Component Compliance
Component Compliance refers to the process of verifying that individual parts, sub-assemblies, and materials used within your machinery meet applicable EU regulations. A common pitfall for North American manufacturers is assuming that components certified for the US market (such as UL-listed parts) are automatically compliant in Europe. This is not the case; EU standards often require different electrical and chemical verifications.
To ensure the final machine is legal, you must audit components against specific directives. For instance, electronics must align with RoHS restrictions, while power components must meet the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). If a critical component fails to meet these standards, the entire machine fails its Conformity Assessment.
The burden of proof lies in documentation. You are required to collect Supplier Declarations or test reports for every critical part. This evidence is mandatory for your Technical File. While using Pre-Certified Components can streamline the process, you must actively verify that their certification covers the specific EU requirements relevant to your machine's application.
