One of the most important steps in bringing your electronic device to market is ensuring it fully complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations. 

Commonly referred to as “EMC certification,” this process of testing your device and verifying it complies with EMC regulations is a key step in gaining regulatory approval and market access in the United States, the European Union and other major markets. 

The process of reaching compliance with EMC regulations can easily seem complicated, with a large range of different standards, regulations and requirements out there. 

As an ANSI-accredited electronic compatibility testing lab, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses and individuals achieve EMC compliance for their devices. 

Below, we’ve explained what “EMC certification” is, as well as how the compliance process can vary between different markets. We’ve also shared a simple step-by-step process that you can follow to achieve compliance and gain market access for your device. 

To ask our engineers a question about EMC compliance, or to request a quote for testing your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287. 

What is EMC Certification?

The term “EMC certification” refers to the process of testing an electronic device to verify that it is sufficiently electromagnetically compatible. Put simply, this means that it’s able to operate as it’s designed to in an environment with other electronic devices and equipment.

Devices that meet EMC standards have electromagnetic emissions that fall below the standards set by international organizations or national regulatory bodies. They also demonstrate sufficient immunity to emissions from other devices, allowing them to work when subject to interference. 

In other words, a device that meets EMC standards doesn’t cause interference that affects other devices, and also isn’t affected by normal levels of emissions.

Although the term “EMC certification” is often used to refer to this process, it’s more accurate to refer to the process of testing a device and verifying that it meets EMC standards as compliance rather than certification.

This is because EMC standards and regulatory requirements vary between markets and device types. Some devices may simply need to demonstrate that they comply with existing EMC laws, while others may need to go through a more thorough certification process.

Almost all large markets require compliance with EMC regulations for an electronic device to go on sale. For example, in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for enforcing EMC laws, and frequently applies fines and takes other forms of legal action against non-compliant businesses and individuals. 

Achieving compliance with EMC laws demonstrates that your device meets the standards that are needed to enter the market. In addition to shielding you from legal action from the FCC, it’s also a mark of quality and reliability that can improve your product’s marketability. 

Common EMC Standards & Regulations

EMC standards and regulations differ between countries and common markets, including the European Economic Area (EEA). Common EMC regulations include FCC Part 15 in the USA, the EMC Directive in the European Union, and ISED regulations in Canada. 

We’ve discussed several of the most common EMC standards and regulations below, with a focus on the largest markets for electronic devices.

FCC Part 15

In the United States, the FCC regulates most electronic devices under FCC Part 15. The FCC Part 15 rules cover radio frequency (RF) emissions from intentional and unintentional radiators — devices that either intentionally or unintentionally emit radio signals.

Intentional radiators include smartphones, Wi-Fi devices and Bluetooth devices. Unintentional radiators are non-wireless devices that use RF electrical signals internally, but might emit radio signals unrelated to their normal operation.

FCC Part 15 ensures that devices don’t interfere with wireless communications. It’s mandatory for most electronic devices sold in the United States, with devices requiring either certification from the FCC or self-declaration (Declaration of Conformity, or DoC) depending on their type. 

EU EMC Directive

The EU has its own set of EMC standards, the most significant of which is the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU), or EMC Directive. This regulation sets limits on emissions and requirements for electromagnetic immunity for electronic devices. 

Like FCC Part 15 in the United States, compliance with the EMC Directive is mandatory for all products that fall within the scope of this regulation sold in the European Economic Area. Your device will need to demonstrate compliance with the EMC Directive to earn the CE marking.

EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

The Radio Equipment Directive, or RED, is a different European Union directive that applies to devices that use the radio spectrum. If your device emits radio frequency energy, you will need to demonstrate compliance with RED in order to gain the CE mark and enter the EEA market.

Our guide to the Radio Equipment Directive and its testing process goes into more detail about this regulation and the associated compliance process. 

Other EMC Standards & Regulations

Other EMC standards and regulations include Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) regulations, which apply in Canada, and the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking process, which is used in the United Kingdom. 

Several other countries and regions also have their own EMC standards and regulations, many of which are harmonized with international standards.

In addition to government EMC regulations, international organizations dedicated to electronics standardization have their own EMC standards. These include IEC standards, which are set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, and their harmonized EN standards.

Our guide to EMC standards provides more information about these standards, as well as their role in the compliance process for your device. 

How to Achieve EMC Compliance for Your Device

Achieving EMC compliance for your device involves several steps, starting from the design of your product. A range of different factors will play a role in the specific compliance process for your device, including your choice of components and device type.

Here’s a simplified overview of the EMC compliance process for a typical electronic device:

• Design and development. During the design process, it’s important to incorporate any EMC considerations into your device. This could mean selecting a pre-certified module to simplify the testing process, or designing with EMI shielding in mind. If you’re developing your device and need help minimizing your risk of EMC compliance issues, contact us and our team can provide expert advice on component selection and other aspects of the design and development process.
• Pre-compliance testing. In some cases, you may want to test your device against its most important EMC standards before starting formal lab testing. This testing, which is referred to as pre-compliance testing, can reveal design and component issues.
• Lab testing. To achieve EMC certification in your target markets, you’ll need to perform lab testing with an accredited laboratory. Our EMC testing lab is accredited by ANSI and can perform testing for FCC and/or CE compliance for your device.
• Documentation and certification. Following testing, you’ll need to compile a technical file for your device. This technical file needs to demonstrate compliance with all EMC or other regulatory standards that apply to your device. Our team can assist you in preparing documentation and achieving certification through the preparation of lab reports and other compliance documentation. 

You can learn more about the EMC certification process in our guides to FCC certification and the CE marking process. 

Contact Us About EMC Certification for Your Device

Achieving compliance with EMC regulations is a critical step in bringing your electronic product to market. As specialists in EMC testing and certification, our team can help you with the entire process, from testing your device to helping you comply with specific EMC regulations.

To talk to our electrical engineers and compliance experts about EMC certification, or to request a free quote for testing and certifying your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.