Getting a Grip on the R&TTE Directive

摘要

The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive has shifted the burden of approving telecommunications and radio products for the European market. Rather than requiring a long and costly approval process involving certifying authorities, compliance is presumed when a manufacturer issues a declaration of conformity (DoC). This shift improves access to the European market, broadens consumer choices, and speeds up technological competition and innovation. In general, the trade-off is faster and lower-cost product CE approval vs. increased manufacturer liability. The directive, enacted by the European Union (EU) in April 2000, removed significant barriers that prevented wireless communications products from freely circulating within the EU. In addition to the normal cell and wireless phones, these systems include wireless LANs, alarm systems, remote-entry systems, meter readers, PDAs, video-game controllers, and keyboards. The opportunity represented by the EU market makes it imperative for manufacturers to understand the R&TTE Directive and how it applies to their products.