When must the ATEX directive be observed and what does it require?
The ATEX Directive or the EU Directive 2014/34/EU deals with "devices and protection systems for intended use in hazardous areas". It describes how products intended for use in an environment with an explosive atmosphere must be made. The ATEX Directive applies to all electrical and non-electrical devices intended for use in hazardous areas. Hazardous areas are classified into zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22. Read our article on The ATEX Directive correctly applied: These requirements result for your product to learn more details.
What does the EMC Directive on electromagnetic compatibility of products require and when should it be applied?
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC 2014/30/EU) aims to minimize the side effects caused by interference between electromagnetic devices. The Directive generally applies to a wide range of equipment, including electrical and electronic equipment, apparatus and systems. For the purposes of the Directive, the term "equipment" is defined as any device or fixed installation. Components and assemblies are also included. Learn more about the correct application and the resulting requirements for products according to the EMC directive. Read our article "The EMC Directive correctly applied to CE marking" for more details.
Which products are covered by the Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU) and which characteristics do they have to have?
Electrical equipment sold in the EU must bear the CE marking. Therefore, distributors wishing to place electronic products on the EU market must deal with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Manufacturers generally deal with questions such as: Which products are affected by this directive? What is the scope? Where ends the scope or? How is it linked to other policies and products outside the scope (such as military use)? How is the CE marking process defined in the Directive? What must be done under the Directive to ensure conformity? Read our article "The Low Voltage Directive correctly applied to CE marking" for more details.
What does the ROHS Directive require regarding the ingredients of products and when should it be applied?
The RoHS Directive or the EU Directive 2011/65/EU regulates the use of hazardous substances in electrical appliances. RoHS stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances". The current RoHS Directive applies to all electrical and electronic equipment. This includes all products that are dependent on electrical currents or electromagnetic fields for their operation. Directive is binding for manufacturers as well as for distributors who distribute and put into circulation such products (distributors). Read our article "RoHS Directive correctly applied", what requirements result from the CE marking for my product? to find out more details.
What does the WEEE Directive require and is it relevant for CE marking?
WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU is the European Community Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which, together with RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, became European law in February 2003. It is a major step towards implementing the zero-waste concept by setting collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of e-waste. The WEEE Directive covers 14 different categories of electrical and electronic equipment. Read our article "The WEEE Directive correctly applied to CE marking" for more details.