Radio Equipment | Directive 2014/53/EU

June 13, 2017 was the deadline for the marketing of products under the scope of the Directive related to the placing on the market of radio equipment (RED) 2014/53/EU and produced before its entry into force on June 13, 2016.

 In particular, emphasis is placed on everyday devices such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and RadioLan devices for which the harmonised standard ETSI EN 300 328 V2.1.1 is applicable “Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using wide band modulation techniques; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of Directive 2014/53/EU”.

The important innovation is the ETSI EN 300 328 V2.1.1 standard, which sets operating limits, performance and compliance requirements for widespread applications such as Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth for mobile phones and tablets, modules for small domestic areas ZigBee and RadioLan radio links for the spread of broadband in remote areas. All these devices use the 2.4 GHz band.

With the harmonisation of the standard, it is now possible to apply Module A, also for the requirement relating to the effective use of the radio spectrum without having to resort to the Notified Body for the issue of the "EU type examination certificate".

What has changed since the R&TTE Directive?

  • The RED Directive applies to equipment that is placed on the market (unlike R&TTE, which also applied to "relevant components" of radio equipment).
  • The RED Directive applies to equipment that intentionally transmits or receives radio waves for communication or radio determination, regardless of its primary function. For example, a "connected" device that uses a built-in radio module for communications or to determine its location (e.g., geolocalization).
  • Wired telecommunications terminal equipment that does not use the radio spectrum is not covered by the RED Directive.
  • Radio equipment covered by the RED Directive is not subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC): the essential requirements of these directives are covered by the essential requirements of the RED Directive, with some modifications.
  • The RED Directive places further emphasis on efficient and effective use of the spectrum. In particular, radio equipment must demonstrate the performance of both the receiving and the transmitting side, as for both the effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum must be demonstrated.  In particular, radio equipment must demonstrate the performance of both the receiving and the transmitting side, as for both the effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum must be demonstrated.
  • The RED Directive applies to radio equipment operating at frequencies below 3000 GHz, including radio equipment operating below 9 kHz that is not covered by national regulations on the use of the radio spectrum.
  • Broadcast TV and radio receivers were expressly excluded from the scope of R&TTE, but the integration of these devices with Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth, etc. no longer allows automatic exclusion.
  • The obligations of the Manufacturers, such as guaranteeing the conformity of the product to the directive, providing the user documentation, making the technical documentation available to the national supervisory authorities, are extended to other economic operators such as Importers and Distributors, including in e-commerce.

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