Safety & Compliance Forum

Safety & Compliance Info & Resources for
The Power Electronics Industry.

Safety & Compliance Database






For copies of Standards, please contact the appropriate agency. PSMA does not provide copies of standards.
OPSS

Office for Product Safety & Standards

Locations: Europe - United Kingdom
 
Archived Events: (Click to expand/collapse)
2023-06-24
Location: UK
Description:

Weekly update from GOV.​UK for: 24_6_2023

Office for Product Safety and Standards

Approved verification: guidance and application form

Page summary:
Weights and Measures Act 1985 and subsequent Deregulation Order 1999 (as amended).

Change made:
Register of approved verifiers updated.

Time updated:
3:00pm, 20 June 2023

Designated standards: equipment for explosive atmospheres

Page summary:
Notices of publication and a consolidated list for designated standards for equipment for explosive atmospheres.

Change made:
Notice of publication amended and consolidated list updated.

Time updated:
3:00pm, 20 June 2023

Product Safety Report: Colour Changing LED Strip Light Kit sold via Wish (2208-0099)

Page summary:
Product Safety Report for Colour Changing LED Strip Light Kit presenting a risk of electric shock.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
5:29pm, 20 June 2023

Product Safety Report: AC-Adaptor 72W (2306-0031)

Page summary:
Product Safety Report for AC-Adaptor 72W presenting a high risk of fire.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
4:28pm, 22 June 2023

Product Safety Report: Professional Straightener with LCD Digital Display sold via Amazon (2302-0097)

Page summary:
Product Safety Report for Professional Straightener with LCD Digital Display sold via Amazon presenting a risk of electric shock.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
4:31pm, 22 June 2023

My safety: electric vehicles

Page summary:
OPSS is leading a fresh campaign to raise awareness about potential hazards associated with electric vehicles such as bikes and scooters.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
2:20pm, 5 June 2023

2023-05-31
Location: UK
Description:

Update from GOV.UK for: Office for Product Safety and Standards

Radio Equipment Regulations 2017

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework, with an extra section in the Northern Ireland guide on new requirements from April 2023 for manufacturers of smartphones.

Time updated:
10:01am, 4 May 2023

Noise from outdoor equipment regulations

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses on the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework.

Time updated:
10:01am, 4 May 2023

Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework.

Time updated:
10:02am, 4 May 2023

General Product Safety Regulations 2005

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework.

Time updated:
10:02am, 4 May 2023

Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework.

Time updated:
10:02am, 4 May 2023

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guides updated with minor amendments and references to the Windsor Framework.

Time updated:
10:02am, 4 May 2023

Schedule 4: UK nationally approved electricity meters

Page summary:
Electricity Act 1989: Statutory register of all pattern approved electricity meters suitable for billing purposes in the UK.

Change made:
Schedule 4 updated.

Time updated:
9:40am, 12 May 2023

2023-02-14
Location: UK
2023-01-23
Location: UK
Description:

Weekly update from GOV.UK for: Office for Product Safety and Standards

11:06am, 9 January 2023

Radio Equipment Regulations 2017

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:06am, 9 January 2023

Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses on Regulation 2016/425 and the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:07am, 9 January 2023

Noise from outdoor equipment regulations

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses on the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:07am, 9 January 2023

Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses and market surveillance authorities.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:07am, 9 January 2023

Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:07am, 9 January 2023

Equipment for explosive atmospheres regulations

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses on the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:08am, 9 January 2023

Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:08am, 9 January 2023

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

Page summary:
Guidance for businesses.

Change made:
Guide footnotes updated to reference the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022.

Time updated:
11:08am, 9 January 2023

Product Safety Report: Electric Doorbell EY-A001929 (2212-0125)

Page summary:
Product Safety Report for Electric Doorbell presenting a high risk of electric shock.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
9:15am, 3 January 2023

Product Safety Report: Electric Wood Trimmer (2212-0050)

Page summary:
Product Safety Report for electric wood trimmer presenting a high risk of electric shock and electrocution.

Change made:
First published.

Time updated:
9:16am, 3 January 2023

Product Safety Risk Assessment Methodology (PRISM)

Page summary:
The guide, toolkit and further information for GB authorities with responsibility for consumer product safety.

Change made:
Risk assessment example added for non-compliant remote control for lighting chain.

