Radio Equipment Directive
The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive was repealed and replaced by the Radio Equipment Directive. For those of you who track these by the Directive numbers, the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC was replaced by 2014/53/EU. The updated Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive is referred to as the Radio Equipment Directive. The changes or enhancements in language in the recast Radio Equipment Directive include:
- Name change is significant as Telecom Terminal Equipment is not included in this Directive
- Broadcast receivers are now included in the scope of the Radio Equipment Directive (Article 2)
- Updates the Directive in line with the new legislative framework as done in the other Directives.
- Provides a transition period between the old Directive and the new Directive (Article 48)
- Promotes use of a common charger for radio equipment (Article 3; Article 47)
- Updates responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and market surveillance
When is it effective?
- The old Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive will be repealed on June 13, 2016. (Article 50)
- The recast Radio Equipment Directive goes into force June 13, 2016. (Article 49)
- There is a one year transition period until June 13, 2017 where product certified under the R & TTE can still be placed on the market (Article 48)
How do you know if you are subject to the Radio Equipment Directive?
- If your product is subject to the Radio Equipment Directive if it intentionally emits or receives radio waves for the purpose of radio communication, radio determination, or is an electrical or electronic product which when completed with an accessory such as an antenna will intentionally emit or receive radio waves for the purpose of radio communication or radio determination. (Article 1)
- Products that are used exclusively for public security, defense, state security, radio kits, and products under specific Directives or other regulations are excluded. (Article 1; Annex I)
What should you do?
- Check the standards your product was tested to and make sure the testing is up to date with changes in the standards. If not, you will want to have testing conducted to ensure the product meets the latest adopted standard in the Official Journal. You can check the harmonized standards that are published in the Official Journal at the following URL: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/index_en.htm and then selecting the Radio and telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive.
- Update your DoC to reflect the Directives and standards the product complies with. Existing products being placed on the market in the EU have a one year transition period. New products placed on the market after June 13, 2016 is subject to the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
- Review your CE marking on your product and ensure it complies with the requirements.
- Make sure your retention policy for your technical construction file meets the 10 year requirement in the Radio Equipment Directive from the time the product is placed on the EU market.