Learn when RED applies, which essential requirements must be assessed and how configurations, software, tests and conformity procedures are documented.
When is a product radio equipment?
Directive 2014/53/EU applies to electrical or electronic products that intentionally emit or receive radio waves for radio communication or radiodetermination, including products that use an accessory such as an antenna for radio functionality.
Check definitions, exclusions and all intended configurations. An integrated wireless module does not automatically complete the assessment of the final product.
RED or EMC Directive: not both
Radio equipment within the scope of the RED is not additionally subject to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU for these requirements. The EU Declaration of Conformity therefore identifies the RED and does not also list the EMC Directive.
The RED itself includes an essential electromagnetic compatibility requirement. Article 3(1)(b) requires the same adequate level of protection set out in the EMC Directive. Relevant EMC standards and tests therefore remain part of the technical justification, but under the legal framework of the RED.
A product without radio functionality may fall under the EMC Directive. A product outside both scopes, or one governed by more specific EU legislation for these requirements, may fall under neither. The outcome is RED, the EMC Directive or neither — not both for the same product.
Which essential requirements apply?
Article 3 covers health and safety protection, an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility, and effective and efficient use of radio spectrum. Additional essential requirements may apply to certain categories or functions.
Map each requirement to standards, calculations, tests and design measures.
Assess every intended configuration
The conformity assessment considers all intended operating conditions. Where radio equipment supports different configurations, every possible intended configuration must meet the requirements.
Document antennas, power settings, frequency bands, country restrictions, software and firmware versions, and accessory combinations that influence radio characteristics.
Technical documentation and procedure
Article 21 and Annex V require all relevant data used to demonstrate conformity with Article 3. Documentation is prepared before market placement and kept continuously updated.
Depending on harmonised standards and covered requirements, internal production control, EU-type examination or full quality assurance may be used. A notified body may therefore be required.
Declaration, marking and lifecycle management
After the appropriate procedure, the manufacturer issues the EU Declaration of Conformity and affixes CE marking. The declaration and technical documentation are generally retained for ten years.
Current spectrum rules and competent RED expertise remain essential, even where an integrated radio module already has its own documentation.
How DME-CE supports the Radio Equipment Directive
The built-in questionnaire helps determine whether a product qualifies as radio equipment under the RED and which essential requirements require assessment. Where the RED applies, the EMC Directive is not additionally selected; electromagnetic compatibility requirements are included in the RED assessment.
In DME-CE, teams can record frequency bands, antennas, power settings, accessories and software or firmware versions for each product configuration. Requirements connect to standards, design measures, test results, reports and the EU Declaration of Conformity, keeping changes and evidence traceable.
DME-CE does not replace spectrum analysis, laboratory testing or notified body assessment where required. The manufacturer remains responsible for every intended configuration and its current technical justification.