UKCA Radio Equipment

What are the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017?

The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, are the UK's equivalent of the European Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.

The Radio Equipment Regulations were originally created to transpose the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) into UK Law.  With the UK's departure from the EU they became the independent safety and performance requirements for all wireless communications and radio equipment sold or used in the UK.

However, the scope and the technical requirements of the UK Radio Equipment Regulations are not being changed.  They will continue to cover all devices that transmit and receive radio signals including WiFi and Bluetooth devices.

They will also continue to cover three distinct aspects of the safety and performance of manufactured radio equipment: Electrical Safety; Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC); and Radio Performance.

Do The Radio Equipment Regulations Apply To Me?

With few exceptions, the UK Radio Equipment Regulations apply to all equipment sold or operated in the UK that uses the radio spectrum below 3 THz for communication and for radiodetermination. They apply to both transmitters and receivers. If you manufacture any product that transmits or receives radio frequencies over the air your product will almost certainly be subject to the Regulations.

How Do I Comply With The UK Radio Equipment Regulations?

Evidence of conformity, including the results of testing to applicable British Designated Standards, should be compiled in a Technical File that can be presented to the UK Authorities on request.  In certain circumstances, a product may also need to be assessed by a qualified 3rd party, a UK Approved Body (UKAB), to confirm that it meets the requirements of the Regulations.

Products and equipment that conform to the requirements of the Regulations should carry a UKCA Mark, supported by a valid UK Declaration of Conformity.