Explanatory note

Directive 1999/5/EC (“the Directive") of the European Parliament and of the Council on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity provides for the essential requirements, the procedures for conformity assessment, the placing on the market and the bringing into service in respect of such equipment.

Pursuant to the Directive (which was largely implemented in the United Kingdom by the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/730) wireless telegraphy equipment is no longer required to be approved under section 84 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12), and these Regulations make consequential amendments to the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1999 (SI. 1999/930) (“the Principal Regulations").

From 1st May 2000, wireless telegraphy equipment covered by the Principal Regulations (“equipment") which is taken into service has to comply with the appropriate United Kingdom Radio Interface Requirement (“IR") specified in these Regulations. Equipment which was taken into service before 1st May 2000 also has to comply with the requirements of the Principal Regulations relating thereto.

In addition, these Regulations substitute a wider restriction on the application of the exemption from licensing under section 1(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (c. 54) provided by regulation 4(1) of the Principal Regulations, so that the exemption does not apply to relevant apparatus providing any radio link under which a telecommunication service is provided by way of business to another person (regulation 3(b)).

Copies of the IRs specified in these Regulations may be obtained from the Radiocommunications Agency Library at Wyndham House, 189 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX (Tel: 020 7211 0211). The IRs are also available on the Agency’s Internet web site: www.radio.gov.uk