Radio Equipment (RED) Directive

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) establishes a regulatory framework, including electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility, radio spectrum use efficiency, and other circulation requirements, for the radio equipment placed in the EU market.

Note that radio equipment is defined as any electrical or electronic device that intentionally emits and/or receives aiming at radio communication and/or determination.

Also, according to the directive, if the manufacturer or importer demonstrates compliance via relevant harmonized standards, then the conformity assessment procedure might be completed without Notified Body involvement.

However, if the manufacturer or importer has not applied harmonized standards – or such standards do not exist for the product – then a Notified Body shall be required, either via EU-type examination or conformity based on full quality assurance.

Product Examples

Here we list some examples of radio equipment that fall under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED):

• Bluetooth speakers
• Bluetooth earphones
• RFID devices
• Smartphones
• Smart TVs

Note that Annex I of the directive lists some radio equipment that is excluded from the scope of the directive, such as amateur radio kits.

Learn More

a. List of Products Covered by the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

b. Official Text of the Directive