Broadcasting Safety: EU Standards for Radio Equipment

Q: How do EU directives like the EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive relate to the RED?

Directives like the EMC and Low Voltage Directives are part of the EU's Single Market laws. They, along with the RED, set the standards that products must meet to be sold in the EU.

Q: What measures can be taken against non-compliant radio equipment?

The RED allows for market surveillance to track and act against non-compliant equipment. This can include limiting its sale or requiring it to be taken off the market.

Q: What are the recent delegated acts adopted under the RED?

The European Commission has passed two delegated acts for the RED. One act deals with emergency calls from mobile phones. The other act focuses on protecting privacy and preventing fraud in radio equipment.

The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) sets the rules for radio gear in the European Union (EU)¹. It makes sure all radio equipment meets safety, health, and spectrum use standards¹. The directive also covers privacy, personal data, and fraud prevention¹. It brings together old and new rules for marketing products.

Contents

Key Takeaways

The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) ensures a single market for radio equipment through safety, health, and spectrum requirements.
The directive covers additional aspects like data protection, privacy, and fraud prevention for internet-connected radio devices.
Manufacturers had a one-year transition period to comply with the RED after its publication in 2014.
The RED is supplemented by Commission Delegated and Implementing Regulations for various aspects like cybersecurity.
Harmonized standards under the RED are prepared by CENELEC and ETSI to support regulatory compliance and safety.

Introduction to Radio Equipment Regulations

Radio technology is a big part of our lives today. It’s used in everything from our phones to industrial systems². Because of this, there are strict rules for making and using radio devices².

Overview of Radio Technology Applications

Radio equipment is found in many things like mobile phones and internet connections³. The rules for radio equipment make sure it works well and safely³.

Importance of Harmonized Radio Spectrum Regulations

Rules for radio spectrum help devices work together across borders². The ITU and CEPT work together to manage the spectrum². This makes sure devices don’t interfere with each other, helping wireless services work well across countries².

Organization	Role in Radio Spectrum Regulation
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)	Coordinates the global use of radio spectrum through the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), which occur approximately every four years².
European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)	Provides measures to Member Administrations on a voluntary basis for adoption regarding spectrum use².

“The harmonization of radio spectrum regulations ensures that radio equipment can function without interference, allowing for the development of cross-border wireless applications and services.”

Having the same rules for radio equipment helps countries trade goods easily and supports new wireless tech². This teamwork in managing the spectrum is key for the radio tech industry’s growth².

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU is key legislation for radio equipment in the European Union⁴. It was made on February 26, 2014. It aims to make laws about electrical gear the same and help people with disabilities use radio equipment⁴.

Scope and Essential Requirements

This directive covers many types of radio equipment, like mobile phones, car door openers, and modems⁴. It lists important rules that radio gear must follow. These include keeping people safe, protecting personal data, and fighting fraud⁴. Also, how well radio equipment works can change if it has special software⁴.

Obligations for Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors

The RED 2014/53/EU has rules for making, bringing in, and selling radio equipment⁵. Makers must make sure their gear meets the rules before selling it. Importers and sellers also have to make sure it’s okay⁵. The goal is to make radio equipment easy for people with disabilities to use⁴.

The European Commission can make new rules to add to or change the directive⁴.

“The compliance of radio equipment may be influenced by the inclusion or modification of software.”

New smartphones must use USB-C by late 2024, and laptops by 2026, says the Radio Equipment Directive 2021/0291⁵⁴.

Roles and Responsibilities

The European Commission has taken steps to support the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). This includes the adoption of acts and setting up a committee to discuss the directive’s application⁶.

European Commission’s Initiatives

The RED has been in effect in the European Economic Area since June 13, 2016⁶. A new directive, (EU) 2022/2380, was published in late 2022 and takes effect on December 28, 2024⁶. Countries had to make the directive their law by June 13, 2016, with a grace period for radio gear ending on June 12, 2017⁶.

