EMC stands for Electromagnetic Compatibility, and is the ability of an electronic product to work as intended in its environment. That means the product has to limit its own noise (electromagnetic emissions) so that it does not cause interference to other products. Also, the product has to withstand electromagnetic energy from other products without degradation (EMC immunity) in performance.

The world has experienced EMC problems as early as the use of electronics. In Germany, the "Law of Telegraph in the German Empire" was passed in 1892. It dealt with influences of electromagnetic disturbances on products and installations in the field of telegraph use. However, most interference was observed in those days due to radio frequency, hence it was described as RFI.

Most situations of interference in the earlier years were not critical or life threatening. However, during the war (in 1940s), electronic equipment onboard naval ships increased greatly. The electronics included, among other things, powerful transmitters as well as sensitive receivers. Quite often the electronics equipment was confined to small areas and was used in close proximity. While critical incidents of interference increased significantly, it also increased awareness of EMC and major advances were also made in the design for EMC. FCC which is based on the European Directive.