The need for low cost EMC and its legal implications

With the introduction of the EC Directive on EMC, 89/336/EEC, the electrotechnical industry both in the EC and outside, for those wishing to import into the EC, have been presented with a range of problems not previously experienced. Not the least of these is the need to demonstrate compliance with the directive. The Department of Trade and Industry has issued an advice document on the minimising of the cost of EMC. This effectively lays the risk on the manufacturer if he chooses not to test his product to all the applicable EMC standards. The aim of the paper is to highlight these risks and the legal implications of using a low cost EMC approach