NIST LAUNCHES SERIES OF GUIDES TO EU DIRECTIVES.

Three newly issued NIST guides to European Union directives on machinery, low-voltage equipment and electromagnetic compatibility can help U.S. manufacturers carry out the steps necessary to demonstrate compliance with the EU-wide requirements and gain unfettered access to the 18-nation market.

The easy-to-use introductory references are designed to acquaint businesses and government officials with the directives' essential requirements and their relationship to other EU product safety laws. Each one lists the types of products covered by the particular directive (as well as those that are excluded) and addresses issues regarding the treatment of components incorporated into market-ready products. In addition, the guides explain the hierarchy of EU, international and national standards that might be used to satisfy the directives. Each contains the text of the relevant directive and a list of applicable EU harmonized standards.

Intended to foster the free movement of goods among nations that make up the European Economic Area, the laws are among the more than 20 "new approach" directives approved by the EU's governing body since 1992. Products that comply with relevant directives merit the required "CE mark"--kin to a passport for products marketed in Europe.

The directive on low-voltage equipment, such as appliances and power tools, is designed to prevent electrical hazards to people, pets, livestock and property, while the machinery directive aims to ensure the safety of industrial equipment. The electromagnetic compatibility directive applies to a wide range of products and is intended to prevent electrical and magnetic disturbances that can undermine the performance of other products and systems.

The new publications are available at NIST's conformity assessment web site at http://ts.nist.gov/ca. They are the first in a series of NIST-commissioned guides on selected EU new approach directives. The series is being developed with the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration.

A limited number of NIST's guides to the EU directives will be available. Specify the directive of interest and send a self-addressed mailing label to Maureen Breitenberg, NIST, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 2100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2100.