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Guide to Safety and EMC Regulations
for Information Technology Equipment

Part 1--"The Big Picture"
For computer equipment, the product classification of Information Technology Equipment (ITE) is commonly used to determine the regulatory requirements that apply when the computers are sold in various world markets.

This guide is designed to present the "big picture" of regulatory engineering and compliance, and is intended to counter the "blizzard" of acronyms, standard number references, and other minutiae that often characterize discussions in regulatory matters. The links below provide more detail in Part 2 of this guide.

Links on this page lead to a more details in part 2 of the overview.

It is important to note that computers used in medical applications, aviation, and other situations where failure could result in imminent danger, are subject to more stringent regulations than those referenced in these pages.

The regulations, as broadly defined, may be written by governments, private agencies, or a combination of both.

There are 3 main categories of regulations are:

1. Safety
2. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

3. Environmental, such as the EPA in the U.S., and RoHS, which greatly reduces the amount of lead used in electronic products. For more information on RoHS, see the links at the top of the World Regulatory Standards page.

Products are tested to ensure they meet safety and EMC regulations.

When a product is compliant with applicable requirements, the manufacturer will use agency markings and certifications.

>> Part 2 --More details

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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Computers used in medical applications, aviation, and other situations where failure could result in imminent danger, are subject to more stringent regulations than those referenced in these pages.
Regulations often allow room for subjective decisions which may result in different outcomes in evaluation of compliance, when conducted by different organizations and/or individuals.
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