Time updated:
10:03am, 4 January 2023

National regulation: enforcement services

Page summary:
How the Office for Product Safety and Standards contributes to the national regulatory landscape.

Change made:
Summary of non-qualifying regulatory provisions under the Business Impact Target for 17 December 2021 to 16 December 2022 added.

Time updated:
1:36pm, 6 January 2023

Designated standards: PPE

Page summary:
Notices of publication and a consolidated list for designated standards for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Change made:
Notice of publication amended and consolidated list updated.

Time updated:
12:15am, 19 January 2023

Designated standards: radio equipment

Page summary:
Notices of publication and a consolidated list for designated standards for radio equipment.

Change made:
Notice of publication amended and consolidated list updated.

Time updated:
12:15am, 19 January 2023

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Designated standards: radio equipment – notice of publication, 19 January 2023

PDF, 345 KB, 30 pages

Designated standards: radio equipment – notice of publication, 8 September 2022

PDF, 317 KB, 25 pages

Designated standards: radio equipment – notice of publication, 8 June 2022

PDF, 271 KB, 20 pages

Designated standards: radio equipment – notice of publication, 1 January 2021

PDF, 408 KB, 18 pages

Designated standards: radio equipment – consolidated list, version 4, 19 January 2023

ODS, 29.8 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Details

Notices of publication from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are provided above for designated standards for radio equipment. This is in support of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (as amended). A consolidated list of the standards is also available for reference by businesses.

Published 22 December 2020
Last updated 19 January 2023 + show all updates

 

 

2021-12-30
Location: UK
Description:

From 1 January 2022 specific solid fuel local space heaters ‘placed on the market’ are required to meet a range of ecodesign and energy information implementing measures.

For the ecodesign regulations manufacturers, importers, or authorised representatives shall ensure solid fuel local space heaters in scope meet the range of implementing measures which include energy efficiency, emissions, and product information. The energy information regulations require suppliers of certain solid fuel local space heaters to produce and provide an accurate energy label, furthermore dealers shall display the energy label at the point of sale, including distance selling methods.

To support stakeholders a create an energy label service is provided. For products placed on the market in Northern Ireland please see the EPREL database. Both the EU retained ecodesign and energy information regulations can be obtained at the links below.

These regulations were subject to technical amendments when retained in GB law on 1 January 2021. These amendments were made through:

OPSS Enforcement

2021-07-08
Location: UK
Description:

E-Alert to subscribers of the RoHS topic.

As per Schedule A1 of SI 2020 No. 1647, the restriction of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) does not apply to —

(a) medical devices, including in vitro medical devices;
(b) monitoring and control instruments, including industrial monitoring and control instruments;
(c) cables or spare parts for the repair, the reuse, the updating of functionalities or upgrading of capacity of EEE placed on the market before 22nd July 2019.

Businesses placing EEE on the EU or NI markets are reminded that under EU Directive 2015/863 (Article 7) this exclusion is due to expire on 22nd July 2021.

For EEE placed on the GB market, this exclusion does not expire until determined by the Secretary of State. As such, Defra intend to publish a consultation on this change in the near future.

At present, there is no definitive date set.

2021-03-11
Location: UK
Description:

Email alert for energy label subscribers

Certain energy labels changed on 1 March 2021. The success of energy labelling has meant that manufacturers have continued to innovate and develop more energy efficient products. The refresh introduces a simpler scaling system that is based upon A to G, the scale also takes into account potential greater energy efficiencies still to be realised. The changes will support consumers in making informed decisions based upon energy consumption.

To support these changes there are new requirements on dealers when it comes to displaying the new rescaled energy labels, and these labels must include a QR code. This will apply across the UK. The products affected by these changes are:

  • TVs and electronic displays
  • Dishwashers
  • Washer-dryers
  • Washing machines
  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Wine storage refrigerators

Dealers will have until 18 March 2021 to replace old labels on display with rescaled labels for these products.

Guidance to support these changes at the following links:

Office for Product Safety and Standards - Guidance for suppliers and dealers.


Label 2020 - The Label 2020 project is organised to help smooth the market transition towards the new energy labels. The Label 2020 project started in June 2019 and will last until January 2023. The website provides specific, relevant information for suppliers and dealers.


Energy Saving Trust - Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation working to address the climate emergency. A respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, they continue to work towards a smart, decarbonised, decentralised energy system.


Simple Energy Advice - The Simple Energy Advice website has advice on ways to save energy ranging from how you heat your home to how to use products efficiently.

