The US and EU have announced a “Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade.” For U.S. manufacturers of telecommunications and radio equipment, a key provision within this agreement is set to dismantle long-standing barriers to the European market, particularly for technologies that require cybersecurity validation.
Buried within the sweeping economic pact is a vital update to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that will have an impact on the testing and certification industry.
Your Gateway to Europe
Item 13 of the agreement is a crucial update to the 1998 MRA for Telecommunications Equipment. It reaffirms that U.S.-based conformity assessment bodies (CABs) can be designated as Notified Bodies for the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU), commonly known as RED.
The Cybersecurity Challenge
This development is especially timely given the EU’s increased focus on cybersecurity. New mandatory requirements under RED are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, covering aspects like network protection, user privacy, and fraud prevention.
Previously, navigating these complex new requirements posed a significant hurdle for U.S. companies. The updated MRA explicitly states that U.S. Notified Bodies will be empowered to handle all essential requirements of the RED, including cybersecurity.
