Directive 2004/104/EC vs 95/54/EC

If you want to sell a product in the European Community it probably needs to be in compliance with a European Directive and bear the CE - mark or other approval marks like the e-mark. European Directives have a great impact on the design and construction of all different kinds of products. These Directives were introduced to protect human beings, animals, environment, etc. against all different kinds of impacts like Electromagnetic fields, Safety Hazards, Pollutions, etc. Motor vehicles are covered under several European Directives to ensure a safe operation. For example: breaks, lights, safety belts, etc. need to be designed and manufactured in compliance with the applicable European Automotive Directive. Beginning of Jan. 2006 a new Automotive Directive will be in force to deal with the EMC requirements of motor vehicles and their trailers - the European Directive 2004/104/EC. This Directive has quite severe differences to the Directive 95/54/EC, which currently covers the EMC behaviour of automotives. The following paper will explain the differences between these two directives, the time frame of the implementation and how to use it.