CENELEC has officially released Amendment A2 (October 2025) to the product standard EN 50566. This update introduces a pivotal change to SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) evaluation for hand-held and body-worn wireless devices operating between 30 MHz and 6 GHz.
The Core Update: 5 mm → 0 mm
The most critical revision is the elimination of the separation distance allowance for body-worn, body-supported, or garment-integrated devices.
- Previously: Standards allowed a buffer distance of up to 5 mm.
- Now: Testing must be performed at 0 mm.
This shift to direct-contact testing is not just a procedural update—it is a significant technical hurdle.
Why This Change is Critical
Removing the 5 mm “air gap” eliminates the physical buffer that naturally attenuates RF energy. In the near-field region, electromagnetic field strength typically increases exponentially as distance decreases.
- The Implication: A device that comfortably passed compliance at 5 mm may now show SAR values significantly higher—potentially exceeding the 2.0 W/kg limit—when tested at 0 mm.
For the EU Market: Impact on Legacy Products
Manufacturers must understand that EU compliance is not a one-time event; it is governed by the “state of the art” principle.
Once Amendment A2 is cited in the Official Journal and the transition period ends, the new 0 mm requirement applies to all products placed on the market from that date forward.
- What this means for you: Even if your product is already successfully selling in the European market based on previous standards, you cannot rely on the old certification indefinitely.
- To continue shipping existing models without interruption, you must update your Declaration of Conformity (DoC), which often requires re-evaluating the device under the new 0 mm conditions.
Who Should Be Most Concerned?
This update specifically targets manufacturers of devices designed to be worn close to the body. If your product portfolio includes the following, this standard will directly impact your certification strategy:
- Professional Equipment: Body-worn cameras (police/security) and industrial barcode scanners.
- Communication Devices: Walkie-talkies and push-to-talk (PTT) radios with belt clips.
- IoT & Wearables: GPS trackers for logistics or healthcare monitors worn directly on the skin.
