As specialists in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, we closely monitor any changes to legislation which may impact our clients.
Recently, changes have been announced to EN IEC 61326-1:2021 – the European standard that specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electrical equipment used in measurement, control and laboratory environments.
The change affects EN IEC 61326-1:2021 and aims to create greater harmonisation through amendment A11:2026.
Here is a breakdown of the changes and how they might impact your existing or future products:
What’s changed?
Immunity requirements
Immunity requirements have changed for equipment used in certain applications.
For equipment used in an ‘industrial electromagnetic environment’, the required immunity level has risen. Under A11:2026, the conducted radio frequency immunity level has increased from 3V to 10V (150KHz to 80MHz).
This rise aims to increase product resilience and overall safety.
However, this change does not affect immunity test levels for equipment intended for use in a non-industrial or ‘basic electromagnetic environment’.
Performance criterion
Amendment A11:2026 also clarifies the acceptable degradation of operational function during and after immunity testing.
The new amendment introduces function categories that define the required performance of each function when determining the applicable immunity performance criteria.
It now allows no loss of function, no performance degradation, and no loss of stored data, provided the equipment is used as intended.
The evaluation of ‘function’ is strictly tied to the designated electromagnetic environment (basic, industrial or controlled). Any loss or change of function beyond the manufacturer’s specifications is considered a failure.
Emissions requirements
Previously, the radiated emission requirements above 1 GHz were determined by the equipment’s group classification.
Group 2 includes all equipment that intentionally generates, uses or radiates RF energy. Group 1 comprises all other products that are not included in Group 2.
Previously, only products in Group 2 were required to undergo radiated emissions testing above the frequency range of 1 GHz to 18 GHz.
Under the new amendment, Group 1 products with clock frequencies above 108 MHz must also be tested over the 1 GHz to 6 GHz frequency range.
This change is in part driven by reference to the updated EN 55011:2025 standard for radio frequency disturbances in industrial, scientific and medical equipment.
What does this mean for your product compliance?
Current products tested in accordance with EN IEC 61326-1:2021 that remain in production and on the market need updates to their technical documentation to reference the latest amendment, EN IEC 61326-1:2021/A11:2026.
Depending on the characteristics of the product, ongoing conformity may require:
- Updates to the existing test report to include prior test results at higher thresholds which now demonstrate compliance
- Additional testing against the new higher thresholds
How can ETS help?
If you’re unsure about the implications of this change to your products, we’d love to help.
Our expert team can offer a gap analysis to assess any differences between your existing certification and the requirements of the latest version of the EN IEC 61326-1:2021 standard.
As part of the assessment, we can identify the most efficient way to maintain or update your product’s compliance through amendments to documentation or additional testing.
To speak to an ETS expert about maintaining your compliance – or to request a review of your existing certifications – get in touch here: https://landing.etsemc.co.uk/perfect-partner-emc-testing#contact-form
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