Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU)
The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market. It has been applicable since 13 June 2016. A 1-year transitional period between this Directive and the now-repealed Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive (1999/5/EC) ended on 12 June 2017. As of 13 June 2017 only the new RED is applicable.
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) ensures a Single Market for radio equipment by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. It applies to all products using the radio frequency spectrum.
The RED aligns the previous directive with the new legislative framework for the marketing of products. The revision takes account of the need for improved market surveillance, in particular for the traceability obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors. It provides improved instruments for market surveillance, such as the possibility to require prior registration of radio equipment, within those categories affected by low levels of compliance.
The Directive requires equipment to be constructed for efficient use of the radio spectrum, as well as electromagnetic compatibility, to avoid interference with terrestrial and orbital communications.
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) of the European Union (EU) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in 2014, and is applicable to all electrical and electronic devices that intentionally emit and receive radio waves at frequencies below 3000 GHz. The Radio Equipment Directive replaces the EU’s Radio and Telecommunications Terminal (R&TTE) Directive (99/5/EC), which was originally published in 1999.
The general principles of the Radio Equipment Directive are similar to those of the R&TTE Directive, requiring compliance with essential requirements addressing health and safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. As with other EU directives, the Radio Equipment Directive relies on harmonised standards for specific technical requirements, and compliance with these requirements provides a presumption of conformity with the Directive’s essential requirements.
The requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive come into effect in June 2016, and radio equipment and devices placed on the market after that date will be required to comply with its requirements. Manufacturers of products that are compliant with the requirements of the R&TTE Directive will have until June 2017 to meet the requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive. New or derived products which fall within the scope of the RED may enter the market under a DoC citing the R&TTE until 13th June 2017.