The field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) continues to evolve rapidly in response to emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and increasingly complex electronic environments. For manufacturers, product designers, and compliance engineers, staying aligned with the latest standards is not just a matter of regulatory necessity—it’s also key to ensuring market access, product reliability, and customer trust.
Key Changes and Updates in EMC Standards
In recent months, significant revisions have been introduced across several foundational EMC standards. These include updates to well-established documents such as EN 55011, EN IEC 61000-4-2, and EN IEC 61000-4-3, as well as the introduction of new frameworks like EN IEC 61000-4-41. These revisions address new sources of electromagnetic disturbance, refine immunity test methods, and align compliance criteria with the practical realities of modern electronic systems—including wearable technologies and robotics.
Furthermore, extensions granted to IEEE standards such as IEEE P1128 and IEEE/IEC P62704-1 signal continued reliance on established methodologies for evaluating RF absorber performance and SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) in human body exposure scenarios, while leaving room for future updates.
This article provides a clear and accessible overview of these contemporary changes, summarising new requirements, key updates, and withdrawal timelines. It also offers guidance on what manufacturers, test labs, and other stakeholders must consider to maintain conformity and competitive advantage in the EMC domain.
EN 55011:2024
Supersedes: EN 55011:2016 + A2:2021 (as of 9 April 2024)
Key Updates:
Radiated emission limits above 1 GHz for Group 1 equipment
Conducted disturbance limits on wired network ports
New requirements for equipment with radio functions
Clarifications for robot types and specific measurement setups
EN IEC 61000-4-2:2025
Supersedes: EN 61000-4-2:2009 (effective 30 April 2028)
Key Updates:
New annexes for wearable devices, test setups, and contact discharge
Improved calibration procedures
Enhanced clarity and test point selection guidance
EN IEC 61000-4-3:2020
Supersedes: EN 61000-4-3:2006 (effective 2 May 2025)
Focus:
Immunity testing to radiated RF fields
Enhanced test level definitions and consistency
EN IEC 61000-4-41:2025
New Standard: No predecessor
Purpose:
Addresses immunity to broadband radiated disturbances
Targets emissions from communication and industrial sources
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019/A2:2024
Amendment Published: 10 December 2024
Scope:
Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment ≤ 16 A per phase)
Aligns with updates in low-voltage mains compatibility requirements
IEEE Standards Extensions
IEEE P1128
Scope: Evaluation of RF absorbers (30 MHz to 40 GHz)
Extension Approved Until: 31 December 2025
IEEE/IEC P62704-1
Scope: Determining SAR in human body using FDTD method
Extension Approved Until: 31 December 2025
Guidance for Stakeholders
Manufacturers, compliance engineers, and testing laboratories should:
Review new emission and immunity limits, especially for Group 1 equipment and broadband RF fields
Assess product classification changes, particularly for robotics and wearables
Ensure updated test procedures are integrated into compliance workflows
Monitor further developments from standards bodies to stay ahead of amendments or additional withdrawals
For products placed on the UK market, note that CE marking will continue to be recognised beyond 31 December 2024, ensuring compatibility with EU-aligned EMC standards remains valid for GB placement.
By adapting early to these updated standards, stakeholders can mitigate compliance risks and reinforce product reliability in a competitive and regulation-driven landscape.
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