As an independent and modern testing and certification service provider, we offer comprehensive testing and measurement services for assessing the electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency performance of electrical and electronic products. The VDE laboratory infrastructure includes state-of-the-art anechoic chambers for measuring radiated emissions, test stations for conducted emissions, and very fast—and therefore efficient—measurement systems for emission testing and immunity testing. This enables us to deliver reproducible results in accordance with the relevant national and international standards and guidelines.

What obligations apply to manufacturers of electrical and electronic products?

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The manufacturer must confirm that its devices meet the protection requirements of the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU or the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. Proof of conformity is generally provided through testing in accordance with harmonized standards listed in the Official Journal of the EU for the respective directive, but may also be provided in other ways.

Regardless of the conformity assessment, technical documentation must be prepared in accordance with the annexes of the respective directive to demonstrate compliance with the essential requirements.

In addition, the new mandatory cybersecurity requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive must be observed. For products incorporating artificial intelligence, the requirements of the AI Regulation will apply in the future.

VDE Testing Services for EMC and Radio Frequency

We support manufacturers throughout the entire development process—from early design validation to precise pre-compliance measurements and comprehensive conformity testing. If, during the development process, it becomes apparent that limit values are not being met or tests are not being passed, our measurement and testing experts use their many years of expertise in this field to help analyze the cause. Should changes to circuit boards or systems be necessary, our partners specializing in electronic system development can provide further assistance.

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Information on the VDE Testing and Certification Process

Your goal is to bring your devices to market quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible support in this process. This process typically involves the following steps.

1. Product Presentation and Clarification of Requirements

3. Testing

Once the samples have been delivered, we will conduct the testing for you. If you would like to be present during the measurements and tests as part of the development process, we will arrange that for you.
If the test results exceed the specified limits, we will discuss with you as soon as possible how you would like to proceed. We are also happy to assist you in identifying the root cause and will work with you to determine the next steps for the project.
Should design modifications be necessary, we can also support you with measurements throughout the development process. Thanks to our state-of-the-art measurement technology, these measurements can be performed very efficiently.

How does the VDE provide support in the areas of electromagnetic compatibility and radio communications?

The VDE Institute’s testing and certification activities are highly recognized internationally. This is primarily due to the high quality of our testing and the integrity of our employees. Our testing laboratories are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and recognized as a testing laboratory (CBTL) within the IECEE’s international certification system (CB System). We are recognized by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) as a Notified Body with identification number 0366 for the EU’s EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) has accredited us for a wide range of standards in the field of EMC and radio communications. We are also designated by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) as a technical service in the field of motor vehicles and vehicle components.

As an accredited and designated testing and certification partner, the VDE provides support for:

EMC – Emission Testing
EMC – Immunity Testing
EMC – Harmonics and Flicker in the Power Supply Network
Radio frequency testing in accordance with Article 3(2) of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)
EMC and electrical testing for vehicles and vehicle components

To conduct these EMC tests, the VDE Institute has excellent, state-of-the-art testing and measurement equipment that ensures fast and efficient testing.

Tour of VDE EMC laboratory

VDE – Your Reliable Partner as a Notified Body for EMC and Radio Frequency

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VDE is designated as a Notified Body for EMC and radio frequency—and that’s exactly what gives you real advantages as you enter the European market.

As a Notified Body, we can facilitate your market access even if there have been deviations from standards or limit values. For product families with many variants, it is not necessary to test every version individually—you will still receive a complete EU type-examination certificate covering all variants. At the same time, you benefit from our comprehensive expertise in EMC and radio frequency technologies.

We are listed in the NANDO database under EU identification number 0366 and offer the following services based on a document review:

EU type examination certificate in accordance with the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
EU type-examination certificate in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU
Evaluation reports for EU type examination

Another advantage: We can issue an EU type-examination certificate even if some or all of the tests were conducted at other laboratories.

Upgrade for your knowledge: our free online seminars

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Through our free online seminars, we keep you informed about the latest developments in the testing and certification of electrical equipment and systems. Our experts discuss the latest trends as well as the perennial topics in the world of certification. In doing so, they draw on a wealth of experience gained over 100 years of testing and certification.

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These test reports and certificates are issued by the VDE Institute:

VDE

Test reports for EMC and radio frequency testing of products, systems, and components as the basis for CE marking
Certifications with the VDE EMC mark
CB test reports and CB certificates for EMC under the IECEE procedure
Certification of components and vehicles by the KBA (E1 marking)
Test reports on tests conducted according to customer specifications
EU Type Examination Certificates

Here you will find relevant information about VDE test marks and certificates.

