UK product conformity markings "new measures"

UK - Government announces a range of changes to make it simpler for business to apply new conformity markings for products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Whales.

 REF: 

Product Conformity Markings - new measures 

New European Union "Blue Guide" published

 

A new version of the "Blue Guide" on the implementation of EU product rules has been published.

This new version builds on past editions while also reflecting recent changes in EU legislation, in particular, the adoption of new regulations on market surveillance. 

REF:

https://bit.ly/EU-Blue-Guide

FCC Updating Equipment Authorization Rules

On the schedule for their January Open Commission Meeting (Jan 27, 2022) the commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rule-making (NPRM) to update the existing equipment authorization rules. (ET Docket Nos. 21-363, 19-48).

A proposal is on the agenda to add a new technical standard for the evaluation / validation of test sites for making measurements from 1 GHz to 18 GHz. (ANSI C63.25.1:2018). Additionally, an updated version of the existing standard covering the testing procedures for unlicensed wireless devices (ANSI C63.10:2020) is on the agenda to address changes in technology. Lastly, the most recent versions of the ISO standards covering accreditation bodies and testing facilities, (ISO/IEC 17011:2017 & ISO/IEC 17025:2017 respectively) is on the agenda.

The addition of the new references will have an impact on test labs performing testing for wireless devices covered by FCC rules both in a technical and administrative context.

REF:

PUBLIC NOTICE Jan. 11, 2022 - DA-22-22A1.pdf

FCC FACT SHEET Jan. 6, 2022 - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-378987A1.pdf

Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Agenda announcement Jan. 5, 2022 - https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/notes/2022/01/05/january-open-meeting-agenda

EU Pulling the plug on e-waste

The European Commission is putting forward legislation to establish a common charging solution for electronic devices, with the revision of the Radio Equipment Directive.

With this new proposal to revise the Radio Equipment Directive, the European Commission is declaring a uniform and harmonized charging port for devices. USB type C is to be that common port. The Commission also proposes harmonized fast charging technology to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger. Further, the Commission proposes to unbundle the sale of chargers from the sale of devices. Consumers will purchase new electronic devices without a new charger.

This new proposal will need adoption by the European Parliament and council. A transition period of 24 months from the date of adoption is proposed.

REF:

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4613

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_21_4614

https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/46754

United Kingdom Conformity Assessment Mark (UKCA) deferred

The UK government announced August 24, 2021 that you may continue to use the CE marking for goods place on the market in Great Britain until January 2023. The UKCA marking may be used now, however, from January 1, 2023 the UKCA marking will be mandatory. 

REF:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain 

U.S. FCC, cyber security standards and guidelines

US Federal Communication Commission is seeking comments for building cyber security into the equipment authorization program through standards and guidelines.  

Commenting period open until September 20, 2021, reply comments are due before October 18, 2021.

 

REF:

ET Docket No. 21–232, EA Docket No. 21– 233; FCC 21–73; FRID 39556

Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program and the Competitive Bidding Program

Cybersecurity risks bring new European regulations

 Cybersecurity risks to personal privacy, fraud, and the security of the open internet are of paramount concern for our interconnected, digitally dependent world, and the European Union is among the first economies to enact wide-reaching legislation to address the growing concerns of cybersecurity risks. 

Significant changes are coming concerning regulations and requirements for equipment covered by the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU). To say significant may be an understatement. In today’s connected world virtually all personal electronics we use today are impacted by the changes coming one way or another, and most of them on the market would not meet these higher standards today.

Breakdown of the new requirements

1. New delegated regulation and activation of additional Radio Equipment Directive essential requirements for certain categories or classes of specific types of radio equipment.
1. Covering aspects of cybersecurity and internet-connected radio equipment, key points on the essential requirements are addressed.
1. Protection from harm to the network - Art 3.3(d)
2. protection of personal data, the privacy of users and subscribers - Art 3.3(e)
3. protection from fraud- Art 3.3(f)
2. Applicable to new categories or classes of equipment which are;
1. All Internet-connected radio equipment
2. Childcare radio equipment (internet-connected or not)
3. Toys with radio functionality (internet-connected or not)
4. Wearable electronics (internet-connected or not)
3. Internet-connected means capable of communication over the internet, directly or indirectly such as using an intermediary, an example of which is a cell phone.
4. Specific medical radio equipment and in vitro diagnostic medical devices falling under regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 respectively, already have requirements to address these elements of cybersecurity and therefore are excluded from these new Radio Equipment Directive categories or classes.
5. Regulations related to Vehicles, Civil Aviation, and electronic road toll systems address some elements of cybersecurity related to Art 3.3(e) and Art 3.3(f) and are therefore excluded from the Radio Equipment Directives requirements on these aspects.
2. The exact technical requirements for compliance with these essential requirements are not defined at this time. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) shall prepare a work program indicating the standards and a timetable for implementation. A draft is expected 2 months after notification of the delegated regulation.
3. The new regulations shall apply 30 months after entry into force which is estimated to be around April 2024

Instructions for US Stakeholders wishing to submit comments on these new requirements

How to Comment  

Please limit comments to the draft Delegated Act only.

REF:

Draft Delegated Act