What is the CE mark? Focusing on Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

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CE literally means “European Conformity”. This marking is the official symbol used to indicate a product’s compliance with all standard safety, health, and environmental regulations required by the European Union. This marking is a necessary requirement in order for the product to be imported, distributed and traded in the European Economic Area (EEA).

With the CE Marking, the manufacturer of the product ensures that the product is free to be legally put on the EEA single market, whether the product is manufactured in the European Economic Area or in another unrelated country.

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU

Publicized by the Official Journal of the European Union, the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is all set to take over from the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE). And as of now, manufacturers of products that are in compliance of the R&TTE Directive have a year or so to comply with RED.

Latest Developments for RED

The aim of RED is to ensure that radio equipment complies with New Legislative Framework (NLF). However, in reality it will little effect on how these manufacturers do these jobs. However, it would be prudent to expect the following changes:

  • Additional freedom for telecom products in Europe since the directive excludes all wired equipment from its scope.
  • Broadcast TV and radio receivers will fall under RED, even though they were ignored by R+TTE Directive.
  • Equipment below 9 kHz now falls within the span of the RED.
  • The directive now also includes radio-determination equipment.
  • Professionals require unique equipment for research ad development. This and custom built evaluation kits are excluded from the RED.
  • In case there aren’t any Harmonized standards to refer to, Notified Body intervention will be made mandatory.
  • RED doesn’t require manufacturers to place alert markings or special symbols on their products that are working on non-harmonized frequency bands. Instead this information is included in the user documentation. The notice process to Member States isn’t required either.

Conclusion

The Radio Equipment Directive has one major purpose. It is supposed to ensure that equipment is constructed for efficient and competent use of the radio spectrum, along with the electromagnetic compatibility. This will help common equipment avoid interfering with terrestrial or hindering orbital communications in any way.

If you have products that require CE marking and RED compliance for your electronic products, get in touch with GM Compliance. The company offers in-depth information as well as arrange of services regarding regulatory compliance certifications for locations across the globe. Give them a call at (714) 628-1020 to get more information on the requirements or to put in a quote request.