One of our Canadian suppliers writes that he has been told "there are
rumours in Canada (and the U.S.) that the Europeans are quietly granting
exemptions for low-volume test and measurement equipment".
We have heard nothing about this in the UK, although the same source
indicated PTB in Germany may have granted a relaxation (I'm not sure on
what authority). I understand that US FCC regulations do have a "de
minimis" exemption where less than five units are produced. Can anyone
confirm, correct, or deny?
For ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) radio-frequency equipment,
we assume EN 55011:1991 applies in Europe. This states
6.2 Equipment produced on an individual basis
All equipment not produced in series shall be tested on an
individual basis. Each individual equipment is required to meet
the limits when measured by the methods specified.
This sounds pretty clear, and is our own current position.
However, it is actually unreasonable that one-offs, where the cost of
testing is probably higher than the potential profit, and where any
problem could be rectified in service (or the product simply withdrawn),
should require the same testing as items in series production, and where
no-one could argue the product should be placed on the market unless
fully EMC compliant.
Any advice or clarification greatly appreciated.
--
Bill Lyons - [email protected] / [email protected]