2021-03-01
Location: UK
Description:

A new RoHS project (Pack 24) for the assessment of seven exemptions requests listed in Annex III and Annex IV of Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2 Directive) has started. The study shall cover exemptions 18(b), 18(b)-I, 24, 29, 32 and 34 of Annex III and exemption 34 of Annex IV.

Annex III, 18(b)
Lead as activator in the fluorescent powder (1% lead by weight or less) of discharge lamps when used as sun tanning lamps containing phosphors such as BSP.

Annex III, 18(b)-I
Lead as activator in the fluorescent powder (1% lead by weight or less) of discharge lamps containing phosphors such as BSP when used in medical phototherapy equipment.​

Annex III, 24
Lead in solders for the soldering to machined through hole discoidal and planar array ceramic multilayer capacitors

Annex III, 29
Lead bound in crystal glass as defined in Annex I (Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4) of Council Directive 69/493/EEC.

Annex III, 32
Lead oxide in seal frit used for making window assemblies for Argon and Krypton laser tubes.

Annex III, 34
Lead in cermet-based trimmer potentiometer elements

Annex IV, 34
Lead as an activator in the fluorescent powder of discharge lamps when used for extracorporeal photopheresis lamps containing BSP (BaSi2O5:Pb) phosphors.

Assignment of project tasks to Oeko-Institut started on December 17, 2020 and will run over a period of 10 months, thus ending October 16, 2021. An interim report shall be delivered to the European Commission in the end of May 2021. The final report is due at the end of the project.

A stakeholder consultation is planned to be lanuched towards end of March 2021

2021-02-27
Location: UK
Description:

E-Alert relating to Legislation number: 2020 No.1647 - The Hazardous Substances and Packaging (Legislative Functions and Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 SCHEDULE A1:

The concentration value of Cadmium, currently given as 0.1% instead of 0.01% in Schedule A1 of SI 2020 No.1647, is a typographical error.

A formal amendment to correct the error will be implemented shortly.

You should, therefore, continue to work to the 0.01% threshold for Cadmium under the RoHS Regulations.

2021-02-18
Location: UK
Description:

The government have now published guidance on how to apply for exemptions under RoHS for goods placed on the GB market, as found below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/restriction-of-hazardous-substances-rohs-exemptions-how-to-apply

The form required to apply for an exemption can be downloaded here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restriction-of-hazardous-substances-rohs-exemption-form

Northern Ireland, however, continues to follow the EU exemptions system, as detailed in here: Guidance about the EU exemptions system, including how to apply.

2021-02-12
Location: UK
Description:

The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, you will still be able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2022 in most cases.

The UKCA marking alone cannot be used for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market, which require the CE marking or UKNI marking. See the guidance on placing goods on the Northern Ireland market.

This guidance explains how to use the UKCA marking. For further information on placing these goods on the market, see the guidance on placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain.

2021-02-03
Location: UK
Description:

A new RoHS project (Pack 22) for the assessment of sixteen requests for nine exemptions listed in Annex III of Directive 2011/65/EU has started. The study shall cover exemptions 6(a)/6(a)-I, 6(b)/6(b)-I, 6(b)-II, 6(c), 7(a), 7(c)-I and 7(c)-II of Annex III.

A stakeholder consultation is planned and is expected to be launched before the end of the year.

For more details, please see the Technical specifications and the Project Description.

Stakeholders that have registered will be informed about the consultation. Stakeholders can register under Registration in order to regularly receive information on project progress and in order to be involved in the evaluation.

2021-01-25
Location: UK
Description:

Dear Stakeholders

Following the advanced notification of the webinars to cover amendments to the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations (HNMBR), OPSS is pleased to confirm the dates and issue invitation links below for the following webinars:

9 February 2021 (14:00 – 15:00) – HNMBR amendments Overview.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hnmbr-amendments-overview-webinar-tickets-137405759325

11 February 2021 (14:00 – 15:00) – HNMBR amendments Notifications.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hnmbr-amendments-notifications-webinar-tickets-137410728187

16 February 2021 (14:00 – 15:30) – HNMBR amendments Building classes and metering. Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hnmbr-amendments-building-classes-and-metering-webinar-tickets-137411243729

18 February 2021 (14:00 – 16:00) – HNMBR amendments Cost-effectiveness tool.Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hnmbr-amendments-cost-effective-tool-webinar-tickets-137411584749

We have 200 places for each webinar and urge heat suppliers to register at earliest opportunity. If there is a demand, we will hold further webinars.

