Key equipment-related responsibilities of the NMHH
Market surveillance
Experts at NMHH regularly monitor distributors, importers and online marketplaces to verify that equipment has the necessary conformity documentation (e.g. CE marking, EU Declaration of Conformity) and meets the essential operating requirements (see ‘Laboratory tests’). They are also involved in the control of equipment from third countries intended to be placed on the EU internal market.
Designation
The NMHH also designates independent conformity assessment bodies authorised to test and certify the technical conformity of radio equipment. The register of designated bodies is published and regularly updated by the NMHH to ensure transparency for manufacturers and distributors as to which bodies are authorised to carry out formal conformity assessment. The NMHH also supervises the functioning of designated bodies and takes action to ensure compliance where necessary. (For more details see Information on the designation of conformity assessment bodies for radio equipment.)
Laboratory tests
If a piece of equipment is found to be non-compliant with the essential technical requirements laid down in law, the NMHH will carry out a technical test on the equipment in its accredited laboratory to verify the conformity of radio and other parameters (e.g. frequency use, output, signal emission), the proper functioning of the equipment and its specific properties.
Elimination of harmful interference
The purpose of the test is to ensure that equipment does not cause harmful interference in other communications services or the operation of other equipment while using services.
Action
If a piece of equipment does not comply with the requirements, the NMHH will require the manufacturer or distributor to take corrective action; however, it may also order the product to be withdrawn from the market, consumers to be informed thereof or, in serious cases, the product to be destroyed.
Purpose and legal basis of equipment testing
The purpose of the tests carried out in the NMHH measurement laboratories is to verify whether the equipment complies with the requirements of NMHH Decree 2/2017 (I.17.) on radio equipment, NMHH Decree 8/2016 (XII.6.) on electromagnetic compatibility and the relevant harmonised standards.
Equipment tested
Radio equipment
Measurement of the spectrum use of wireless devices (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM transmitters, radios).
Equipment producing high-frequency emissions
Testing the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of household appliances or industrial machinery, the operation of which may cause interference with both telecommunications and the spectrum use of by other equipment during operation.
Market supervision verification
On the basis of its annual supervisory plan, the NMHH verifies the devices that are commercially available or intended to be placed on the market.
Administrative investigation
Verifying the existence of statutory markings and documentation (including, in particular, declarations of conformity, technical documentation and CE markings).
Technical testing
Laboratory measurements to verify the actual operating parameters of the equipment.
Verification of equipment from third countries
Upon being notified by the customs authority, the NMHH verifies the compliance of the equipment intended to be placed on the EU internal market. Non-compliant equipment may not be released for free circulation.
Legal consequences
If a piece of equipment is found to be non-compliant, the NMHH may require the manufacturer or distributor to take corrective action; however, it may also order marketing to be prohibited or restricted, the product to be withdrawn from the market, or, where justified, even products already sold to end-users to be recalled.
Prohibited equipment
In complying with its obligation also laid down in the Electronic Communications Act, the NMHH published a list of electronic communications terminal equipment, radio equipment and equipment producing electromagnetic emissions during operation, which it had tested in the course of its verification exercises and found to be non-compliant with the essential requirements. Since 2019, non-compliant equipment investigated by European market surveillance authorities, including the NMHH, have been included in a European register maintained by the European Commission.