The RED sets out how to check if things meet the rules, including checks during production, EU type examination, and full quality assurance⁶. It also requires manufacturers to prove their products meet standards before selling them in the EEA⁶.

The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 made the RED law in the UK on December 26, 2017⁷. Before selling radio gear, manufacturers must make sure it meets the basic rules⁷. They also have to keep documents and a declaration of conformity for 10 years⁷.

Importers must check that radio equipment meets the basic rules before selling it⁷. They must keep a copy of the Declaration of Conformity and technical documents for 10 years⁷. Companies can choose authorized representatives to do certain tasks for them⁷.

After Brexit, businesses selling radio gear in Great Britain follow The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017⁸. These rules apply to most radio equipment, but not to things like aviation or marine gear⁸. Products must have the right labels and meet certain rules, like declaring conformity and using the UKCA mark⁸.

The compliance management system creates compliance reports that check against standards and review supplier documents⁸. If there are issues with the radio equipment sold in GB, manufacturers must take action⁸.

“The RED focuses on creating a uniform regulatory framework for radio equipment, ensuring safety, efficient use of radio frequencies, and compliance with essential requirements across the EU market.”

Requirement	Description
Health and Safety	The RED specifies essential requirements that include health and safety standards for radio equipment.
Electromagnetic Compatibility	The RED ensures electromagnetic compatibility of radio equipment.
Efficient Use of Radio Frequencies	The RED promotes the efficient use of radio frequencies by radio equipment.

The RED covers a wide range of radio equipment, like devices with WiFi, Bluetooth, and navigation technology⁶. It might also be used with other EU rules, like the Low Voltage Directive or the Medical Devices Regulation, depending on the product⁶.

The RED doesn’t apply to some products, such as marine or aeronautical gear, or equipment for public safety⁶⁸⁷.

Global Coordination of Radio Spectrum

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is key in managing the world’s radio spectrum. It does this through the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC). These meetings happen every four years. They update the⁹ Radio Regulations for the use of radio frequencies and satellite orbits worldwide.

At the WRC-19, over 3,400 delegates from 163 countries came together¹⁰. The ITU’s Master International Frequency Register lists 2.6 million frequencies for land use and over 1.1 million for space¹⁰. Every year, more than 200,000 new frequencies are added.

ITU-R Study Groups have over 5,000 experts from different fields¹⁰. They focus on spectrum management and other important topics. Their work helps with things like safety at sea, weather forecasts, and air traffic control¹⁰.

Global spectrum coordination is very important. The ITU Report SM.2093-3¹¹ shows how the ITU works to avoid interference and make better use of radio frequencies¹¹. For over a hundred years, the ITU has made laws for using the spectrum well around the world.

ITU and WRC

“The ITU-R Recommendations are crucial for business, governmental operations, and scientific community support for essential services like safety at sea, weather forecasting, air traffic control, and space exploration.”

European Spectrum Coordination

The Conference of European Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) is key in managing radio spectrum across Europe¹². In 2018, the European Electronic Communications Code was updated to boost connectivity and digital competitiveness¹². This code supports the 2012 Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP), which helps Member States work together on spectrum policy¹².

CEPT’s Role in Spectrum Harmonization

CEPT works to make radio spectrum policy more consistent across Europe¹². It aims to make investing in wireless broadband, like 5G networks, safer and more predictable¹². CEPT also helps by making it easier to get licenses for 5G networks¹².

The European Commission backs CEPT’s efforts, sometimes asking it to pick frequency bands and rules for EU policy¹². The ETSI also gives technical advice on sharing spectrum¹².

Frequency Band	Application
433.05-434.79 MHz (centre frequency 433.92 MHz)	Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) applications in Region 1¹³
6765-6795 kHz, 61-61.5 GHz, 122-123 GHz, 244-246 GHz	Frequency bands allocated for ISM applications¹³

Radio Regulations set rules for managing frequency assignments¹³.

CEPT’s work helps the EU use spectrum well and supports new wireless tech¹².

“The CEPT performs a similar role of co-ordinating spectrum use in Europe, although the ultimate allocation rests with individual national governments.”

