New Directive on electrical and electronic car components

Publication date: 16 November 2004

The Commission has just published a new Directive (2004/104/EC and corrigenda) relating to the compatibility of motor vehicles and their electronic components. The Directive will improve the safety of road users by adapting the existing legislation to technical progress. In order to ensure the safe functioning of modern motor vehicles and in view of the rapid technical developments in this area, it was the right time to amend the legislation.

2004_104_ec_electrical_components.pdf (380 KB)

2004_104_ec__corrigendum.pdf (27 KB)

The legislation in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for motor vehicles goes back to 1972. At that time the only purpose was to allow radio and TV reception for citizens, undisturbed by vehicles using spark plugs passing by their homes. Today’s cars are equipped with an ever increasing number of electrical and electronic devices intended to improve safety and to make driving more comfortable. ABS or airbags are already standard on most cars while the share of other systems like electronic stability and GPS is constantly rising. As all these components are connected and controlled by central units, the negative effect of mutual interference needs to be excluded. On the other hand, rapid technical progress needs to be taken into account by omitting lengthy administrative procedures without compromising safety.

The main modifications to the previous Directive are:
- The Directive allows for aftermarket equipment, not related to safety critical functions, to be provided with a self declaration from manufacturers, replacing conventional third party type-approval;
- The test provisions and reference limits take into account the work done in international harmonisation;
- The Directive now refers to the latest standards available from the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This replaces the outdated copies of certain standards for immunity and emissions testing used in the current Directive;
- The Directive now contains for the first time provisions relating to the potentially more hazardous conducted emissions;
- With regard to new techniques, like steering and braking by wire, tyre pressure monitoring systems or distance radar, the Directive gives particular attention to safety related functions and components.