Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions regarding the EMI/EMC testing procedure and other services.
If your products need US and Canadian safety approvals, you may be faced with the concern over which certification mark to use and what certification mark is acceptable in the U.S. and Canada. The myth that your choices are limited to certification marks issued by UL or CSA is false. To sell your product in the United States, a laboratory that is recognized by OSHA as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) can certify your product. When your product bears a certification mark from an NRTL, you are telling the Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and consumers that it has been evaluated by a third party and found to comply with the applicable standards. Likewise, when you sell your product in Canada, the law requires that you have it approved by a Certification Organization (CO) accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Once your product is evaluated against the applicable Canadian requirements, you can apply the Canadian certification mark to your product, showing it has been certified to the CSA standard(s). F2 Labs can assist you in obtaining NRTL and SCC certification for your product.
- Self Declaration – Subject your product to the tests specified by the harmonized standards listed under EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
- Notified Body – for a product for which Normalized Standards do not exist, a Notified Body may recommend appropriate testing. This testing would be conducted by a Competent Body and reviewed by a Notified Body. When the Notified Body is satisfied that the product is in compliance, the manufacturer compiles a Technical File to contain the product’s technical information and test results. The manufacturer issues a Declaration of Conformity, affixes the mark, and holds a copy of the Technical File.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The following countries are working to become part of the European Union: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a mandatory document used to summarize the details of the product’s compliance and signed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative.
F2 Labs can hold your Technical File in case it’s ever requested by the EU Authorities.
No, but we can format it for you. The manufacturer is required to issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and is responsible for its content. All other third-party references and signatures have no legal standing.
A harmonized standard is a standard that is accepted by different standardizing organizations. If the product falls within the scope of a harmonized standard, typically it’s very cost effective to obtain certification for different countries at the same time (i.e., UL 62368-1, CAN CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1, EN 62368-1).
The CE mark is a symbol, specified by law, which identifies an apparatus as complying with all applicable EU Directives. All apparatus offered for sale within the EU must have the CE mark or they cannot be sold. Failure to have the CE mark can result in legal penalties.
The CE mark may be affixed by the manufacturer after demonstrating compliance with all applicable Directives.
A Notified Body is an organization, appointed by the EU member’s National Authority (a.k.a. Competent Authority), which has the technical competence to evaluate compliance to a directive. They do not necessarily have test capabilities.
A Notified Body may only direct testing to designated laboratories on product for which no harmonized standards exist. The Notified Body then notifies the European Commission of the designated laboratory. These laboratories are designated as Competent Bodies. A Competent Body cannot certify your apparatus, the authority remains with the Notified Body.
Once a standard is adopted anybody, including the manufacturer themselves, may conduct testing in accordance with the Harmonized Standards.
To obtain a subscription to the “Official Journal of the European Communities” by calling 900-274-4888 or contact the US Department Of Commerce, EC Affairs Office.
Yes, but is important to remember that the liability for the accuracy and completeness of the testing always remains with you as the manufacturer or your importer.
Most manufacturers benefit from utilizing the services of an independent third-party test laboratory. F2 Labs are technical experts in evaluating products to the applicable harmonized standards so that manufacturers can CE mark their products.
Typically, if products are electrical similar with only minor differences, the manufacturer can determine a worst-case model that will go through the testing. The report will then contain a statement that the other models are compliant by similarity according to the manufacturer.
Potentially, any Part 2’s may modify testing that is being performed under the main standard. These should always be addressed as part of the evaluation.
Helpful Links:
- EMC Directive
- CE Guidance Document
- Low Voltage Directive
- Machinery Directive
- Guide Application of the Machinery Directive
- Radio Equipment Directive
- Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment guidance
- Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) Directive
- EMC Design Guidelines
For more information, contact or call us to be put in touch with one of our experts.