Radio equipment regulations

The European Union’s Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive¹⁴ and the Low Voltage Directive¹⁴ are key to the EU’s rules for the Single Market. These laws, along with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), set the standards for equipment to be sold in the EU. The Radio Equipment Regulations of 2017 in the UK make sure these EU rules are followed, keeping radio equipment safe and working right.

The Directive covers radio frequencies from 0 to 3000 GHz¹⁵. Radio equipment makers are in charge of making sure their products meet the RED standards¹⁵. They must have plans for making lots of the same product and keep documents proving it meets the rules¹⁵. The CE marking must be clear and permanent on the equipment and its packaging¹⁵. Companies must keep important documents for 10 years after selling the equipment¹⁵.

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) creates harmonized standards to help makers show their equipment meets RED standards¹⁶. By June 2017, 134 standards from the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) were listed in the Official Journal¹⁶. Of these, 117 standards fully prove that equipment meets RED standards¹⁶.

Directive	Scope	Compliance Requirements
EMC Directive	Governs electromagnetic compatibility	Equipment must be designed to ensure electromagnetic compatibility
Low Voltage Directive	Covers electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits	Equipment must be designed to ensure safety and proper functioning
Radio Equipment Directive	Applies to equipment that emits or receives radio waves for radiodetermination or communication purposes	Equipment must meet essential requirements for safety, health, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient use of radio spectrum

“Directive 2014/53/EU aimed at harmonizing laws in the EU for making radio equipment available on the market.”¹⁴

The Radio Equipment Regulations¹⁵ and ETSI’s standards¹⁶ work together to keep radio equipment safe and working in the UK. They are part of the EU’s rules for the single market.

Harmonized Standards and Conformity Assessment

The European Union’s harmonized standards are key for ensuring radio equipment safety and compliance. These standards, made by groups like ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), help manufacturers show they meet the RED’s essential needs¹⁷.

Before being listed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), an ETSI European Standard is seen as the latest in technology. It can be used to prove to a Notified Body that a product meets the standards¹⁷. ETSI works with the European Commission and others to create these standards for ICT products and services. This helps manufacturers and suppliers get into the European market and follow the rules¹⁸.

ETSI Harmonized Standards and the OJEU

Standards from ETSI, like EN 55035 and EN 300 433 V2.1.1, are in the OJEU. This means they are accepted as meeting the standards¹⁷. When these standards are listed, they become the law, helping to keep radio spectrum clear¹⁸. ETSI also works with the EC and CEPT/ECC to make sure there’s enough spectrum for radio standards. They create documents to help avoid interference and guide on spectrum use for new systems¹⁸.

Using harmonized standards is not mandatory, but it’s a good way to prove you meet the law¹⁷. Thanks to these standards, manufacturers, network operators, and users have greatly benefited¹⁸.

Market Surveillance and Compliance

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU sets out ways to track and monitor products that don’t meet the essential requirements¹⁹. It deals with market surveillance, controls on products from other countries, and the CE marking process¹⁹.

Measures for Non-Compliant Radio Equipment

The RED has steps to take against radio equipment that doesn’t meet standards, like limiting its sale or recalling it¹⁹. It also has specific rules for radio equipment to prevent harmful interference and make better use of the radio spectrum¹⁹.

Starting July 16, 2021, a new rule will affect European e-commerce and online sales²⁰. Online sellers will need an Authorized Representative for products from outside Europe²⁰. This rule will touch on many areas, including machinery, toys, electrical gear, radio equipment, and more²⁰.

ComplyMarket helps online sellers follow the rules with an Authorized Representative Service²⁰. They check documents, talk to authorities, fix non-compliance issues, and share info on risky products²⁰. ComplyMarket uses AI for compliance and risk checks, helps with supply chain management, and offers open-source software for better compliance and sustainability²⁰.

A new rule on wireless equipment surveillance started on March 27, 2024, replacing an old one on February 6, 2013²¹. Devices inspected before the new rule will still follow it²¹. Devices sold through media, TV, or the internet are covered by this rule²¹.

