If you manufacture outdoor machinery and want to sell it within the European Union or the UK, understanding your obligations under the Outdoor Noise Directive is essential. Non-compliance can result in your products being refused entry at the border, withdrawn from market, or subject to significant financial penalties.
This guide explains what the Outdoor Noise Directive covers, how to determine whether your equipment falls within scope, and what steps you need to take to achieve compliance.
What is the Outdoor Noise Directive?
The Outdoor Noise Directive (Directive 2000/14/EC) is European legislation that regulates the noise emissions of equipment intended for use outdoors. Its purpose is to protect public health and the environment by limiting the noise produced by a wide range of machinery used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and related sectors.
In the UK, following the departure from the European Union, equivalent legislation has been retained and incorporated into domestic law. Manufacturers wishing to access both markets must therefore consider their obligations under both frameworks.
Which Equipment is in Scope?
The directive applies to a defined list of equipment types. If your product appears on this list, you are legally required to comply before placing it on the EU or UK market. The equipment categories covered include, but are not limited to:
• Compaction machines (vibrating rollers, vibratory plates, vibratory rammers)
• Tracked dumpers
• Crawler dozers and crawler loaders
• Combustion-engine driven generating sets
• Hydraulic hammers and impact drills
• Lawnmowers, lawn trimmers and lawn edge trimmers
• Leaf blowers, vacuum cleaners and leaf collectors
• Mobile cranes
• Paving equipment
• Tower cranes
• Welding and power generators
This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure whether your product is in scope, a qualified authorised representative or compliance specialist can advise you.
What Does Compliance Involve?
For equipment within scope, compliance with the Outdoor Noise Directive requires:
• Noise testing carried out in accordance with the applicable harmonised measurement standards
• Comparison of measured sound power levels against the permitted limits set out in the directive
• Conformity assessment, which may require involvement of a Notified Body
• CE marking of the equipment
• Preparation of technical documentation
• Declaration of Conformity
Some equipment categories are subject to guaranteed sound power level limits (meaning the noise must not exceed a defined threshold), while others require measured values to be declared without a mandatory limit.
Do I Need an Authorised Representative?
If your business is based outside the European Union, you are legally required to appoint an EU-based Authorised Representative before your products can be placed on the EU market.
For manufacturers of machinery, there is an important practical advantage: the UK has indefinitely recognised CE marking for machinery, meaning that UKCA marking is not required. A single CE mark therefore grants access to both the EU and UK markets, simplifying the compliance process considerably.
Earlsmere acts as Authorised Representative for EU market access. Because the UK recognises CE marking for machinery, this single appointment effectively supports access to both markets.
Need help with compliance? Contact Earlsmere today.
Whether you are based in the UK, EU, or USA, Earlsmere has the expertise to guide you through every step of the compliance process. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
Email: enq@earlsmere.co.uk | Web: www.earlsmere.co.uk