Standards for PLC

An important pillar of European Union´s Law Structure is the legal instruments of the European Community. It encompasses regulations, directives, decisions, and recommendations. Concerning the European regulation of Telecommunications the New European Regulatory Framework adopted in 2002 is relevant. The package consists of five Directives and one Regulation to replace the many legislative measures previously in force. The scope of the new package covers satellite and terrestrial networks (fixed or wireless), including the public switched telephone network, networks using Internet protocol (IP), cable TV networks and broadcast network infrastructures. Key aspects relate to significant market power, market entry (licensing), number protability and universal service. The new regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services is applied in all Member States of the European Union from July 25th, 2003. That is the directives are transposed into the different national legal frameworks. This transposing is the regular procedure for directives to come into force. CE conformity marking - The CE mark is a mandatory European marking for certain product groups to indicate conformity with the essential requirements set out in European Directives, in particular with regard to the protection of users and consumers. The CE mark ensures free movement of products in the Internal Market of the European Union. Thus, CE marking can be regarded as the products trade passport for Europe. For CE-marking and market access of PLC-equipment the EMC directive 89/336/EEC and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC are relevant.