ETSI EN 301 489-1
ETSI EN 301 489-1 is the harmonized EMC standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) for radio equipment under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU.
It defines the general electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and must be used in conjunction with product-specific parts of the EN 301 489 series.
Scope and Application
The standard applies to radio equipment and associated ancillary equipment. It provides baseline EMC emission and immunity requirements that are common across various wireless technologies. ETSI EN 301 489-1 explicitly excludes broadcast receivers, which are covered by other EMC standards.
It applies to both transmitting and receiving equipment. However, technical parameters such as antenna port requirements, operating modes, and radiated output power are addressed in the relevant product-specific standards (e.g., EN 301 489-3 for short-range devices, -17 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, -19 for satellite terminals, -22 for cellular equipment).
Standard Structure and Usage
ETSI EN 301 489-1 defines the common EMC test framework, while the product-specific parts provide:
Specific test conditions for the equipment under test (EUT)
Tailored performance criteria (e.g., pass/fail based on essential functions)
Exclusion bands: Frequency ranges ±5% around operational frequencies, excluded from radiated emissions testing to avoid self-interference
These exclusion bands are not defined in EN 301 489-1 itself but in the relevant product-specific parts, and their implementation varies depending on the radio technology.
The structure of the document includes:
Clause 7: Applicability tables for equipment categories
Clauses 8–9: Unified emission and immunity procedures and performance criteria
Key Technical Requirements
The following test categories are based on horizontal EMC standards referenced in ETSI EN 301 489-1 and its product-specific counterparts. These external standards define the applicable test methods and setups.
| Test Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Radiated Emissions |
Standard Reference: EN 55032 (referenced) Key Details: Applies to 30 MHz–1 GHz or higher; limits set per EN 301 489-x |
| Conducted Emissions |
Standard Reference: EN 55032 (referenced) Key Details: Measured on AC/DC power lines and telecom ports |
| Electrostatic Discharge |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-2 (referenced) Key Details: Contact and air discharge on accessible surfaces |
| Radiated RF Immunity |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-3 (referenced) Key Details: Test levels vary by product type (e.g., 3–10 V/m) |
| Conducted RF Immunity |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-6 (referenced) Key Details: Frequency range extended to 6 GHz in newer test plans |
| Electrical Fast Transients |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-4 (referenced) Key Details: Applied to signal/control lines; levels defined per product-specific part |
| Surge Immunity |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-5 (referenced) Key Details: Simulates overvoltage from switching or lightning |
| Voltage Dips & Interrupts |
Standard Reference: EN 61000-4-11 (referenced) Key Details: Short-term power quality variations |
| Exclusion Bands |
Standard Reference: Defined in product-specific parts Key Details: ±5% around operational frequencies excluded from radiated emission testing |
| Test Category | Standard Reference | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Radiated Emissions | EN 55032 (referenced) | Applies to 30 MHz–1 GHz or higher; limits set per EN 301 489-x |
| Conducted Emissions | EN 55032 (referenced) | Measured on AC/DC power lines and telecom ports |
| Electrostatic Discharge | EN 61000-4-2 (referenced) | Contact and air discharge on accessible surfaces |
| Radiated RF Immunity | EN 61000-4-3 (referenced) | Test levels vary by product type (e.g., 3–10 V/m) |
| Conducted RF Immunity | EN 61000-4-6 (referenced) | Frequency range extended to 6 GHz in newer test plans |
| Electrical Fast Transients | EN 61000-4-4 (referenced) | Applied to signal/control lines; levels defined per product-specific part |
| Surge Immunity | EN 61000-4-5 (referenced) | Simulates overvoltage from switching or lightning |
| Voltage Dips & Interrupts | EN 61000-4-11 (referenced) | Short-term power quality variations |
| Exclusion Bands | Defined in product-specific parts | ±5% around operational frequencies excluded from radiated emission testing |
Versioning and Compliance
| Version | Details |
|---|---|
| V2.2.3 |
Release Date: 2019-11 Notes: Current harmonized version under RED; references updated immunity levels |
| V2.1.1 |
Release Date: 2017-03 Notes: Still cited in legacy documentation and some test plans |
Compliance requires the combined application of EN 301 489-1 and the applicable product-specific part. Together, these documents form the basis for demonstrating conformity under Article 3.1(b) and for compiling the technical documentation required by Article 21 of the RED.
| Version | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| V2.2.3 | 2019-11 | Current harmonized version under RED; references updated immunity levels |
| V2.1.1 | 2017-03 | Still cited in legacy documentation and some test plans |
Compliance requires the combined application of EN 301 489-1 and the applicable product-specific part. Together, these documents form the basis for demonstrating conformity under Article 3.1(b) and for compiling the technical documentation required by Article 21 of the RED.
Certification Process
Testing must reflect intended operational modes, including transmitter activation.
Emission measurements must cover worst-case scenarios.
Exclusion bands must be calculated and justified according to the specific product part.
Immunity testing must confirm functional performance under defined disturbance conditions.
The goal of immunity testing is to ensure that essential device functions remain unaffected by electromagnetic interference.
Lifecycle Relevance
ETSI EN 301 489-1 applies throughout the product lifecycle—from early-stage pre-compliance evaluations during R&D to formal EMC certification. It also supports reassessment following product changes, reconfigurations, or updates to the RED or harmonized standards list.
Relation to Other Standards
EN 301 489-3: Short-range devices (SRDs)
EN 301 489-17: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipment
EN 301 489-19: Satellite mobile earth stations
EN 301 489-22: GSM/UMTS/LTE mobile terminals
EN 55032 / EN 55035: Multimedia EMC (referenced as applicable)
EN 61000-4-x: Basic EMC immunity test methods
Need Help?
Support is available for EMC testing under EN 301 489-1 and the relevant product-specific parts of the EN 301 489 series. We assist with pre-compliance evaluation, performance criteria, and RED documentation. → CE Marking & EU Market Access
Further Reading & Official Resources
Official ETSI Standard (PDF)
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EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3 – EMC standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements;
This is a curated selection of key sources. For full and up-to-date regulatory documentation, please refer to the official portals of the relevant authorities. All references were verified as of April 2025.
Note: The EMCD applies only to equipment not covered by the RED, such as wired-only devices and non-radio products.