For most electrical and electronic products, CE marking rests on two directives: the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU for electrical safety and the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU for electromagnetic compatibility. Both usually allow self-declaration, so no Notified Body is needed, but only if your test reports and technical file are solid. Global Approbation plans the EN testing, reuses your IEC/CB data and builds the file.
LVD & EMC at a Glance
| LVD scope | Electrical equipment rated 50–1000 V AC or 75–1500 V DC |
|---|---|
| EMC scope | Apparatus and fixed installations that can create or be affected by electromagnetic disturbance |
| Conformity route | Internal production control (Module A): manufacturer tests, compiles the technical file and signs the EU Declaration of Conformity |
| Typical standards | EN 62368-1 (IT/AV) · EN 60335 series (household) · EN 60598 (luminaires) · EN 55032/55035, EN 55014-1/-2, EN 61000-3-2/-3-3 (EMC) |
| Radio products | Covered by RED instead, which includes safety and EMC requirements |
| Usually also needed | RoHS, WEEE, Ecodesign / energy labelling where applicable |
Products Covered
- Household & kitchen appliances
- Adapters, chargers & SMPS
- LED lamps, drivers & luminaires
- IT, AV & office equipment
- Switchgear, MCBs & wiring devices
- Power tools
- Fans, heaters & pumps
- Industrial control equipment
How Global Approbation Handles LVD & EMC
- Standards mapping. Harmonised EN safety and EMC standards identified for your product.
- Gap check. Your IEC/CB and BIS reports compared with EN requirements, including European differences.
- Testing. Remaining safety and EMC tests at accredited labs.
- Technical file. Risk assessment, reports, drawings, BOM, manual and labels.
- EU DoC & CE. Declaration drafted for your signature and CE marking applied.
LVD & EMC: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Notified Body for LVD or EMC?
Normally no. Both directives allow internal production control, so the manufacturer can self-declare using test reports and a technical file.
Can my CB report be used for LVD?
Yes. A CB report to the matching IEC standard, covering European national differences, is commonly used as evidence for the EN standard.
My product has Wi-Fi. Is it LVD/EMC or RED?
Radio equipment falls under RED, which already covers safety and EMC. LVD and EMC don’t apply separately.
How long does LVD/EMC take?
Typically 2–5 weeks, depending on how much of your existing test data can be reused.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.