BTK checks devices on its own, by notice, or planned inspections²¹. Companies might need to share technical info, manuals, and warranties during these checks²¹. If a device passes inspection, the Authority pays for tests and tells the company²¹. If a company changes a device and it doesn’t meet standards, they’re seen as the maker²¹. For non-compliance, steps include stopping sales, recalls, warning buyers, and destroying devices²¹.

Regulatory Updates and Delegated Acts

The European Commission has been leading the way in updating rules for radio equipment in the EU. They’ve introduced two key acts under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. These acts focus on caller location, privacy, security, and fraud prevention¹⁴.

Delegated Regulation on Caller Location

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/320 adds to the RED to make sure we can find the caller’s location in emergencies from mobile phones¹⁴. This rule is key for public safety. It helps emergency services quickly find people in danger during emergencies.

Delegated Regulation on Privacy and Security

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 builds on the RED, focusing on keeping our personal data safe and preventing fraud¹⁴. It makes sure radio equipment is designed with our privacy and security in mind. This creates a safer and more private space for users.

These acts show the European Commission’s effort to keep up with tech changes and tackle new challenges in the radio equipment field¹⁴²². Now, manufacturers must follow these rules to stay in the market. This highlights the changing rules for broadcasting and wireless communications.

Conclusion

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU sets clear rules for radio gear in the European Union. It covers safety, health, and more to make sure radio equipment is safe and works well. The RED also looks at privacy, data protection, and fraud prevention²³.

This directive works with the EU’s New Legislative Framework. It involves the European Commission, CEPT, ETSI, and others to make sure the rules are followed²⁴.

The RED aims to protect networks from interference and boost trust in wireless devices by protecting personal data²³. It also helps prevent fraud by making it harder to use devices for unauthorized payments²³. Companies and those bringing products to market must follow the RED’s rules carefully²³.

With new tech like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G, the RED keeps up with changes in radio equipment. It sets standards and works with global efforts to manage radio frequencies. This helps with innovation, trust, and efficient use of radio resources in the EU²⁵²⁴.

FAQ

What is the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU?

The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) sets rules for putting radio gear on the EU market. It makes sure all radio equipment meets safety, health, and spectrum efficiency standards. This creates a single market for radio equipment.

What are the essential requirements for radio equipment under the RED?

The RED requires radio equipment to protect health and safety. It also protects personal data and privacy and fights fraud.

What are the obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors under the RED?

Manufacturers must make sure their radio gear meets the RED’s standards before selling it. Importers and distributors also have to ensure their products follow the rules.

How does the European Commission support the implementation of the RED?

The European Commission helps implement the RED with initiatives. This includes adopting rules and setting up a committee to discuss the directive’s application.

How is radio spectrum use coordinated globally?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates spectrum use worldwide. It does this through World Radiocommunication Conferences every four years. These conferences update the rules for using radio frequencies and orbits.

What is the role of CEPT in European spectrum coordination?

CEPT helps coordinate spectrum use in Europe. National governments make the final decisions. The European Commission and ETSI provide technical support for EU spectrum policies.

How do EU directives like the EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive relate to the RED?

Directives like the EMC and Low Voltage Directives are part of the EU’s Single Market laws. They, along with the RED, set the standards that products must meet to be sold in the EU.

What is the role of ETSI in developing harmonized standards for the RED?

ETSI creates standards that help products meet RED requirements. These standards are listed in the Official Journal of the European Union. ETSI standards can also be used for conformity assessments before being officially listed.

What measures can be taken against non-compliant radio equipment?

The RED allows for market surveillance to track and act against non-compliant equipment. This can include limiting its sale or requiring it to be taken off the market.

What are the recent delegated acts adopted under the RED?

The European Commission has passed two delegated acts for the RED. One act deals with emergency calls from mobile phones. The other act focuses on protecting privacy and preventing fraud in radio equipment.