The European Commission revised the Blue Guide that was issued on June 29, 2022. The Blue Guide was released in the 2000 for the first time as a reference document that helps to understand the legislation premised on the New Approach. The current version is the third revision of the Guide that gives explanations with regard to the European conformity assessment system, the accreditation of laboratories, the CE marking, and market surveillance for such types of products as toys, measuring instruments, radio equipment, low voltage electrical equipment, medical devices, etc.

The new version contains not only provisions indicated in the previous version of the Guide but also covers the latest changes in the EU legislation, such as the adoption of a new Regulation on Market Surveillance and a new Regulation on Mutual Recognition of goods lawfully marketed in another Member State.

This Guide relates to the following legislations:

• The restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (Directive 2011/65/EU)
• Appliances burning gaseous fuels (Regulation (EU) 2016/426)
• Ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (Directive 2009/125/EC and all implementing Regulations)
• Simple pressure vessels (Directive 2014/29/EU)
• Toys’ safety (Directive 2009/48/EC)
• Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (Directive 2014/35/EU)
• Machinery (Directive 2006/42/EC)
• Electromagnetic compatibility (Directive 2014/30/EU)
• Measuring instruments (Directive 2014/32/EU)
• Non-automatic weighing instruments (Directive 2014/31/EU)
• Cableway installations (Regulation (EU) 2016/424)
• Radio equipment (Directive 2014/53/EU)
• Medical devices (Regulation (EU) 2017/745)
• In vitro diagnostic medical devices (Regulation (EU) 2017/746)
• Pressure equipment (Directive 2014/68/EU)
• Transportable Pressure equipment (Directive 2010/35/EU)
• Aerosol Dispensers (Directive 75/324/EEC)
• Lifts (Directive 2014/33/EU)
• Recreational craft (Directive 2013/53/EU)
• Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (Directive 2014/34/EU)
• Explosives for civil uses (Directive 2014/28/EU)
• Pyrotechnics (Directive 2013/29/EU)
• Regulation on the Labelling of Tyres (Regulation (EU) No 2020/740)
• Personal protective equipment (Regulation (EU) 2016/425)
• Marine equipment (Directive 2014/90/EU)
• Noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors (Directive 2000/14/EC)
• Emissions from non-road mobile machinery (Regulation (EU) 2016/1628)
• Energy labelling (Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and all delegated Regulations)
• Fertilising Products (Regulation (EU) 2019/1009)
• Unmanned aircraft systems (drones) (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945)

It helps to understand when the EU legislation should apply to products фы aswell as when the CE mark is applicable and when it is not. The Guide contains flowcharts that describe the role of standards and conformity assessment in the supply chain and gives a short description of the possible conformity assessment modules to get access to the EU market. Moreover, in the document you can find links to the additional guidelines and useful links.

Thus, the Guide has been developed to help the interested parties to better understand the EU product rules and promote their uniform application throughout the Single Market.

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The full text of the Guidance you can find here.

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The information has been prepared by the GMA Consult Group team.‍

GMA Consult Group provides a full cycle of international type approval and global market access services for IT, Telecom, and industrial electrical products in all countries throughout the world. With proven expertise in worldwide regulations, compliance, certification, and conformity assessment, GMA Consult Group can help your company speed up access to any market with almost zero efforts from your side.

Need your own guide to the world of certification and approvals? Don't hesitate to contact us via info@gma.trade.

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