Federal Office of Communications
Federal Office of Communications
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What's new in the area of telecommunications equipment
Since 15 May 2008, the market access conditions for telecommunications equipment in Switzerland are identical to those in force in the member countries of the European Community. In fact, the final two Swiss differences will disappeared: they relate to equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland but which may nevertheless henceforth be sold there, and to equipment intended for amateur radio operators. In addition, user information requirements are strengthened.
- Radiocommunications equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland
- Strengthening of user information requirements
- Class identifier
- How is it possible to recognise equipment which cannot be operated?
- Radiocommunications equipment intended for amateur radio operators
- Programmable equipment
- The "Cassis de Dijon" principle
Radiocommunications equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland
Responsibility for compliance with the conditions for placing equipment on the market lies with manufacturers and the distribution chain (importers, wholesalers, retailers, …). Users, for their part, are responsible for operating their equipment in conformity with the legal framework. It is up to the manufacturer and the distribution chain to provide all useful and necessary information to users so that they can operate their equipment correctly and without committing any violations.
Strengthening of user information requirements
Additional user information
Since 15 May 2008, the information accompanying an item of radiocommunications equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland must indicate this clearly to the user.
Marking of radiocommunications equipment
Since 15 May 2008, any radiocommunications equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland must bear the category identifier.
Introduction of a conformity mark
By 1 May 2009, the marking of any telecommunications equipment must include the following conformity mark:
Where applicable, this conformity mark may be accompanied by the four-digit identification number of the body which participated in the conformity assessment and by the class identifier.
Additional information on packaging
The conformity mark, and where applicable the identification number of the conformity assessment body and the class identifier must be affixed by 1 May 2009 at the latest to the packaging of all telecommunications equipment.
Internet sales, mail order, etc.
Since 15 May 2008, the information accompanying the offer of equipment via the internet, by mail or by similar sales methods must, where applicable, clearly indicate if its operation is forbidden or if there are any restrictions on use such as the need to possess a licence, use restricted to inside buildings, etc.
Class identifier
How is it possible to recognise equipment which cannot be operated?
It will be possible to identify equipment which cannot be operated in Switzerland from the following indications:
In the user information
Written information, for example: "This equipment must not be used in Switzerland".
On the internet and by mail order
Information on the internet site or in the catalogue to the effect that the equipment cannot be used in Switzerland.
By 1 May 2009 at the latest, these indications must include the following:
On the packaging
Absence of information that the equipment cannot be used in Switzerland and presence of one of the two following marks:
Radiocommunications equipment intended for amateur radio operators
Programmable equipment
The "Cassis de Dijon" principle
In this context, the Federal Council adopted a position on 31 October 2007 concerning the differences from European law. At that time, it commissioned the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications to amend the corresponding legal basis accordingly.
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