Automotive Sector:

Tests for obtaining the E1 mark (Federal Motor Transport Authority, KBA) for components in accordance with UN ECE regulations
Tests in accordance with automotive manufacturers’ in-house standards and ISO standards
Testing capabilities for high-voltage components up to 1,000 V

Radio Sector:

Tests in accordance with ETSI standards to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU for low-power radio equipment (SRD), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and many other radio technologies
EU type examination certificate issued by a notified body in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, if the requirements of harmonized standards cannot be met or can only be partially met, or if devices are equipped with radio modules (so-called “combined equipment”)
Emission measurements in accordance with FCC (U.S.) or ISED (Canada) regulations

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Is it all too complex and unclear?

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We support both experienced engineering departments and manufacturers who are facing regulatory requirements for the first time.

Even if you have no prior knowledge, the VDE provides clarity on responsibilities, required tests, documentation requirements, and realistic timelines.

FAQs on EMC, EMF, and Radio Frequency

What is the difference between EMC and EMF?

EMC – Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMC describes how well electrical or electronic devices interact with one another:

They must not emit impermissibly high levels of interference.
They must be sufficiently immune to external electromagnetic influences.
EMC is central to product development, testing, and CE marking. The requirements are set forth in the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Typical topics include emissions, immunity, EN 61000 standards, as well as conformity assessment and approval.

EMF – Electromagnetic Fields

EMF concerns the protection of humans and animals from the fields generated by devices—that is, health effects, not technical compatibility with other devices.

The requirements are set forth, among other places, in the 26th BImSchV, EU Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC, and the EU Occupational Safety and Health Directive 2013/35/EU. Relevant topics include field strength measurements, exposure assessment, and personal protection limits (e.g., ICNIRP).

What is a radio interference protection symbol? Do I need one?

The radio protection mark was a private mark used by the VDE prior to the introduction of CE marking.

With the introduction of the EMC Directive, it was replaced within the VDE by the VDE EMC mark. It indicates that a product meets the requirements of the applicable EMC standards. The mark is not legally required for manufacturers. However, it serves as a mark of quality for authorities and other certification bodies, as well as for end users.

Do I need to issue an EU Declaration of Conformity?

If you place an electrical or electronic product on the market in the European Union, you—as the manufacturer or importer—must issue an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC). It is a key component of the CE marking and a prerequisite for lawful market access.

Only you, as the manufacturer, are authorized to sign this EU Declaration of Conformity. The VDE can provide you with the necessary tests and certificates so that you can make an informed decision about signing the declaration.

Does the EMC Directive automatically apply to all electrical devices?

The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU applies to virtually all electrical and electronic equipment that contains electrical or electronic components and that generates electromagnetic interference or may be affected by electromagnetic interference.

In practice, this applies to a very large proportion of all electrical devices—from industrial equipment and household appliances to control systems, power supplies, and charging devices.

When does the EMC Directive not apply?

The EMC Directive does not apply if:

the product is exclusively passive (e.g., purely mechanical components, simple cables without electronics)
the product is expressly regulated by other EU legislation, e.g.:
- Radio equipment → Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU)
- Medical devices
- Aviation or military equipment
the device cannot cause or receive any relevant electromagnetic effects

Important: Even if another directive applies (e.g., the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)), EMC requirements are usually incorporated into it.

What regulations and laws apply to my product?

The laws and regulations that apply to your product depend on its type, function, and intended use. However, a clear principle applies in the European Union: A product may only be placed on the market if it complies with all applicable EU regulations and is properly labeled. VDE is here to support you as a competent and reliable partner for personalized advice.

What inspections need to be conducted, and who is responsible for them?

The tests required for your product depend on the applicable standards.

Typical EMC tests include:

Emission
Immunity

These tests can be conducted at VDE.

Does my product fall under the Radio Equipment Directive?

Your product falls under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) if it

uses radio waves for communication or positioning
intentionally transmits or receives electromagnetic waves, e.g., for:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Mobile communications (LTE, 5G, NB-IoT)
- RFID, wireless remote controls
- LoRa, Zigbee, proprietary wireless systems

If the RED applies to the product, the EMC Directive does not apply separately. The EMC requirements are already part of the RED. It does not matter whether the wireless function is the primary function or is merely integrated (e.g., a wireless module in a machine or charging station).

What documents do I need to have on hand for testing?

To ensure that EMC, radio frequency, or safety tests can be conducted efficiently and effectively, certain technical and organizational documents should be provided in advance. Good preparation saves time and money and prevents unnecessary interruptions during testing.

The following are definitely helpful:

Product descriptions
Test plans
Operating and installation instructions
Circuit diagrams
Detailed information on wireless and other wired interfaces

Do the same requirements apply outside the EU?

No. Outside the EU, the same requirements generally do not apply. Each region and country has its own laws, regulations, and approval procedures for electrical, electronic, and radio-based products. We can help you identify risks early on and make your market launches predictable. Thanks to our international offices and experts located around the world who are fluent in the respective local languages, we are familiar with all relevant requirements and will guide you safely through every approval process.

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Radio Frequency Measurements and EMC Testing at VDE