Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market. It has been applicable since 13 June 2016. A 1-year transitional period between this Directive and the now-repealed Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive (1999/5/EC) ended on 12 June 2017. As of 13 June 2017 only the new RED is applicable.
Latest
During the transitional phase, manufacturers were allowed to place on the market radio equipment compliant with either the new RED rules or the old applicable R&TTE legislation. The transitional period ended on 12 June 2017. The new RED guide is available and a new list of harmonised standards has been published in July 2017.
For the latest information see the full Radio Equipment Directive FAQ which is updated regularly (last update, 7 August 2017).
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) 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 applies to all products using the radio frequency spectrum.
The RED aligns the previous directive with the new legislative framework for the marketing of products. The revision takes account of the need for improved market surveillance, in particular for the traceability obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors. It provides improved instruments for market surveillance, such as the possibility to require prior registration of radio equipment, within those categories affected by low levels of compliance.
The Directive requires equipment to be constructed for efficient use of the radio spectrum, as well as electromagnetic compatibility, to avoid interference with terrestrial and orbital communications.
Implementation
Implementation of the RED is regularly discussed with representatives from EU countries at Telecommunication Conformity Assessment and Market Surveillance Committee (TCAM) meetings. EU country authorities are expected to continuously improve their national systems of market surveillance in terms of both prevention and correction.
The Directive was adopted on 16 April 2014. EU countries had to transpose it into their national law before 13 June 2016.
On 20 July 2017, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1354 was adopted. This specifies how to present the information provided for in Article 10(10) of Directive 2014/53/EU. The high-resolution pictogram 
for printed product documentation is available for download.
Guidance
The RED Guide (5 June 2018) aims to help with the common application of the RED. It has no weight in law, but will deal with a number of practical issues that will be of interest to manufacturers and other stakeholders. The guide will be continuously updated, following the discussions and the opinion of the TCAM.
See also:
- Harmonised standards under the RED
- Notified bodies relating to the RED
- Subclasses: class 1 equipment - valid until 31 December 2017 (October 2016 version) - please note that in this document, some references to old Commission decisions or harmonised standards should read as references to the most recent Commission decisions or harmonised standards.
- Subclasses: class 1 equipment - valid from 1 January 2018 (January 2018 version)
- Notification of draft interface regulations