The United States and the European Union (EU) have expanded the list of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) authorized to conduct testing to electromagnetic compatibility and telecommunications equipment requirements.
Published in the Official Journal of the European Union in December 2011, the action adds MiCOM Labs of Pleasanton, CA and Nemko, USA, Inc. of Lewisville, TX to the list of U.S.-based CABs authorized to conduct testing to EU requirements. In addition, Intertek Semko AB of Krista, Sweden has been added to the list of EU-based CABs authorized to conduct testing to U.S. requirements.
Under the terms of a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) originally implemented in 1998, the United States and the EU recognize the results of conformity assessment activities performed in the exporting country conducted by authorized CABs. Testing to the requirements related to EMC and telecommunications equipment fall under the scope of the MRA.
View the complete text of the action regarding the expanded list of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) authorized to conduct testing to electromagnetic compatibility and telecommunications equipment requirements.
Revised to add:
Testing is not included under the list of conformity assessment tasks covered by the EU Notified Body status under the EMC and R&TTE Directives.
The conformity assessment tasks covered by the EU approval are as follows.
1. EMC Directive
Under this directive, Notified bodies are approved to review the technical documentation of the apparatus and assess whether the technical documentation properly demonstrates that the relevant aspects of the essential requirements of the EMC Directive have been met.
The EU is not approving the Notified Bodies for testing activities.
2. R&TTE Directive
Under this directive, Notified Bodies are approved for up to 3 conformity assessment tasks:
– identifying the essential radio test suites for the manufacturer (Annex III of the Directive);
– reviewing and issuing opinions on technical construction files (Annex IV of the Directive);
– assessing and performing periodic surveillance of manufacturers’ full quality assurance systems (Annex V of the Directive).
Notified bodies are specifically not allowed to carry out testing or prepare test reports for the equipment for which a statement of opinion is being issued.
