC  requirements. Only testing by an Australian, NATA accredited laboratory can provide 100% peace of mind.

I have a valid report, what now?

If you have an existing ACMA supplier code number (SCN) issued by ACMA, you can use the C-tick label until 29 February 2016. After that date, new products must be labelled with the RCM. You must register as a supplier on the ERAC/ACMA National Data Base, fill out a Declaration of Conformity statement, label the product with the RCM (or C-tick logo/SCN) and keep your documents in a compliance folder in case you are audited by the ACMA. The folder must also contain any relevant product information such as brochures, datasheets and technical description.

Why choose EMC Technologies to test your product?

The ACMA suggests that suppliers check the accreditation status of a laboratory when arranging RCM testing (EMC, EMR, telecoms, radiocomms testing) of a device, as not all laboratories hold accreditation for all standards.

An accredited RCM testing laboratory has been assessed by an independent agency as competent to perform and provide accredited RCM testing services. The only accreditation agency in Australia is NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities).

EMC Technologies is NATA accredited for the majority of the applicable ACMA EMC and EMR standards and has a dedicated team of experienced, qualified engineers with a diverse knowledge base. We ensure the highest level of service to our customers with short lead times, modern equipment and a friendly environment.  You will also benefit from EMC Technologies reports being  recognised in most developed countries around the world.

The ACMA will only accept NATA-accredited tests reports as final determination of compliance in the event of a dispute. The ACMA advise using a NATA laboratory as a risk free investment.