EMC Testing Standards for CE Marking (2026 Guide)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a core requirement for most electronic and electrical products placed on the EU market. To demonstrate compliance with the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), manufacturers must apply the correct harmonised EMC testing standards.

This guide explains what EMC standards are, how to determine which ones apply to your product, and how they fit into your CE marking process.

Definition: EMC Testing Standards

EMC testing standards are harmonised European (EN) technical standards that define how electronic products must be tested for electromagnetic emissions and immunity in order to demonstrate compliance with the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) and apply CE marking. These standards specify test setups, performance criteria, and limits to ensure products do not disturb other equipment and continue operating safely in real electromagnetic environments.

Quick Answer: EMC Testing Standards

To comply with the EMC Directive, manufacturers must test their products against harmonised EN EMC standards that cover:

• Emissions: what electromagnetic noise your device radiates or conducts
• Immunity: how your device performs when exposed to electromagnetic disturbances
• The applicable standard depends on product type, intended environment, and function

Testing against the correct harmonised standard allows manufacturers to demonstrate conformity and legally apply the CE marking.

For an overview of how this fits into EU law, see our guide to the EMC Directive compliance process.

When Do You Need EMC Testing for CE Marking?

You need EMC testing if your product contains electrical or electronic components capable of generating or being affected by electromagnetic disturbance.

This includes:

• Mains-powered devices
• Battery-operated electronics
• IoT and wireless products
• Industrial controllers and automation equipment
• Consumer electronics
• LED lighting systems and drivers
• Power supplies and chargers

If your product can emit or be influenced by electromagnetic energy, EMC compliance is required before placing it on the EU market.

If you're unsure whether testing is required, it’s usually safer to assume EMC applies and confirm via a structured compliance review.

Types of EMC Standards

EMC standards fall into three main categories.

Basic Standards

These describe how to perform specific EMC tests (e.g., electrostatic discharge, surge immunity). They are rarely used alone.

Generic Standards

Used when no dedicated product-family standard exists. They are based on the intended environment:

• Residential
• Industrial
• Commercial

Product (Family) Standards

These take priority. They apply to defined product categories and environments. Examples include:

• EN 55032: multimedia equipment emissions
• EN 55035: multimedia equipment immunity

Emissions vs Immunity: What’s the Difference?

EMC compliance is divided into two technical pillars:

Emissions Testing

Measures the electromagnetic energy your product releases into its surroundings. Excess emissions can interfere with nearby equipment.

Examples:
• Radiated emissions
• Conducted emissions

Immunity Testing

Assesses how well your product continues to operate when exposed to electromagnetic disturbances.

Examples:
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
• Surge immunity
• RF field immunity

Both are required under the EMC Directive.

For common failure patterns and how engineers resolve them, see Common EMC Test Failures and How to Fix Them.

How Do You Know Which EMC Standard Applies?

Selecting the correct EMC standard depends on:

1. Product category
2. Intended use environment
3. Functional characteristics

The hierarchy is:

1️⃣ Product standard (if available)
2️⃣ Generic standard
3️⃣ Basic standards supporting test methods

Incorrect standard selection is one of the most frequent compliance mistakes and can invalidate test results.

Choosing the right standard is closely linked to choosing the right lab, explained in How to Choose an EMC Testing Lab.

Are EMC Standards Mandatory?

Harmonised EMC standards are not legally mandatory, but applying them provides a presumption of conformity with the EMC Directive.

If a manufacturer does not apply harmonised standards, they must justify compliance using alternative technical evidence, a much more complex and risky approach.

EMC Standards and Your Technical File

EMC test evidence must be included in your CE Technical Documentation, including:

• Test reports
• Standard references and versions
• Test setup configuration
• Product variants covered
• Deviations and justifications

Keeping this documentation organised and version-controlled is critical. Many manufacturers use structured compliance workflows (like EcoComply) to track evidence and detect documentation gaps before market surveillance requests.

If you're budgeting for EMC work, see What Does CE Marking Cost for Your Product.

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