UK: The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors (Amendment) Regulations 2025

 

Great Britain has introduced new legislation titled The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment) Regulations 2025. This regulation applies to outdoor machinery commonly used on construction sites and in large parks or gardens—such as chainsaws, cranes, dumpers, excavators, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and power generators.

The 2025 Amendment (‘the GB Regulations 2025’) modifies the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (‘the 2001 Regulations’) as they apply in Great Britain. The key changes include updates to the testing methods used to measure airborne noise from in-scope equipment, aimed at protecting both machine operators and nearby individuals from excessive noise exposure.

For certain equipment, manufacturers will be permitted to use either the existing or the updated testing methods. Transitional arrangements are also in place for equipment already on the market.

Additionally, the GB Regulations 2025 eliminate the requirement for responsible persons to submit a copy of the declaration of conformity to the national enforcement authority, easing administrative burdens on businesses.

The regulations also update the reference to EU Directive 2000/14/EC. This ensures that equipment meeting the latest version of the Directive can continue to be sold in Great Britain under the ongoing CE recognition framework.

Objectives of the GB Regulations 2025:

1. Modernize the technical methods for measuring airborne noise emitted by outdoor equipment.
2. Remove the obligation to submit a declaration of conformity to the enforcement authority within 28 days of placing the equipment on the market.

These trade-facilitating measures aim to enhance public protection by ensuring noise testing methods are current and accurate. They also support market access for CE-marked equipment compliant with the latest EU standards through continued CE recognition in Great Britain.

To find out more about product compliance in UK, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute.