New version of EMC Directive - Distributors in future also obligated to comply

It contains no technical modifications, but FBDi association points out that it does redefine responsibility: According to the new EMC Directive, responsibility for the EMC conformity of electrical and electronic products is shared by manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, having previously lain solely with manufacturers. This enhances consumer protection, as well as providing backing to market regulators. With effect from April 20, 2016, all links in the supply chain will be responsible for ensuring that all necessary documentation for a product is available in a language which is understandable EU-wide. It should also be noted that all affected products placed on the market for the first time as from April 20, 2016 will require a new Declaration of Conformity. 2014/30/EU contains extended definitions of terms specifying who is a manufacturer and who is a distributor. It also simplifies the conformity procedure. Other key points are: - More stringent requirements regarding documentation and information - More stringent requirements regarding product marking and verification - Special provisions for stationary systems - Consideration of the basic principles underlying the new concept