These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Household Appliances, Portable Tools etc.) Regulations 1978 (S.I.1978/1267) (“the principal Regulations”), as amended by S.I.1985/808, which relate to the control of radio interference caused by electrical household appliances, portable tools and other equipment causing similar interference. Council Directive No.76/889/EEC (as amended by Commission Directive No.82/499/EEC), which formed the basis for the principal Regulations, was adapted to technical progress by Commission Directive No.87/308/EEC. These Regulations apply the standard B.S. 800: 1988 which reflects this adaptation to technical progress.

These Regulations come into force on 24th April 1989. From that date, and until 1st January 1990, apparatus covered by the principal Regulations which is placed on the market must conform either to the existing standard B.S. 800: 1983 or to the new standard B.S. 800: 1988. From 1st January 1990, the new standard alone will apply. For the purposes of regulation 5 of the principal Regulations, which specifies requirements which must be complied with if apparatus is used by any person, both those standards and B.S. 800: 1977 which applied under the principal Regulations as originally made will be applicable from 24th April 1989 without time limit.

These Regulations do not extend to the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands since the amendments to section 10 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 mentioned in footnote (a) above have not yet been extended to those jurisdictions. Accordingly, the principal Regulations, in their unamended form, continue to apply.

Copies of B.S. 800: 1977, B.S. 800: 1983 and B.S. 800: 1988 may be obtained from the British Standards Institution (Sales Department), Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE at a price of £28.50, £28.50 and £45, respectively.