Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

The radio equipment directive 2014/53/EU  (RED) establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market. It ensures a single market for radio equipment by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. It also provides the basis for further regulation governing some additional aspects. These include technical features for the protection of privacy, personal data and against fraud. Furthermore, additional aspects cover interoperability, access to emergency services, and compliance regarding the combination of radio equipment and software.

Directive 2014/53/EU on Radio Equipment specifies, in Article 3, the essential requirements the product must meet in order for the manufacturer to affix the CE marking. Radio equipment encompasses all products that use the radio frequency spectrum (like mobile phones, gate openers or broadcast transmitters).

The essential requirements as laid out in Article 3 of Directive 2014/53/EU entail that radio equipment shall be constructed so as to ensure: 

• the protection of health and safety of persons and of domestic animals and the protection of property
• an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility 
• that it both effectively uses and supports the efficient use of radio spectrum so as to avoid harmful interference.

Manufacturers shall ensure that radio equipment shall be so constructed that it can be operated in at least one Member State without infringing applicable requirements on the use of radio spectrum.

A notified body is involved depending on which conformity assessment procedure has been applied. Before proceeding with the assessment procedure, it is relevant to clear whether you, the manufacturer, can assess your product by yourself (Module A) or you must involve a Notified Body (Module B+C or H).

Directive 2014/53/EU on Radio Equipment foresees the involvement of a Notified Body if harmonised standards to cover all inherent risks associated with a product are; partially applied or not applied or do not exist.

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