Europe is following the “New Approach” - in other words, keeping standards and legislation separate. The idea of a single European market dates back to the start of the 70s.

The low voltage directive is the first piece of European legislation to take into account the approach towards harmonisation of a common single market.

Products that fall under one or more of the following directives are subject to mandatory CE-marking. These products must also be accompanied by a declaration of conformity.

With a declaration of conformity the manufacturer confirms that his product meets all the requirements of the European directives that relate to his product. This means he can launch and sell his product within the scope of the EU without consideration of any national regulations.

Declarations of conformity for Pilz products can be found in our download area.

• ATEX (94/9/EG)
• Lifts (95/16/EC)
• Construction products (89/106/EEC)
• Pressure equipment directive (97/23/EC)
• EMC directive (89/336/EEC)
• Appliances burning gaseous fuels (90/396/EEC)
• Machinery directive (2006/42/EC)
• Medical device directive (93/42/EEC)
• Low voltage directive (73/23/EEC)
• Personal protective equipment (89/686/EEC)
• Safety of toys directive (88/378/EEC)

The directives are addressed to member states, who are obliged to incorporate the European directives into domestic law. In Germany for example this is generally implemented via the device and product safety law.

 
Many statements from the EU directives require substantiation. However, EU member states may not make these specifications via legal regulations. It's not a case of expanding EU directives with precise definitions. Only their general statements are legally stipulated.
A system of safety standards is being created for the specifications. It is not just a case of standards from individual national organisations, such as DIN, but of so-called "harmonised European standards". These standards must be recognised by all the EU states' standards organisations.

It is interesting that these safety standards remain non-binding. No EU state is able to grant them the status of a legal regulation, law or similar. Compliance is not obligatory. Anyone can look to meet the requirements of the EU directives in a way other than that described in these standards.

However, it's worthwhile remembering that each manufacturer must provide proof that his products comply with the directives. If he can prove that he has complied with the relevant harmonised European standards, it is assumed that the product will also meet the requirements of the respective EU directives.

In other words: The simplest way to meet the EU directives is to comply with the associated harmonised European standards. 

Constantly changing laws make ongoing training a necessity. Take advantage of Pilz's range of training courses.