ETSI EN 300 328 v2.2.2 Transitioned August 6, 2021: What you need to know

The EU and GB compliance process for radio equipment is based on always keeping compliant with the latest version of a standard, even if you think your testing and approvals are complete. If the test standard changes and you wish to keep selling your products, you must keep up with the latest version of the standard for new samples leaving the factory and reaching your customers.

The latest version of EN 300 328 V2.2.2 was released in July 2019. As of 6 August 2021, the transition for the requirements of V2.2.2 will be complete. V2.1.1  no longer provides a ‘presumption of conformity’ to the Radio Equipment Directive. If you are installing CE Marked radio modules into your equipment, it is important to check the standard used by the module manufacturer and re-assess your own end product.

Read below for a summary of the important changes to the standard.

What’s New in V2.2.2?

The most important change in V2.2.2 is in receiver blocking, which has implications for the testing that must be carried out on end products. There are also other changes that may not require re-testing.

Test Standards Redefined

In the case of 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and similar equipment, the radio test standard is EN 300 328.

EN 300 328 V2.2.2 was published in July 2019 and listed as a Harmonized Standard for the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) in the EU, in February 2020.

The previous version of the standard, EN 300 328 V2.1.1 ceased to be a Harmonized Standard on 6 August 2021.

Any manufacturer who tested to the old EN 300 328 V2.1.1 must now update their compliance to EN 300 328 V2.2.2.

The same situation exists for UKCA compliance in Great Britain, where EN 300 328 V2.1.1 ceased to be a UK Designated Standard on 6 August 2021, leaving EN 300 328 V2.2.2 as the only version listed as a UK Designated Standard. 

Background on EN 300 328 

EN 300 328 V2.1.1 (which applies to Wideband Data Transmission equipment and data transmission equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band) was originally published on January 13, 2017. The standard was harmonized under Article 3.2 of the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. 

It covers Wide Band Data Transmission equipment, including Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, and related technologies. It describes spectrum access requirements to facilitate spectrum sharing with other equipment and also contains requirements to demonstrate that radio equipment both effectively uses and supports the efficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference. 

What to do next?

Contact your local Element lab to arrange an assessment and possible test of your equipment, to remain compliant as you continue to sell your product.

If you have not yet performed the updated receiver blocking test, we can arrange that at one of our labs in the USA, UK, or Germany.

If you have a Notified Body EU Type Examination Certificate for your equipment, we can help to issue a new certificate based on the new standard.

Testing and issuing of certificates can be done by Element, even if the original assessment was performed by a different lab or Notified Body.

If you have questions or need further information on retesting your product according to EN 300 328 V2.2.2, speak to one of our Engaged Experts today.