What is the R&TTE Directives
Electronic equipment makes a type of electromagnetic field that creates radio waves which are used for wireless communications.
Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) along with the recognition of their conformity directives cover this type of radio equipment which must be CE marked.
This directive began in 2000 and it applies to any apparatus that comes under the umbrella of two categories, telecommunications terminal equipment and radio equipment.
Radio equipment is a relevant component or product that has the capability of communicating by way of either the reception or emission of radio waves.
The radio waves must utilize the spectrum that is associated with all terrestrial or space radio communications.
On the other hand, telecommunications terminal equipment is a product or device that enables communication of a relevant component.
The relative component has the purpose of being connected indirectly or directly by whatever means necessary to interface a public telecommunications network.
For example, a telecommunication network that is used partly or wholly for the purpose of public telecommunications services.
The R&TTE directive has an annexe 1 that offers some exclusions. The following list provides some of the exclusions being offered.
- Wiring and cabling
- Marine equipment within the amended scope of 96/98/EC
- Radio equipment that is used by radio amateurs
- Air traffic management systems and equipment (within the understanding of article 1)
- Receive only types of radio equipment
- Components, appliances, and products that are within the meaning of article 2 of the No. 3922/91 EC regulation.
All equipment that is within the scope of the R&TTE directive must demonstrate and fulfil conformity to all essential requirements that are included in article 3 of the directive.
The directive also dictates that all manufacturers must continue to follow protection guidelines that have been established in the EMC directive, important safety objectives of the directive for low-voltage, and to avoid harmful interference by effectively utilising the EM spectrum.
The various routes for conformity that are allowed in chapter 2, article 10 and the necessary procedures for approved radio equipment are as follows:
- Radio equipment
- Internal Production Control (annexe 3) this will only apply when a harmonised standard has been performed.
- Technical Construction File (annexe 4)
- Full Quality Insurance (annexe 5)
According to the decision of each manufacturer, all procedures that are used for EMC directives and low-voltage can be utilized to demonstrate the conformity for any essential obligations that these directives require.
Details and guidance on the R&TTE directive can be found on the Europa website – http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/rtte/index_en.htm
For advice assistance with all aspects of this directive and others, please visit the website here: www.tuvps.co.uk/home_en/industries/radio_telecoms
The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive, known as the R&TTE directive or RTTE for short, is the main route to compliance for Radio and Telecoms equipment that is sold in Europe. This site will be dedicated to bringing you practical advice on how to demonstrate compliance to this directive and enable you to put the CE Mark on your products.
- Read a brief introduction to the directive:- What’s it all about?
- Read more detail about the directive:- A Quick Walk-through
With grateful thanks to the Europa Web Site – www.ec.europa.eu – here is the R&TTE Directive:
Click Here for a printable copy in .pdf format
Click Here for a WEB based version, very good for reading on the screen