Directive 99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment
Summary
This CE marking directive was introduced in 1999, replacing the interim directive 98/13/EC, which in turn consolidated the requirements of the Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment Directives. This has led to a conformity assessment regime based on manufacturers' declarations, rather than independent tests. The new Directive came fully into force in April 2000 and now covers all radio communication equipment, apart from certain specific exclusions.
It is important to note that equipment within the scope of this Directive must meet the essential requirements of both the Low Voltage Directive and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. The Directive also requires equipment to be constructed for efficient use of the radio spectrum, and to avoid interference with terrestrial and orbital communications. Additional requirements are made for certain classes of equipment.
There are a number of possible ways in which manufacturers can ensure that their product complies. If harmonized standards exist for the equipment, they may self-declare. If these do not exist, the manufacturer will have to involve a notified body to assess the ability of the equipment to meet the essential requirements of the Directive before self certification can take place. The CE logo is used on the product to indicate it complies with the Directive. Additionally, equipment which uses a non-harmonized frequency band needs to be marked with an exclamation mark to warn that its use may not be legal in every member state.