The purpose of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.

The aim is to ensure the functioning of the internal market by requiring that equipment be sufficiently compatible in terms of electromagnetic compatibility. Unlike other legislation on industrial products, the EMC Directive does not directly address user safety, as it does not deal with the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health, which is covered by other EU legislation. Rather, the Directive aims to ensure that equipment falling within its scope (a) does not impair the functioning of other equipment and (b) functions as intended when subjected to electromagnetic interference. The main benefit is that, under the EMC Directive, national authorities must prevent the placing on the market or making available of electrical equipment that does not meet these requirements (i.e., equipment that causes interference or does not tolerate interference).

The scope covers

1) 'equipment' regardless of voltage or frequency, including electrical equipment and household appliances such as refrigerators and microwave ovens, and

2) 'fixed installations', i.e. combinations of different types of electrical equipment (e.g. large television screens and electronic signs, solar panel structures equipped with inverters, telecommunications networks).

Before placing products on the EU market, manufacturers must comply with the 'essential requirements'. This ensures that the electromagnetic compatibility of the equipment does not cause unreasonable interference, for example by preventing other equipment from functioning properly and/or interfering with other equipment, and that the product functions as intended during electromagnetic interference.