Directive 2014/53/EU establishes a regulatory framework for the making available on the market and putting into service of radio equipment in the Union (Article 1). Radio equipment is defined in Article 2(1) as an electrical or electronic product which intentionally emits and/or receives radio waves for the purpose of radio communication and/or radiodetermination, or which must be completed with an accessory such as an antenna to do so. Such equipment is not subject to the Low Voltage Directive, but Article 3(1)(a) applies the LVD safety objectives to it with no voltage limit.
Article 3 lists the essential requirements: protection of health and safety and an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility (paragraph 1); effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum to avoid harmful interference (paragraph 2); and, for categories or classes designated by delegated act, additional requirements such as interworking with accessories, network protection, safeguards for personal data and privacy, protection from fraud, access to emergency services and accessibility (paragraph 3). Paragraph 4, added by Directive (EU) 2022/2380, requires the categories in Annex Ia to be equipped with a USB Type-C receptacle and common charging capabilities.
Conformity is presumed for equipment meeting published harmonised standards (Article 16). Under Article 17 the manufacturer may use internal production control, EU-type examination by a notified body followed by conformity to type, or full quality assurance; where harmonised standards have not been applied for the spectrum requirement, a notified body is needed. Article 10 adds obligations specific to radio equipment, including instructions describing the frequency bands and maximum transmitted power, a copy or a simplified version of the EU declaration of conformity with each item, and information on any restrictions on use in particular Member States.