Government and industry have been working closely together to develop an industry-led framework to respond to heat networks that might be facing challenges beyond their control. The new Heat Network Exchange was launched last year as a central hub to support the sector during the pandemic and beyond.

Kind regards

OPSS Heat Networks team

2021-01-01
Location: Northern Ireland
Description:

The UKNI marking is a new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland which have undergone mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a body based in the UK. This guidance explains how to use the UKNI marking (sometimes referred to as the UK(NI) mark or the UK(NI) indication).

For further information on the general arrangements for placing goods on the Northern Ireland market, see the guidance on placing manufactured goods on the market in Northern Ireland.

For further information on general requirements across the UK, see marking,

The UKNI marking is not recognised on the EU market. If you are placing goods on the EU market, you must use the CE marking on its own, without the UKNI marking.

To find out how to place a CE marking on your product, see Using the CE marking.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukni-marking

2020-12-17
Location: UK
Description:

This is advanced notification of a series of webinars to cover amendments to Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations that came into force on 27 November 2020.

The sessions are tentatively planned as below:

9 February 2021 (afternoon) – HNMBR amendments Overview

11 February 2021 (afternoon) – HNMBR amendments Notifications

16 February 2021 (afternoon) – HNMBR amendments Building classes and metering

18 February 2021 (afternoon) – HNMBR amendments Cost-effectiveness tool

If you are interested in attending the webinars, please reserve the date(s). There is no need to contact OPSS at this point: we will send a follow-up email in early January with webinar titles, descriptions and exact times, and links to reserve your place.

Kind regards

OPSS Heat Networks Team

2020-12-16
Description:

A new RoHS project (Pack 22) for the assessment of sixteen requests for nine exemptions listed in Annex III of Directive 2011/65/EU has started. The study shall cover exemptions 6(a)/6(a)-I, 6(b)/6(b)-I, 6(b)-II, 6(c), 7(a), 7(c)-I and 7(c)-II of Annex III.

A stakeholder consultation is planned and is expected to be launched before the end of the year.

For more details, please see the Technical specifications and the Project Description.

2020-12-05
Location: UK
Description:

This week marks one month to go until the end of the transition period after the UK left the EU. That means you have just a few weeks left to make yourself aware of the new rules that will apply to buying and selling timber and timber products from 1 January 2021. 

To find out what necessary preparations you need to make for your business to continue trading, visit https://www.gov.uk/transition.

You can also find more information on the timber trading page and the Office for Product Safety and Standards website.

Application: Equipment, Electrical
Guidance on the reg as they apply to products - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to products being supplied in or into Great Britain

Notes:

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment which is liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, with some notable exceptions. These exceptions include:

  • equipment covered by other specific instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • aeronautical apparatus, parts and appliances referred to in Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • equipment which is incapable of generating electromagnetic interference that is harmful to radio and telecommunication equipment

For a full list of exceptions please refer to the 2016 Regulations. Nothing in the 2016 Regulations affects the application of legislation regulating the safety of equipment.

Start Year / Status
Guidance on the reg. as they apply to products - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to products being supplied in or into Northern Ireland.

Notes:

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment that is liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance with some exceptions, including:

  • equipment covered by other specific EU instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • aeronautical apparatus, parts and appliances referred to in Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • equipment which is incapable of generating electromagnetic interference that is harmful to radio and telecommunication equipment

For a full list of exclusions please refer to the 2016 Regulations.

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to apparatus placed on the market before 8 December 2016.

Start Year / Status
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016: NI - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to equipment being supplied in or into Northern Ireland

Notes:

All new electrical equipment within certain voltage limits that is for supply in NI must comply with the requirements of the 2016 Regulations.

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical equipment that is designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1,000 volts for alternating current and between 75 and 1,500 volts for direct current. The Regulations cover domestic electrical equipment and equipment that is intended for use in the workplace.

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment listed in regulation 3(2) of the 2016 Regulations (for example, electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes, see regulation 3(2) for the full list).

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment placed on the market before 8 December 2016.

Start Year / Status
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Reg. 2016: GB - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to equipment being supplied in or into Great Britain.

