§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to implement compulsory electro-magnetic compatibility testing for certain electrical goods; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarI have no plans to implement compulsory electromagnetic compatibility testing for electrical/ electronic products. The European Community directive on electromagnetic compatibility (89/336/EEC) was adopted in May 1989 and the United Kingdom regulations (SI 1992/2372) came into force in October 1992. They set down the basis for satisfying the essential protection requirements of the directive and the routes for demonstrating compliance. The most common route is likely to be by reference to harmonised standards and these determine, among other things, the tests which manufacturers may wish to conduct or have conducted on their behalf.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to decide which route to compliance is the most appropriate to ensure that the performance of his product satisfies the protection requirements of the directive.