Changes to the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations 2001 came into force on 13 April 2026.
The Regulations apply principally to businesses that manufacture, import or place certain types of outdoor equipment on the Great Britain market, including equipment commonly used within construction and industry.
The main changes include:
- Updated noise measurement methods for equipment covered by the Regulations.
- Removal of the requirement to send a copy of the Declaration of Conformity to the Secretary of State.
- Continued recognition of CE-marked equipment meeting the relevant requirements.
- A new statutory review provision within the Regulations.
For equipment subject to noise limits, the new measurement methods generally apply from 13 April 2026, although transitional arrangements apply to certain older equipment.
What should businesses do?
Manufacturers, importers and other organisations responsible for placing affected equipment on the GB market should review their noise testing, conformity assessment, product marking and technical documentation arrangements to ensure they reflect the updated requirements.
Businesses simply using affected machinery should continue to ensure equipment is suitable, maintained appropriately and that workplace noise exposure is controlled under existing health and safety requirements.
Further information: GOV.UK guidance on noise from outdoor equipment
