How to label restricted radio equipment for GB
Where radio equipment use is restricted or needs authorisation, its packaging must identify this using the prescribed pictogram followed by UK, or the prescribed wording. The instructions must explain the applicable restrictions or requirements. Agree the artwork and manual before production with Cambridge China Bridge.
Establish whether a restriction applies
This guide concerns radio equipment supplied in Great Britain where putting it into service is restricted or its use requires authorisation related to the radio spectrum. Our electrical import rules guide covers the wider product compliance checks.
Ask the factory for the exact model, operating frequencies, transmit power, antenna configuration and available operating modes. Have the applicable UK use conditions checked against that specification before writing a warning. Ask for the basis of any claim that use is unrestricted.
Approve the packaging indication
The official GB guidance gives these alternatives: the prescribed pictogram followed by “UK”, or the words “Restrictions or Requirements in the UK”. Use the official pictogram artwork if choosing that route. A practical way to avoid reproducing the symbol incorrectly is to choose the prescribed text.
GB also accepts the pictogram with “UK(NI)” or the corresponding restriction wording using UK(NI). The guidance says UK need not appear alongside that accepted indication. If the factory proposes existing shared packaging, check the actual artwork before approving it.
Explain the restriction in the instructions
The packaging flags that a restriction or authorisation requirement exists; the instructions must explain the applicable types. The guidance also addresses geographical areas, but says harmonised UK radio spectrum rules mean there is no additional need to identify areas within the UK.
Ask the person checking the radio specification to supply wording explaining the affected operating mode, the restriction and any authorisation needed before use. Importers must ensure the accompanying instructions and safety information are clear, legible and in easily understandable English. Check the wording against the supplied settings and accessories.
Check the factory's finished documents
Make the packaging artwork and manual part of your order approval. Record the model and document revision, then inspect a packed production sample against those approved files. Check that the factory has not substituted a generic manual or removed the warning when changing the box design.
Keep the restriction check alongside the wider marking and document review described in our CE and UKCA guide. Use our quality inspection guide to plan checks on the packaging and instructions actually supplied.
Frequently asked questions
What wording goes on restricted radio equipment packaging?
For GB, the guidance permits “Restrictions or Requirements in the UK”, or the prescribed pictogram followed by UK.
Can I use UK(NI) on packaging sold in GB?
Yes. GB guidance accepts the pictogram with UK(NI) or the corresponding restriction wording. It says UK need not be added alongside that indication.
Is a restriction warning on the box enough?
No. The instructions must also explain the applicable types of restrictions or authorisation requirements.
Must the manual list restricted areas within the UK?
The guidance says harmonised UK radio spectrum rules mean there is no additional need to refer to geographical areas within the UK when setting out restrictions.