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Outdoor Noise Directive

The scope of the Outdoor Noise Directive comprises a wide range of construction plant and equipment, equipment for gardens, for lifting, pumps, drills, saws, etc.

The intention of the legislation is to control and monitor noise of equipment for use outdoors so as to reduce noise nuisance and to remove technical barriers to trade arising out of member States' different noise requirements.

Manufacturers are required to measure, or have measured the sound power level of the 57 categories of equipment listed in the Directive, 22 of which have to meet limits. Noise test methods are the harmonised standards wherever possible, with a choice of conformity assessment procedures.

Labels need to be affixed to each item of equipment showing the guaranteed sound power level and declarations of conformity need to be issued.

The scope of the Outdoor Noise Directive comprises a wide range of construction plant and equipment, equipment for gardens, for lifting, pumps, drills, saws, etc.

A full listing of the equipment covered by the Outdoor Noise Directive can be found in the guidance booklet – Product Standards – Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors – Guidance Notes on the UK Regulations (PDF)

The Directive entered into force on 3 July 2000 and became mandatory on 3 January 2002. The legislation has been amended on one occasion.

The Directive was implemented into UK law by The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1701), as amended by S.I. 2001/3958 and S.I. 2005 No.3525.

Enforcement of the Noise Regulations is carried out by the Vehicle Certification Agency, based in Bristol.

Notified Bodies

A list of Notified Bodies accredited under EMC can be found by following this link to the European Commission's NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System.

The list can be sorted by country or by Notified Body name by clicking on the column headings. The contact details, accreditation information and information on the Directive modules for which the organisation is notified can be found by clicking on the Notified Body name. Please note that UK based companies are not restricted to using UK Notified Bodies.

CAUTION:  The Department is aware of cases where organisations claim (or appear to claim) to be notified bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessment and certification when they actually hold no such appointment.  Please see further information in the attached warning note.

EC Consultation

The European Commission has launched a public on-line consultation in the context of an upcoming Review of Directive 2000/14/EC. Please follow the link for the background and how to respond to the consultation.

Publications

BIS contacts

Angela Finch / Dennis Nathanielsz
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
4 th Floor, Orchard 1
London SW1H 0ET

Tel: 020 7215 1438 / 5693
Fax: 020 7215 6862