Radio Equipment Directive (2022)
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU), as amended and updated, sets out a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market in the European Union (EU). It ensures the protection of health and safety of persons and of domestic animals and the protection of property, including adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility, and prevents radio equipment from causing harmful interference to other radio equipment or radio communications networks, and from not otherwise fulfilling its intended purpose.
The directive covers a wide range of radio equipment, including but not limited to mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, radio and television broadcast transmitters, and amateur radio equipment.
Key Objectives and Requirements:
- Health and Safety: Ensures radio equipment does not pose a risk to the health and safety of users and bystanders.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Requires radio equipment to operate without causing undue interference to other devices and be immune to interference from other devices.
- Efficient Use of Radio Spectrum: Promotes the efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum, including avoiding harmful interference.
- Fraud Prevention: Preventing fraud by mandating that devices do not include features that could be used to manipulate network operators and harm consumers.
- Accessibility for people with disabilities: Radio equipment must be accessible to people with disabilities.
- Privacy and personal data protection: Radio equipment must safeguard privacy and personal data.
Conformity Assessment:
Manufacturers must demonstrate that their radio equipment complies with the requirements of the RED through a conformity assessment procedure. This typically involves testing the equipment against relevant harmonised standards. After successful assessment, the manufacturer can affix the CE marking to the equipment, indicating compliance with the RED.
Harmonised Standards:
Harmonised standards are developed by European standards organizations (ESOs) like ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization), and CEN (European Committee for Standardization). Compliance with harmonised standards provides a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the RED.
Market Surveillance:
Member states are responsible for market surveillance to ensure that radio equipment placed on the market complies with the RED. They have the authority to withdraw non-compliant equipment from the market.
Updates and Amendments:
The Radio Equipment Directive is subject to updates and amendments to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving regulatory needs. Manufacturers and importers must stay informed about these changes to ensure ongoing compliance. The "Radio Equipment Directive (2022)" refers to implementations, clarifications, or changes made to the initial directive within the year 2022, rather than a completely new directive. It is crucial to verify specific amending directives or decisions related to RED within 2022 for definitive details.