CECE believes the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive is fit for purpose

CECE’s main message is that the EMCD is fit for purpose and the Directive works well as it is. Any issues arise mostly from the coherence with other pieces of legislation, specifically the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) on the use of harmonised standards.

CECE members believe that the EMC Directive achieves its main objectives, which are to guarantee the free movement of equipment and to create an acceptable electromagnetic environment. It is particularly effective by formulating the essential requirements in such a way, i.e. at a high-level, that they remain valid and fit for purpose for all technological evolutions. Harmonised standards are the best and preferred means for addressing the technical requirements for both existing and emerging technologies.

Furthermore, the EMCD is fully coherent with safety-related product legislations (e.g. Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive) as the EMCD is not a safety directive and is not supposed to deal with the safety of equipment. There is lack of coherence between the EMCD and RED as harmonised standards referenced under the EMC Directive are not referenced under the RED Directive.

The main goal of the evaluation is to assess if the EMCD is still fit for purpose in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value. The evaluation intends to collect evidence and information to identify possible difficulties during the implementation that may require regulatory or/and non-regulatory corrective measures and the adequacy of the Directive’s provisions in light of scientific and technological progress. On the basis of the conclusions, the Commission will assess whether next steps may be necessary to improve the performance of the Directive.

For more information on our position on the ECMD evaluation, please send us a message.