What is TFES Task Force for ETSI ERM and MSG for Harmonized Standards for

TFES: Unraveling the Task Force for Harmonized Radio Equipment Standards

TFES stands for Task Force for ETSI ERM and MSG for Harmonized Standards for Radio Equipment and Services. It's a group within the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) responsible for developing harmonized standards for radio equipment and services within the European Union (EU).

Here's a breakdown of the key components and their roles:

• ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute): A non-profit organization that produces globally recognized standards for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Europe.
• ERM (Radio Equipment and Services Radio Matters): A technical committee within ETSI dedicated to radio equipment and services. It defines essential requirements for radio equipment placed on the market in the EU according to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
• MSG (Market Surveillance Group): A group within ETSI that provides support for national regulatory bodies in the EU for market surveillance activities related to radio equipment and services.

The Role of TFES:

• TFES acts as a bridge between ERM and MSG.
• It focuses on developing Harmonized Standards that meet the essential requirements established by ERM. These standards provide a common technical basis for ensuring radio equipment placed on the market in the EU complies with the RED.

Harmonized Standards and the RED:

• The RED (Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU) is a legislative framework that sets essential requirements for the safety, health, and electromagnetic compatibility of radio equipment sold in the EU.
• Harmonized Standards are technical documents that provide detailed specifications for how to comply with the essential requirements outlined in the RED. These standards are not mandatory, but if a manufacturer follows a harmonized standard, it creates a presumption of conformity with the RED, simplifying market access for their products within the EU.

Focus of TFES:

• The specific focus of TFES is on developing harmonized standards for radio equipment belonging to the IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) family. This includes:
  • IMT-2000 (e.g., UTRA FDD and E-UTRA FDD)
  • IMT-Advanced (e.g., LTE-Advanced)
  • IMT-2020 (5G NR)
• Additionally, TFES might consider radio equipment for Professional Mobile Radio (PMR), Public Access Mobile Radio (PAMR), and Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) within its scope, although its primary focus remains the IMT family.

Benefits of TFES Harmonized Standards:

• Simplified Market Access: By adhering to harmonized standards, manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with the RED, facilitating product approval and market entry within the EU.
• Consistent Regulatory Approach: Harmonized standards ensure a consistent interpretation of the RED's essential requirements across different EU member states.
• Improved Product Quality: Following harmonized standards helps ensure radio equipment meets performance, safety, and health requirements within the EU.

Conclusion:

The TFES plays a crucial role in the development of harmonized standards for radio equipment within the EU. By bridging the gap between ERM and MSG, TFES helps ensure that radio equipment complies with the RED, facilitating market access for manufacturers and promoting consistent regulatory practices across the European Union.