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.
Update on Articles 3(3)(d), (e) and (f)
Commission strengthens cybersecurity of radio equipment
The Commission adopted a Delegated Act of the Radio Equipment Directive activating Articles 3(3)(d), (e) and (f) for certain categories of radio equipment to increase the level of cybersecurity, personal data protection and privacy.
Earlier, the Commission authorised a contractor to conduct an impact assessment study on protection in internet-connected radio equipment and wearable radio equipment.
Specifically, it focused on
- the protection of personal data and privacy
- the protection from fraud
Different options were considered, in line with the inception impact assessment.
See the final report of the study.
Update on Articles 3(3)(i) and 4
We ask the public and stakeholders to contribute to a data collection exercise. Based on this, we will perform an impact assessment of options that ensure that reconfigurable radio systems approved for Europe’s single market stay compliant with the Radio Equipment Directive after the installation of new or modified software.
- An open public consultation is open until 14 September 2020
- Recommended explanatory document (in 23 languages)
- A targeted consultationfor experts* (English only) is open until 19 June 2020
- *Experts are national public administrations, manufacturers and economic operators, consumer organisations, academia, think tanks, compliance assessment bodies, etc.
- recommended explanatory document
- consultation privacy statement
The RED aligned the previous directive, the radio and telecommunication terminal equipment directive (1999/5/EC(R&TTED), with the new legislative framework
for the marketing of products.
The revision also took account of the need for improved market surveillance. In particular, for the traceability obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors. It has improved market surveillance instruments. One example is the possibility for required preregistration of radio equipment in categories with low compliance levels.
The RED was published in the OJEU on 22 May 2014, entered into force on 11 June 2014 and is applicable as of 13 June 2016. It included a one-year transitional period, which ended on 12 June 2017 (Article 48). During the transitional phase, manufacturers were allowed to place on the market radio equipment compliant with either the RED or the EU legislation applicable before 13 June 2016 (e.g. R&TTED).
For more details on the application of the RED, see the RED guide under the guidance section below.
