Mapping of Directive 2000/14/EC

To implement the requirements of OND 2000/14/EC in a transparent and structured way, the regulatory assessment process can be represented using a Structured Assessment Logic (SAL). This logic ensures that environmental noise emission requirements are systematically evaluated, measured, documented, and demonstrated through a structured conformity assessment process.

The SAL translates the Directive into a repeatable compliance workflow linking product qualification, acoustic assessment, conformity assessment procedures, technical documentation, and CE marking obligations.

The SAL comprises the following steps:

1. Product qualification – Is the equipment within the scope of the Directive 2000/14/EC?

2. Classification – Determination of the applicable OND equipment category

3. Determination of applicable noise emission requirements and prescribed measurement methodology

4. Conformity assessment procedure selection

5. Technical documentation – Which records demonstrate compliance?

6. Indication of the guaranteed sound power level according to Annex IV

7. Series production – Maintaining acoustic conformity

8. EU Declaration of Conformity & CE marking – Official confirmation of compliance, ready for the EU market.

Note: SAL is not an end in itself. It provides a repeatable methodology that translates regulatory principles into a clear, structured assessment logic.

This diagram illustrates the SAL workflow visually:

Product qualification

↓

Classification under Article 12 or Article 13

↓

Determination of applicable noise emission requirements and prescribed measurement methodology

↓

Conformity assessment procedure selection

↓

Technical documentation

↓

Indication of the guaranteed sound power level according to Annex IV

↓

Series production control

↓

EC Declaration of Conformity & CE marking

Parallel applicability of legislation / Norm hierarchy and conflict of laws

Other Union harmonisation legislation may need to be taken into account. As part of the applicability assessment, it must be determined whether such acts apply in parallel or whether, due to rules of precedence and lex specialis principles, individual requirements or an entire harmonisation act is displaced in favour of another. Where no normative conflict exists, the respective requirements apply in parallel and cumulatively.

Overview: Directive 2000/14/EC

• Number: 2000/14/EC

• Title: Noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors

• Publication: OJ L 162, 3.7.2000, p. 1

• Purpose: Harmonised environmental noise regulation for outdoor equipment

• Guidance: Guidelines for the application of Directive 2000/14/EC

Scope

The Directive applies to:

• Equipment for use outdoors

• Placed on the market as a complete functional unit

• Suitable for its intended use

Certain non-powered attachments are excluded unless specifically listed (e.g. hydraulic hammers or hand-held concrete breakers).

The Directive does not apply to:

• Equipment primarily intended for transport by road, rail, air, or waterways

• Equipment specifically designed for military, police, or emergency service purposes

Classification

Before conformity assessment, the equipment must be classified under either Article 12 or Article 13 of Directive 2000/14/EC.

This classification determines:

• whether mandatory noise limit values apply,

• whether the equipment is subject only to noise marking obligations,

• and which conformity assessment procedures are available.

Determination of applicable noise emission requirements and prescribed measurement methodology

Following classification under Article 12 or Article 13, the Directive directly specifies:

• the applicable regulatory noise requirements,

• the permissible sound power levels (where applicable),

• and the mandatory acoustic measurement procedures.

This constitutes a key structural feature of Directive 2000/14/EC ► Unlike many other EU product directives, conformity is not demonstrated through the application of harmonised standards. Instead, the Directive itself defines:

• the applicable limit values,

• the acoustic assessment framework,

• and the prescribed measurement methodologies.

Article 12 equipment

For equipment listed under Article 12:

• the guaranteed sound power levels specified in the Directive may not be exceeded,

• and compliance must be demonstrated using the prescribed measurement procedures.

Article 13 equipment

For equipment listed under Article 13:

• no limit values apply,

• however, guaranteed sound power level to be determined and declared using the prescribed measurement methodology.

The applicable measurement procedures are laid down in Annex III and define:

• operating conditions,

• acoustic environment,

• measurement configuration,

• and determination of the guaranteed sound power level.

SAL principle: Under the OND, regulatory requirements and acoustic measurement methodology are directly embedded in the legal framework itself.Measurement methodology is therefore not merely supportive evidence, but an integral part of the conformity requirements.

Conformity assessment procedure selection

The conformity assessment route depends on whether the equipment falls under Article 12 or Article 13.

A) Equipment subject to noise limits (Article 12)

The manufacturer may choose between:

• Annex VI → Internal control of production with assessment of technical documentation and periodic checking

• Annex VII → Unit verification

• Annex VIII → Full quality assurance

These procedures require varying levels of involvement by a Notified Body.

B) Equipment not subject to noise limits (Article 13)

The manufacturer applies:

• Annex V → Internal control of production

This route does not require mandatory third-party intervention.

Technical documentation 

Manufacturers must compile technical documentation demonstrating conformity with the Directive.

This typically includes:

• Product identification and description

• Acoustic test reports

• Applied Annex III measurement procedures

• Calculation of guaranteed sound power levels

• Conformity assessment records

• Production control measures

• Copies of markings and labels

Indication of the guaranteed sound power level according to Annex IV

Series production – Maintaining acoustic conformity

Compliance must be maintained throughout production.

Manufacturers must ensure that:

• Acoustic characteristics remain controlled

• Production deviations do not invalidate the guaranteed sound power level

• Design or supplier changes do not adversely affect noise emissions

SAL focus: Ongoing conformity requires the control of all noise-relevant product and process characteristics throughout the entire product realisation process.

CE MARKING

• Mandatory before placing the product on the EU market

• Must be visible, legible, and permanent

• Notified Body number required if involved

Conclusion

The SAL for Directive 2000/14/EC transforms environmental noise regulation into a structured conformity assessment workflow.

It provides:

• Clear scope qualification

• Structured equipment classification

• Defined acoustic measurement logic

• Traceable determination of guaranteed sound power levels

• Controlled production conformity

• Transparent CE marking and environmental noise declaration