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S.I. 2016/1091

In force

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

The GB law on electromagnetic compatibility: electrical and electronic equipment must not emit electromagnetic disturbance above levels that stop other equipment working as intended, and must have adequate immunity to disturbance. Most manufacturers self-declare conformity and affix UKCA or CE marking.

Read the official text

Applies to

Electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, or whose performance is liable to be affected by such disturbance — both 'apparatus' placed on the market and fixed installations. Exceptions include equipment covered by other specific instruments, aeronautical apparatus, and equipment inherently incapable of generating harmful interference.

Key obligations

  1. 01Design and manufacture equipment so that the electromagnetic disturbance it generates does not exceed the level above which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment cannot operate as intended (Schedule 1 essential requirements).source
  2. 02Ensure the equipment has a level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbance appropriate to its intended use, allowing it to operate without unacceptable degradation of that use.source
  3. 03Carry out a conformity assessment (self-declaration via internal production control, or voluntary third-party assessment), draw up a declaration of conformity, and affix the UKCA or CE marking.source
  4. 04Retain the declaration of conformity and technical documentation for 10 years after the apparatus has been placed on the GB market (applies to manufacturers and importers).source
  5. 05Importers must verify conformity before placing apparatus on the market; distributors must act with due care and take action on non-conformity.source

Conformity routes

  • Internal production control (Module A) — self-declarationThe standard route: the manufacturer performs an electromagnetic compatibility assessment (typically against designated standards for a presumption of conformity) and self-declares, then affixes UKCA or CE marking.source
  • Type examination (Module B) plus conformity to type (Module C)An optional third-party route set out in Schedule 3 to the Regulations: a UK approved body issues a type-examination certificate for UKCA marking (EU notified bodies perform the equivalent for CE marking).source
  • CE recognition routeCE-marked apparatus meeting the corresponding EU (EMC Directive) requirements can be placed on the GB market — either CE or UKCA marking is accepted beyond 31 December 2024, with recognition extended indefinitely.source

Documentation

  • Declaration of conformityMust identify the apparatus and include manufacturer (and any authorised representative) details; format/content set out in Schedule 4. Retained for 10 years after placing on the GB market.source
  • Technical documentationEvidence of the EMC assessment; same 10-year retention requirement applies to manufacturers and importers.source

Marking requirements

  • Affix the conformity marking (UKCA or recognised CE) visibly, legibly and indelibly to the apparatus or, where that is impractical, to its packaging or accompanying documents.source
  • Until 31 December 2027 the UKCA marking may appear on a label or accompanying document rather than on the apparatus itself.source

Testing standards

Harmonised and designated standards lists change over time: confirm the currently cited version before testing.

EN 55032:2015EN 55035:2017EN 55014-1:2017EN 55011:2016EN 61000-6-1:2007EN 61000-6-3:2007

Key dates

  • 2016-12-08The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 came into force (made 15 November 2016, laid before Parliament 16 November 2016).source
  • 2024-10-01S.I. 2024/696 came into force, extending recognition of CE marking in GB so either CE or UKCA marking is accepted beyond 31 December 2024.source
  • 2027-12-31End of the easement allowing UKCA marking on a label or accompanying document rather than the apparatus itself.source

Penalties

Offences (regulations 61-62) are enforced by market surveillance authorities — OFCOM for radio spectrum matters, local trading standards otherwise. Serious violations can lead to a fine or a prison sentence of up to three months, or both.source

Further guidance

Applies to these product types

Frequently asked

Do I need an approved body for EMC compliance?+

Usually not. The normal route is self-declaration via internal production control, testing against designated standards. Third-party type examination by a UK approved body (or EU notified body for CE) exists as an optional route.

Which EMC standards should my product be tested against?+

It depends on the product family: EN 55032/EN 55035 cover multimedia equipment (emissions/immunity), EN 55014-1 covers household appliances and tools, EN 55011 covers industrial/scientific/medical equipment, and the EN 61000-6 generic standards apply where no product-family standard fits. Using a designated standard gives a presumption of conformity — the full consolidated list is on GOV.UK.

Is CE marking still accepted for EMC in Great Britain?+

Yes — recognition of CE marking has been extended indefinitely, so apparatus meeting the EU EMC Directive with CE marking can be placed on the GB market. CE remains mandatory for the EU and Northern Ireland.

My product has radio (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) — do the EMC Regulations apply?+

Radio equipment is generally covered by the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 instead, which include their own EMC essential requirement. The EMC Regulations 2016 apply to non-radio electrical and electronic equipment.

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