In order to place radio equipment on the market, the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is established. It ensures the safety and health of radio equipment users, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of radio spectrum by establishing essential requirements for radio equipment. A number of additional aspects can also be regulated further under it. Privacy protection and fraud prevention are among these features. Further aspects include interoperability, access to emergency services, and software and equipment compliance.
Analysis and next steps based on the European Commission’s actions.
The following updates have been made to articles 3(3)(d), (e), and (f):
The Commission strengthens radio equipment cybersecurity
A Delegated Act of the Radio Equipment Directive was adopted by the Commission to enhance cybersecurity, privacy, and personal data protection in certain categories of radio equipment.
An impact assessment study on protection in internet-connected and wearable radio equipment was authorized earlier by the Commission.
Specifically, it focused on
- the protection of personal data and privacy
- the protection from fraud
According to the impact assessment conducted at inception, different options were considered.
Please refer to the study’s final report.
With the RED, the previous directive, the Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment Directive (99/5/EC), is aligned with the new directive.
Improved market surveillance was also taken into account in the revision. Especially for importers, manufacturers, and distributors’ traceability obligations. Market surveillance instruments have been improved. Preregistration may be required for radio equipment in low-compliance categories, for example.
On 22 May 2014, the RED was published in the OJEU, entered into force on 11 June 2014, and is effective as of 13 June 2016. During the transitional period, which ended on 12 June 2017 (Article 48), there was a one-year transitional period. Radio equipment that was compliant with either the RED or the EU legislation applicable before 13 June 2016 (e.g. R&TTED) could be placed on the market during the transitional period.
In the guidance section below, you will find details on how to apply the RED.
TCAM (Technical Committee)
TCAM is a committee concerned with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, established by Article 45 of the RED
A TCAM opinion is given on proposed RED implementing acts. As well as discussing the directive, its chair and a representative of an EU country also discuss its application.
Acts delegated under the RED and implementing them
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 of the Commission
- The European Parliament and the Council adopted Directive 2014/53/EU on 29 October 2021 to complement that directive in relation to its essential requirements, as set forth in paragraphs (d),(e) and (f).
- RELATIONSHIP DELINQUED BY THE COMMISSION (EU) 2019/320
- Regarding the application of Article 3(3)(g) of Directive 2014/53/EU for emergency communications from mobile devices in order to ensure caller location, EN ••• of 12 December 2018 applies.
- It shall take effect on 17 March 2022, according to article 2. According to recital 14, the Regulation should not be interpreted as preventing economic operators from complying with it as soon as it becomes effective.
- In Directive 2014/53/EU Article 10(10) specifies how information should be presented.
- For printed product documentation, download the high-resolution pictogram described in Commission Implementing Regulation 2017/1354.
- Insofar as they are not incompatible with the RED, Commission decisions adopted under the R&TTED will continue to apply under the RED.
Advice
This guide aims to assist with the common application of the RED. Manufacturers and other stakeholders will find it useful since it deals with practical issues that are of interest to them. TCAM’s opinions and discussions will inform the guide’s continuous update.
Information on the transition between the R&TTED and the RED in the radio equipment directive FAQ.
