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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

Noise emission by outdoor equipment

The European Commission has identified noise as one of the most pressing problems in urban areas across Europe and stressed the need to take action on various sources of noise, as part of its environmental action plan in 1993. The subsequent ‘future noise policy’ sets out steps for the development of a directive to specifically regulate noise created by outdoor equipment.

EU legislation on noise emission by outdoor equipment

The Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC (OND) regulates the noise emissions into the environment by outdoor equipment.

Some 57 types of equipment are named in the directive. It refers mainly to outdoor machinery, such as those used on construction sites or in parks and gardens.

Directive 2000/14/EC has been amended by Directive 2005/88/EC, by Regulation (EC) No 219/2009, and by Regulation (EU) 2019/1243, and corrected by corrigendum.

Latest developments and studies

Almost all of the 57 types of equipment are also within the scope of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and both directives address issues arising from noise emissions. However, the machinery directive focuses on the occupational safety of the operator (amongst other things) and the OND on the overall environmental effects.

In 2013-2014 the Commission explored the case for a merger between the 2 directives but concluded that they should remain separate.

A study was carried out on how the existing limit values for noise might be updated, and also how they might in future be applied to equipment currently not subjected to limits but only to marking. The study began in April 2015 and was completed in February 2016

A supporting study for an evaluation and impact assessment of Directive 2000/14/EC on noise emission by outdoor equipment was carried out between May 2017 and July 2018. The final reports were delivered and completed in October 2018. The results from this study, as well as previously completed studies, will be used as the basis for the upcoming revision process of EU legislation.

The Commission evaluated the performance of the Outdoor Noise Directive during its operational time. The final reports were published in November 2020.

EC declaration of conformity

Following Directive 2000/14/EC, manufacturers are legally obliged to produce an EC declaration of conformity (DoC) with equipment - which states that the equipment conforms with the provisions of this directive, as well as any other relevant directives.

The European Commission services have developed an online tool (part of SMCS Input application) for manufacturers, authorised representatives, EU countries and notified bodies to send and manage DoCs.

Guidance

Notified bodies

More information

Unregulated certificates warning

Unregulated certificates, which are often called ‘voluntary certificates’ besides other names, are often issued for some products covered by EU harmonisation legislation by certification bodies not acting in their capacity as notified bodies under EU law. These practices are misleading since only notified bodies may issue certificates of compliance for harmonised products and only in the area for which they are notified. For example, if a body is notified to issue certificates for machinery, it should not issue certificates (voluntary or other) for non-machinery products (such as personal protective equipment – masks).

Please note that, under EU law, voluntary or other additional certificates are not a recognised means to prove compliance. Consequently, they have no value in the case of checks by market surveillance authorities or customs. However, an exception arises in instances where voluntary certification is outlined in specific legislation. In such cases, while the certificate is not obligatory, it must adhere to explicit requirements if chosen to be acquired.

Voluntary certificates can create the impression that the product conforms with applicable EU harmonisation legislation, although such certificates are not issued by an authorised body.

Voluntary certificates must not be confused with third-party conformity assessment certification by notified bodies within the area for of competence for which they are notified, due to the use of terms such as ‘certification’ or ‘independent third party’ or the presence of the CE marking on the certificate.

CE marking can only be affixed after testing the product and performing the conformity assessment procedure prescribed by the applicable EU harmonisation legislation. It is not acceptable for voluntary certificates to bear a CE marking.

Contact

  • GROW-DIR-NOISEatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (grow-dir-noise[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

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