Selling preassembled PCB and CE compliance

[geko]

Hi,

I was considering selling in low volumes, a pre-assembled circuit board but want to know how CE regulations and WEEE directive apply to selling such in the UK.

From searching the net and eBay I can find lots of suppliers of small circuits and they would not appear to comply with any regulations.

Are there exemptions, for example if it requires the addition of a power supply or other external connections to become a functional device.

Any advice from those with some experience in this would be appreciated

Thank you

Pete

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I would 'hope' they don't apply to small scale 'kits', so I wouldn't worry about it.

CE was entirely self-certified, I don't know if this is still the case?.

 

[dougy83]

You have RoHS exemption for assemblies that are for "research and development only available business to business" (https://export.gov/europeanunion/weeerohs/rohsinformation/)
CE might only be applicable if the equipment (or end equipment in the case of a module) falls within one of the 20 defined product groups (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_marking). CE is self-certified, but requires a compliance folder and associated documentation.

 

[geko]

Thanks both of you for your replies.

I'm inclined to go with Nigel and just go ahead with it.

Based on the CE low-voltage directive, since the board would need an external power supply, not supplied by me, and the board itself operate below the voltages specified in that directive it seems to fall outside it.

I suppose to put some context to this I was thinking of making this navigation/strobe/beacon LED controller for model aircraft.


If anyone has any other comments, advice or pitfalls I'd be interested to hear it.

Thanks

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I wouldn't have thought a simple LED flasher falls foul of any regulations?.

However, I would suggest you add an electrolytic across the supply rail - this would massively extend battery life.

 

[geko]

However, I would suggest you add an electrolytic across the supply rail - this would massively extend battery life.

Noted, thanks.

 

[WTP Pepper]

Your biggest problem will be anything to do with batteries. They are clamping down tightly on what can be transported regarding anything with Lithium in them. Due to be updated and more tightly regulated in May 2014. This will include both air and road transportation.

Keep anything you build free from Berrilium ( a heat compound) and Lithium (a battery) and you should be OK.

Anything involving crypto material should be avoided.

A simple 555 cct will not be an issue unless you supply a 20Ah LiPo battery pack with it.