Research: 60 percent tested radio-controlled toys may cause interference to other devices

Press release

 

“A study conducted last year on behalf of the European Commission (EC) revealed that 60 percent of tested radio-controlled toys intended for children aged 3-14 may cause interference to other devices operating in the same or adjacent frequency bands. The results of the study show that some of the products on the market still do not meet the technical requirements applicable to them. The Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT), whose laboratory in Kaunas carried out all tests of products sent to the laboratory from other EU countries, also contributed to this study.

 

For the study, 88 product samples were taken from stores and online in 13 countries between May and July of last year: remote-controlled vehicles, ships, trains, walkie-talkies, children's laptops and smart toys. Laboratory tests of devices using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and radio frequency technology, tests were conducted until November last year. "Since all products were purchased directly from the market, the tests were limited to the main parameters to determine the compliance with the effective use of the radiated radio frequency spectrum. Most devices operated in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, but they were also tested operating at other frequencies," says Arvydas Giedraitis, Head of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Department at RRT, about the tests in the laboratory. The results of the EC investigation revealed that as many as 53 products or 60 percent of all tested products did not comply with the technical requirements and may cause interference to other devices. After checking the labeling, warnings and instructions, it was found that 61 products (69 percent of all samples) did not comply with the so-called administrative requirements, i.e., some products did not have an EU declaration of conformity or other documentation was missing. At least one type of non-compliance was found in 81 percent of the products.

 

RRT invests 1.8 million euros in the laboratory RRT invests 1.8 million euros in the laboratory "The main shortcomings of the tested toys are undesirable "side radiation from transmitters and receivers, as well as misleading labeling. For example, some portable radio stations were marked on the packaging as operating within a radius of 4 km or 5 km, when in reality they can operate at a distance of only a few hundred meters. Such discrepancies can cause interference to other devices and have a negative impact on emergency services, important radio communication networks and navigation systems. In addition, consumers are being misled, who reasonably expect that the radio stations will operate within the distance specified by the manufacturer," A. Giedraitis summarizes the conclusions of the study. The RRT expert also emphasizes that the conclusions of the EC study reveal the need for continuous market surveillance so that all non-compliant products are promptly removed from the market. “Manufacturers should ensure greater compliance, accountability and transparency throughout the supply chain. And consumers are advised to remain vigilant, choose CE marked devices and check whether their instructions for use and safety instructions are provided in the official language,” says the Head of the RRT Electromagnetic Compatibility Department. After the EC investigation, market surveillance authorities ordered 7 manufacturers to correct product deficiencies, and the sale of 22 more products was banned. RRT Laboratory RRT Kaunas Laboratory is the only officially designated EU testing facility (European Union Testing Facility, EUTF) in the fields of radio communication equipment and electromagnetic compatibility, therefore the market surveillance authorities of all EU countries can rely on its tests. RRT contributes to ensuring that only safe products that meet the requirements of European technical standards reach the European market. The European Commission granted RRT EUTF status for radio communication equipment testing in 2023, and for electromagnetic compatibility testing in 2025. Having received this status, RRT Laboratory can perform tests at the request of market surveillance authorities of all EU countries.”