RED - Radio Equipment Directive 2014-53-EU

RED aims to better regulate the radio spectrum, ensuring that transmitting equipment uses the spectrum effectively and avoids harmful interference. At the same time, equipment capable of receiving must provide better resistance to harmful interference.

Applies to:

The RED applies to electrical or electronic products capable of intentionally receiving and transmitting radio waves for radio communication, radio determination or those that must be completed with an accessory (e.g. antenna) to be able to emit.

RED includes:

The equipment that was regulated by R&TTE 1999/5/EC (in marine VHF, AIS, PLB etc) and also extends to these two categories of equipment:

1. Radiodetermination equipment such as a GPS, radar etc.
2. Devices for the reception of radio and TV broadcasters, such as a simple FM radio,/AM or a TV.

RED rules out:

1. The marine equipment described in Directive 96/98/EC, in practice GMDSS equipment subject to the Wheelmark.
2. Other minor categories such as equipment on civil aircraft, equipment for activities related to state safety and equipment used by amateur radio operators.

Entry into force:

The RED comes fully into force from 13/06/2017 for equipment covered by the directive and placed on the market from this date.

The RED describes the tasks for the manufacturer, the EU importer, the distributor (any operator who sells the product), the installer, the professional user and the simple user.

The EU producer or importer must provide for:

1. A technical manual.
2. Declaration of Confidentiality.
3. Instructions for safe use.
4. CE marking.

Directive 2014/53/EU clearly describes how these obligations are to be fulfilled.

Before making the equipment available to the market, the distributor, wholesaler, retailer or installer must ensure that:

1. The producer or importer has fulfilled all its obligations.
2. It must alert the manufacturer or importer and the authorities of any risks involved in the use of the equipment.
3. They must store or transport the product, taking care not to jeopardize its conformity.
4. They must also be available to the authorities to provide all the necessary information and documentation even 10 years after its last marketing.

The user must:

Pay attention and follow the instructions for safe use. It must ensure that the equipment is correctly installed and maintained (therefore it must also respect any deadlines of the equipment or its parts). It must not make any changes that could lead to any lack of conformity.

Sanctions

Penalties of up to 132,316.00 Euro are foreseen depending on the economic operator and the type of infringement. On the other hand, the maximum amount for the user is limited to Euro 1,984.00.

This article has been deliberately summarized to be a guide or a first approach to understanding RED, but it is absolutely incomplete and too limiting. We suggest to start from the scheme of implementation decree, of which you find the link between the related pages that seems to us really well realized and understandable.