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Frequently Asked Questions on the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive 1999/5/EC

If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor or retailer, please read the FAQ’s below. This is intended as a brief guide and is not intended to replace the official text in the relevant European directives or UK legislation.

What is R&TTE?
Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment (R&TTE) is equipment and its relevant components that are capable of communication by the emission and / or reception of radio waves (i.e. radio equipment) and / or enabling communication by connecting to the interface of public telecommunications networks (i.e. telecommunications terminal equipment). Some equipment, e.g. a cellular mobile telephone is both radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment.
Does Ofcom approve equipment for the UK market?
Ofcom does not approve equipment. Under the European New Approach Directives, it is the person responsible for placing equipment on the UK market who must declare that it is compliant with the R&TTE Directive and any other applicable European directives .
Do I have to notify Ofcom before placing equipment on the UK market?
Equipment that uses non-harmonised frequency bands should be notified to Ofcom at least four weeks prior to placing on the market. You can do this either by completing and submitting our Online notification form or alternatively by completing our rtf Notification form on your PC then attaching it to an email, which you should send to Notifications@ofcom.org.uk. (If you include the word “notification” in the subject of the email, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement.)
Please note that you do not have to notify Class 1 equipment .
What are the obligations on manufacturers?
Manufacturers must ensure that equipment is designed to meet the essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive and keep technical records to demonstrate this. A declaration of conformity must also be produced – please click the following link to see an example - quick guide for manufacturers . Manufacturers must adhere to the administrative requirements of the R&TTE Directive.
What are the obligations on importers?
The importer, or person who brings a product from a third country and places it on the UK market, must take necessary measures to ensure the product is compliant with the applicable directives. Contact with the manufacturer must be established so that information regarding the product can be obtained if necessary. You must be able to make the declaration of conformity and technical documentation relating to the product available if requested by Ofcom. You should have formal assurance in writing, from the manufacturer, that the documents will be made available. To see an example declaration of conformity, please click the following link: quick guide for manufacturers .
What are the obligations on distributors and retailers?
The distributor or retailer shall act with due care in order not to place clearly non-compliant products on the UK market and should be able to demonstrate this, e.g. by presenting the declaration of conformity (DoC) if requested by Ofcom. An example of the DoC can be found in the European Commission’s quick guide for manufacturers .
What is the CE mark?
The CE mark is required on all products within the scope of New Approach directives that are placed on the UK market. The manufacturer, or the person affixing the CE mark, must ensure that it meets the essential requirements of the applicable directives before placing it on the market.
What is the R&TTE Directive?
The R&TTE Directive is part of the “New Approach” series of European Directives that simplifies the procedures for placing on the market, free circulation and putting into service of R&TTE. It was adopted into UK law as the “Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000” and came into force in April 2000.
What are the essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive?
The essential requirements cover the health and safety of the user and others, electromagnetic compatibility and effective use of the radio spectrum. Additional essential requirements may apply to certain types of equipment. Harmonised standards specify how the essential requirements can be met.
How can manufacturers comply with the essential requirements?
Manufacturers must be able to demonstrate compliance with the essential requirements of the Directive, either by applying a European harmonised standard or consulting a notified body . The use of a harmonised standard is not compulsory.
Does Ofcom produce technical standards?
Ofcom is not a technical standards body and does not produce technical standards. The main body mandated to produce telecommunications technical standards in relation to the R&TTE Directive is the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI). Specifications developed by the previous UK national spectrum authorities, e.g. the MPT series, are available from the Ofcom website or by contacting Ofcom spectrum support through the Ofcom contact centre at: contact@ofcom.org.uk
What are the requirements for using radio (wireless) equipment in the UK ?
Management of the UK civilian radio spectrum is Ofcom’s responsibility. Interface requirements for radio equipment provide a link between the requirements of the R&TTE Directive and the use of national radio spectrum. The UK interface requirements describe the minimum technical specifications, such as power limits, frequency bands and channel spacing which is necessary to avoid interference between radiocommunication services. Radio equipment must meet the UK interface requirements before it can be licensed or exempted from licensing. The UK interface requirements are available from the Ofcom website.
Where can I get more information?
You can get more information by clicking on the following links:

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