Notes:

The Regulations apply to all electrical equipment that is designed or adapted for use between 50 and 1,000 volts (in the case of alternating current) and 75 and 1,500 volts (in the case of direct current). The Regulations cover domestic electrical equipment and equipment that is intended for use in the workplace.

The Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment listed in Regulation 3 (2) of the Regulations.

Start Year / Status
Application: Equipment, Electronic
Guidance on the reg as they apply to products - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to products being supplied in or into Great Britain

Notes:

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment which is liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, with some notable exceptions. These exceptions include:

  • equipment covered by other specific instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • aeronautical apparatus, parts and appliances referred to in Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • equipment which is incapable of generating electromagnetic interference that is harmful to radio and telecommunication equipment

For a full list of exceptions please refer to the 2016 Regulations. Nothing in the 2016 Regulations affects the application of legislation regulating the safety of equipment.

Start Year / Status
Guidance on the reg. as they apply to products - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to products being supplied in or into Northern Ireland.

Notes:

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment that is liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance with some exceptions, including:

  • equipment covered by other specific EU instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • aeronautical apparatus, parts and appliances referred to in Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • equipment which is incapable of generating electromagnetic interference that is harmful to radio and telecommunication equipment

For a full list of exclusions please refer to the 2016 Regulations.

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to apparatus placed on the market before 8 December 2016.

Start Year / Status
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016: NI - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to equipment being supplied in or into Northern Ireland

Notes:

All new electrical equipment within certain voltage limits that is for supply in NI must comply with the requirements of the 2016 Regulations.

The 2016 Regulations apply to all electrical equipment that is designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1,000 volts for alternating current and between 75 and 1,500 volts for direct current. The Regulations cover domestic electrical equipment and equipment that is intended for use in the workplace.

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment listed in regulation 3(2) of the 2016 Regulations (for example, electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes, see regulation 3(2) for the full list).

The 2016 Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment placed on the market before 8 December 2016.

Start Year / Status
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Reg. 2016: GB - Start year: : 2023
Description:

Guidance on the regulations as they apply to equipment being supplied in or into Great Britain.

Notes:

The Regulations apply to all electrical equipment that is designed or adapted for use between 50 and 1,000 volts (in the case of alternating current) and 75 and 1,500 volts (in the case of direct current). The Regulations cover domestic electrical equipment and equipment that is intended for use in the workplace.

The Regulations do not apply to electrical equipment listed in Regulation 3 (2) of the Regulations.

Start Year / Status
Application: Radio & Television Receivers
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017: Great Britain - Start year: : 2023
Description:

This Guide is for businesses placing radio equipment on the market in Great Britain.

Read guidance on the regulations in Northern Ireland

This Guide is designed to help you understand The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, as they apply in Great Britain (referred to in this document as “The 2017 Regulations”). The 2017 Regulations set out the requirements that must be met before products can be placed on the GB market. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure safe products are placed on the GB market by requiring manufacturers to show how their products meet the ‘essential requirements’.

The Regulations regulate the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of radio equipment and promote protection of the radio spectrum. They require equipment placed on the GB market to comply with a high level of safety (in terms of the health and safety of persons and domestic animals and the protection of property); with an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility; and to operate in a manner that promotes efficient use of the radio spectrum.

Updated 4 May 2023

Notes:

The 2017 Regulations apply to all radio equipment with some notable exceptions. These exceptions include:

  • equipment covered by other specific UK legislation governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • airborne products, parts and appliances within the scope of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • marine equipment falling within the scope of the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016
  • custom-built evaluation kits destined for professionals to be used solely at research and development facilities for such purposes

For a full list of exclusions please refer to the Regulations, in particular regulation 3 and Schedule 1.

Start Year / Status
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017: Northern Ireland - Start year: : 2023
Description:

his Guide is for businesses placing radio equipment on the market in Northern Ireland.

Under the terms of the Windsor Framework see footnote 1, Northern Ireland (“NI”) aligns with relevant EU rules (in Annex 2) relating to the placing on the market of manufactured goods. Radio equipment placed on the NI market must follow UK law as it applies to NI. The relevant law is the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, which apply across the UK but some of their provisions apply differently in NI so that they implement in NI Directive 2014/53/EU on radio equipment.

This Guide is designed to help you comply with the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, as they apply in NI. References to “the 2017 Regulations” in this document are references to the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 as they apply in NI.

