Latest update: 19/03/2021

Directive 2000/14/EC - noise - equipment for use outdoors

of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors

Objective

The objective of this Directive is to improve the control of noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors. It contributes to the smooth functioning of the internal market, while protecting human health and well-being.

Definitions

Definition of terms “equipment for use outdoors”, “conformity assessment procedures”, “marking”, “sound power level LWA”, “measured sound power level” and “guaranteed sound power level”.

Contents

This Directive only covers equipment that is placed on the market or put into service as an entire unit suitable for the intended use. Non-powered attachments that are separately placed on the market or put into service shall be excluded, except for hand-held concrete-breakers and picks and for hydraulic hammers.

Equipment shall not be placed on the market or put into service until the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, ensures that:

  • the equipment satisfies the requirements concerning the noise emission in the environment of this Directive;
  • the conformity assessment procedures of this Directive have been completed;
  • the equipment bears CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level and is accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity.

There are equipments subject to noise limits and equipments subject to noise marking only.

The following shall be excluded from the scope of this Directive: all equipment primarily intended for the transport of goods or persons by road or rail or by air or on waterways; equipment specially designed and constructed for military and police purposes and for emergency services.

Annexes

Annex I: Definitions of equipment

Annex II: EC Declaration of conformity

Annex III: Method of measurement of airborne noise emitted by equipment for use outdoors

Annex IV: Models of the CE marking of conformity and of the indication of the guaranteed sound power level

Annex V: Internal control of production

Annex VI: Internal control of production with assessment of technical documentation and periodical checking

Annex VII: Unit verification

Annex VIII: Full quality assurance

Annex IX: Minimum criteria to be taken into account by member states for the notification of bodies

Annex X: Unit verification; Model of conformity certificate

Read the full text of the consolidated version of the Directive (including later amendments)

Read the full text of the original Directive

National laws implementing this Directive

Further information on this topic

See also information of the European Commission - Growth