Get ready for important changes to CE marking in April 2016

For example, the new EMC Directive 2014/30/EU is coming into force, and this may be relevant to some machine builders. After 19 April, the new directive will be required for all EMC compliance files, and declarations referencing 2004/108/EC will no longer be valid.

Also, when the European Union's CE Marking directives change as a result of the New Legislative Framework (NLF) on 19 April 2016, an explicit requirement is that all members of the supply chain have a duty of responsibility, be it the manufacturer, the authorised representative, the importer or the distributor.

The nine directives that are coming under alignment are (with old and new references):

• Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (2009/105/EC - 2014/29/EU)
• 'ATEX' Directive (94/9/EC - 2014/34/EU)
• Pyrotechnic Articles Directive (2007/23/EC - 2013/29/EU)
• Civil Explosives Directive (93/15/EEC - 2014/28/EU)
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2004/108/EC - 2014/30/EU)
• Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Directive (LVD) (2006/95/EC - 2014/35/EU)
• Measuring Instruments Directive (2004/22/EC - 2014/32/EU)
• Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Directive (2009/23/EEC - 2014/31/EU)
• Lifts Directive (1995/16/EC - 2014/33/EU)

While these directives may only be changing from an administrative perspective rather than a technical one, manufacturers and the supply chain must, at an absolute minimum, update their documentation and CE markings.

Another of the more significant changes relates to the operations of Notified Bodies so, if you are a manufacturer that previously took this route to compliance, it is important to check that it is still valid.

Machine builders and system integrators who are unsure whether or not they are ready for the CE marking changes on 19 April 2016 can contact Element's dedicated team of ESQ (Early Stage Qualification) experts. They can review technical documentation and, if necessary, provide strategic guidance based on their experience and expertise in compliance and testing.

Follow the link for more information and to request a documentation review.