In July 2015, the European Commission published an updated list of harmonized standards for Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE). This adds new relevant harmonized standards, while modifying some of the already existing ones.
Background and potential impact
The R&TTE Directive covers ‘radio equipment’ and ‘telecommunication terminal equipment’; these products will bear the CE marking and comply with the requirements set down in EU legislation and in the relevant harmonized standards.
Additionally, it should be borne in mind that some medical devices and active implantable devices also fall within the scope of the R&TTE Directive and may be potentially affected by the aforementioned update.
The impact of this update on manufacturers might be significant. In particular, the update is relevant for manufacturers whose products either fall within the scope of the newly added standards or were evaluated on the basis of the modified standards. In this regard, it is highly advisable for all manufacturers whose products fall within the scope of the R&TTE to re-evaluate the framework of harmonized standards applicable to their respective products.
Upcoming regulatory changes for R&TTE
In addition to the above, the regulatory framework for Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment is currently undergoing substantial reform. In particular, the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC will soon be repealed by the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The EU Member States are currently transposing the new Directive into their respective national legal and regulatory systems. Consequently, all products falling within the scope of RED, and entering the EU internal market after June 2016, must comply with its regulatory framework.
If you want more information on this topic or require any further clarification on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us!