The European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU sets regulatory essential requirements for the safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient use of the radio spectrum for all radio equipment placed on the European market, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, GPS, and other wireless technologies. The RED was adopted in 2014 and then replaced the previous R&TTE Directive. Its main purpose is to ensure a harmonized regulatory framework across Europe, facilitating the free movement of radio equipment while protecting users and the environment.
The European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU sets regulatory essential requirements for the safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient use of the radio spectrum for all radio equipment placed on the European market, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, GPS, and other wireless technologies.
The RED was adopted in 2014 and then replaced the previous R&TTE Directive. Its main purpose is to ensure a harmonized regulatory framework across Europe, facilitating the free movement of radio equipment while protecting users and the environment.
To provide manufacturers, conformity assessment bodies (as Nemko) and others involved with a recognized route for demonstrating compliance (’presumption of conformity’) with the very basic essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive, harmonized European standards with detailed technical specifications are established and published by the European standards organization CEN-CENELEC.
The European Commission has now adopted Decision (EU) 2026/2003, which updates the list of harmonized standards used to demonstrate conformity under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. The decision amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2191 and corrects elements of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2499.
The updated harmonized standards apply to a range of radio equipment categories including radiodetermination equipment used for location tracking, cellular base stations, fixed radio systems, ultra-wideband equipment, tank level probing radar systems, active antenna systems, amplifiers, air traffic control sensors, and other radio technologies.
The updates to the harmonized standards may include changes which affect testing methodologies, conformity-assessment activities, declarations of conformity, technical documentation, and CE-marking strategies for affected products.
So, those affected should review the updated harmonized standards and determine whether product testing, certification activities, technical files, and conformity-assessment procedures require updates.
The Decision (EU) 2026/2023 may be seen in full here.
(This article is based on Regulatory Monitor notices shared by Geremy Bradshaw; edited by T.Sollie)