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Noise Emissions in the Environment

The EC Noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 3 July 2000 as Directive 2000/14/EC. The Directive arises from the European Community's (EC) programme for the elimination of technical barriers to trade and is formulated under the 'Global Approach'. Its purpose is to harmonise national laws of Member States regarding noise emission limits and labelling requirements at the manufacturing stage.

VCA has been tasked by the Department for Business, Enterprise, & Regulatory Reform (formerly the Department of Trade and Industry) to carry out inspections at retailers and importers premises to identify items of equipment covered by this legislation that do not conform. Additionally, VCA carries out noise level testing on samples of equipment to check the accuracy of noise levels claimed. The Directive was implemented into UK law by The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1701) made under the European Communities Act 1972.

For more information on this subject, please see the document, "Outline of the Noise Regulations".

Please follow this link to our Prosecution Code of Practice

Follow this link to the BERR Guidance Notes on the UK Regulations - first edition (opens in new window).