Potential application of Article 3(3)(i) and/or 4 of Directive 2014/53/EU, the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), to reconfigurable radio systems

CALL FOR EVIDENCE FOR AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT Ref. Ares(2025)3472388 - 29/04/2025 TITLE OF THE INITIATIVE Activation of EU rules on radio equipment for reconfigurable radio systems GROW.H2 LEAD DG (RESPONSIBLE UNIT) LIKELY TYPE OF INITIATIVE Commission Delegated Regulation INDICATIVE TIMETABLE Q2/2026 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/electrical-and-electronicengineering-industries-eei/radio-equipment-directive-red_en A. Political context, problem definition and subsidiarity check Political context The Radio Equipment Directive (Directive 2014/53/EU) aims to create a single market for radio equipment and ensure safe devices. It lays down essential requirements on health, the protection of radio spectrum and access to emergency services when a device is placed on the market. Technological progress has changed the way radio equipment is designed. The characteristics of radio equipment are not hardwired into the product anymore but are increasingly set by software. Software updates and uploads can (accidentally) lead to a product not being safe anymore or to it producing harmful interference with essential radiocommunication services. The Directive includes some provisions that, if activated, would strengthen control over software updates and uploads to ensure that device compliance with the Directive’s requirements is not compromised during its life cycle. EU Member States have asked the Commission to explore...