The 2017 Regulations regulate the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of radio equipment and promote protection of the radio spectrum. They aim to improve the functioning of the NI and European Economic Area (EEA) markets by requiring equipment to comply with a high level of safety (in terms of the health and safety of persons and domestic animals and the protection of property); with an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility; and to operate in a manner that promotes efficient use of the radio spectrum.

Since 16 July 2021, the EU Regulation on Market Surveillance 2019/1020 (referred to as “MSC” in this document) replaces the market surveillance provisions in the Regulation on Accreditation and Market Surveillance 765/2008. Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, EU rules on goods listed in Annex 2 apply in Northern Ireland, including MSC, which will be directly applicable in NI and applies in addition to the 2017 Regulations. MSC does not apply in Great Britain.

Article 4 of MSC requires that an economic operator responsible for compliance must be based in the EU (or NI) in order to lawfully place certain products on the market, including radio equipment. This responsible economic operator must fulfil certain compliance tasks. This Guide summarises key requirements of Article 4, but detailed guidance is available.

Read guidance on placing certain products on the Northern Ireland market

Radio equipment placed on the Great Britain (“GB”) market (GB comprises England, Scotland and Wales) must follow the separate rules for the GB market. If you are placing radio equipment on the market in GB, you should read the relevant separate guidance. Read guidance on the regulations in Great Britain

The government is committed to providing unfettered access for qualifying NI goods to the rest of the UK market. Radio equipment that can be placed on the market in NI in accordance with the 2017 Regulations, as they apply to NI, can be sold in the rest of the UK without any additional approvals. The arrangements here are explained in detail in the separate guidance for placing radio equipment on the market in GB.

Notes:

The scope covers most equipment that contains radio equipment when placed on the market and/or put into service. Radio equipment is electrical or electronic products (including when it needs to be completed with an accessory) which intentionally emits or receives radio waves for the purposes of radio communication or radiodetermination.

There are a number of important exclusions including:

  • equipment covered by other specific EU instruments governing the conformity of the equipment with the essential requirements
  • airborne products, parts and appliances referred to in European Regulation (EC) 216/2008
  • Marine equipment falling within the scope of Council Directive 96/98/EC
  • custom-built evaluation kits destined for professionals to be used solely at research and development facilities for such purposes

For a full list of exclusions, please refer to the Regulations.

The 2017 Regulations do not apply to radio equipment placed on the market before 26 December 2017.

Start Year / Status
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017: Regulation 14 - Start year: : 2023
Description:

This Guide is for businesses placing radio equipment on the market in the United Kingdom from 1 January 2021. See footnote 1 It specifically relates to Regulation 14 of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 as amended (“the 2017 Regulations”): Information to be included where there are restrictions on putting into service or requirements for authorisation of use.

This guide clarifies how businesses can comply with Regulation 14:

  • when placing radio equipment on the GB market
  • when placing radio equipment on the NI market

This guide applies to all radio equipment in scope of the 2017 Regulations where there are restrictions on putting into service or requirements for authorisation of use, related to the radio spectrum. In the UK, the radio spectrum is administered and maintained by Ofcom under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

For more general information about supplying radio equipment to the GB and NI markets, you should read the relevant guidance, which can be found here:

Read guidance on the regulations

Notes:

Background

The 2017 Regulations establish requirements for the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of radio equipment and promote protection of the radio spectrum. They require equipment placed on the market to comply with a high level of safety (in terms of the health and safety of persons and domestic animals and the protection of property); with an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility; and to operate in a manner that promotes efficient use of the radio spectrum avoiding harmful interference.

Regulation 14 of the 2017 Regulations requires that where there are restrictions on putting into service or requirements for authorisation of use, a manufacturer must include information on the packaging of the radio equipment to identify this. The information must be presented in the manner and form specified in the Implementing Regulation. See footnote 2

The 2017 Regulations implemented Directive 2014/53/EU on Radio Equipment and Regulation 14 implemented the requirements of Article 10(10) of the Directive.

This guide provides clarification and further information on the requirements for the amended Regulation 14 so that manufacturers are able to place goods on both the NI/EU and GB markets without having to amend packaging.

3. Complying with Regulation 14 when placing radio equipment on the GB market

The 2017 Regulations as amended see footnote 3 for GB, require that restrictions are to be identified by:

a) a Pictogram (see below) followed by the abbreviation “UK” or

b) the words “Restrictions or Requirements in the UK

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