Sicom Testing is receiving many requests regarding the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU: here is a summary of the responses to the most common requests regarding the application of the RED.
Which radio equipment is covered by the RED Directive
The directive includes any electrical or electronic device that intentionally emits and/or receives radio waves to:
- communicate (radio communication);
- determine some characteristics of an object, for example its position and speed (radio determination).
Compared to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC, the Radio Directive introduces some changes and now also includes audio and TV receivers.
The Directive does not cover telecommunications terminal equipment (e.g. corded telephones) and radio equipment used by radio amateurs (unless made available on the market).
Since the application of the RED Directive becomes mandatory
Starting from 13 June 2017, the application of the RED Directive is mandatory for all the equipment indicated above and the previous R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC has lost its validity.
The path to follow in order to comply with the Radio Directive
The simplest approach is to apply the harmonized standards indicated by the Official Journal of the European Union, which give the "presumption of conformity". There are harmonized standards for all major radio technologies in use and consequently most radio products can be certified with the application of harmonized standards. An EU type certificate issued by a notified body is therefore not necessary.
Further tests required by the Radio Directive
Some products may require further testing, however this varies from case to case, and may involve aspects of good use of the radio spectrum for transmitters, and immunity to electromagnetic fields in particular.
In all cases, radio devices must also meet electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirements, and manufacturers can apply the harmonized standards of the EMC Directives 2014/30/EU and LVD 2014/35/EU.
Who is responsible for ensuring product compliance
Under the RED Directive, the manufacturer or importer is primarily responsible for the product on the European market, however other economic operators in the distribution chain are also responsible if they trade radio equipment that does not comply with the directive.
The RED Directive contains a list of obligations for manufacturers in order to place their products on the market. They must ensure that their product is manufactured in such a way that it meets the essential requirements established by the Directive, by carrying out the technical conformity assessment procedure, preparing and maintaining the technical documentation and the EU declaration of conformity, and ensuring the conformity of all pieces produced and placed on the market.
Economic operators are required to guarantee the conformity of products by ensuring that the manufacturer has carried out an adequate conformity assessment procedure, that the product bears the required labeling (e.g. CE marking) and that it is accompanied by the relevant documentation, including instructions and safety information in a language that can be easily understood by the end user.
Still need help?
The transition to the new Radio Directive involves several changes in equipment testing and evaluation requirements and may create uncertainty about how to proceed in the certification process.
With his vast experience in certification of radio equipment and its continuous updating, Sicom Testing can help economic operators to understand the compliance requirements of their radio equipment, providing guidance and consultancy services, and take care of all product certification, from testing to the preparation of technical documentation.
To request further information on this topic, write to info@sicomtesting.com
or call +39 0481 778931.
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Good morning, I would like to know if a smartwatch must have the serial number physically printed or carry it in its packaging box and in its software menu to comply with European regulations.
Good morning
According to the directives, a product must have a batch number, serial number or any other element that allows its identification, or, if the size or nature of the electrical equipment does not allow it, that the required information is provided on the packaging or in a document accompanying the electrical material.
Best regards
Sicom Test
Good morning, I would like to know if a remote control that starts and stops a power generator of approximately 2kW should be subject to the RED directive?
Thanks for the reply
Thanks Gaetano for writing to us,
if the remote control uses radio waves, the RED certainly applies to both the device that sends the commands and the one that receives them. Otherwise, the RED does not apply to infrared or wired remote controls.
Good work and greetings
Sicom Testing