Chinese-made Baofeng radios have gained widespread popularity among amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide due to their versatile features, ease of use, and affordability. Popular models include the Baofeng UV-5R, Baofeng , UV-82, and BF-88E. However, what is allowed in China is not necessarily legal elsewhere. In this article, we’ll examine whether these popular radios can be used legally in the United States and the European Union. Note that we cannot cover all EU countries here. For information on license-free frequencies permitted in various EU countries, 👈 jump here.
Frequency table for Baofeng UV-5R in the USA 🇺🇸
What is allowed in the USA:
- FRS (Family Radio Service): license-free frequencies, max 2W, no external antenna (Baofeng is not formally certified but often used).
- GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): requires an FCC license (covers the whole family, $35 for 10 years). Repeaters and high power allowed.
- MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service): no license needed, 5 channels, narrowband only, up to 2W.
- HAM (Amateur Radio): requires an amateur radio license, but gives access to wide frequency ranges, repeaters, digital modes, etc.
Baofeng UV-5R: 128 channels, 2 power levels, dual-band VHF/UHF. Frequency range: VHF 136–174 MHz, UHF 400–480 MHz. Voltage: 7.4V.
Can you use the Baofeng UV-5R in the EU and USA without a license?
The UV-5R is a programmable radio where the channels are empty by default or arbitrarily assigned. Users can program any frequency to any of the 128 channels. Baofeng UV-5R models sold in the EU have the same factory demo frequencies as those sold in the US or China. These frequencies do not comply with PMR446 or EU HAM bands, and some may even be prohibited (e.g., maritime, aviation, military bands). These cannot be legally used for transmission without reprogramming.
Baofeng UV-5R in the EU 🇪🇺:
You can’t legally use Baofeng UV-5R in the EU without an Amateur Radio License
The only license-free frequency range in the EU is PMR 446: 446.0 – 446.2 MHz, with up to 0.5W power, fixed channel, and a built-in antenna. But even if you program these frequencies into the UV-5R, you still can’t legally use it for PMR446, because:
- It transmits at too high a power level
- It has a detachable antenna
- It lacks CE certification for PMR use
It can only be used with an Amateur Radio License on approved UHF and VHF bands. The license must be of “Class A” (or equivalent), which allows transmission on HAM frequencies.
Example usage of UV-5R in the EU:
| Service | Frequencies (MHz) | Power | License | Notes |
| PMR446 | 446.0000 – 446.2000 | 0.5 W ERP | ❌ No | License-free service; UV-5R is not certified for this band |
| LPD433 | 433.075 – 434.775 (69 channels, 25 kHz spacing) | 10 mW ERP | ❌ No | Allowed only with devices compliant with ETSI EN 300 220; UV-5R exceeds limits |
| CB (27 MHz) | 26.965 – 27.405 | 4 W (AM/FM), 12 W (SSB) | ❌ No | Requires a dedicated CB radio; Baofeng does not support this |
| Amateur VHF | 144 – 146 | Up to 50W+ | ✅ Yes (ham license) | UV-5R can be used |
| Amateur UHF | 430 – 440 | Up to 50W+ | ✅ Yes (ham license) | UV-5R can be used |
Is unlicensed use of the Baofeng UV-5R possible in the EU?
The UV-5R Baofeng radio does not meet the requirements for free use on PMR446 or LPD433
Technically — no. The UV-5R does not meet the requirements for PMR446 or LPD433 (too powerful, detachable antenna, not certified). That means using a UV-5R without a license is illegal in the EU, even if you manually program PMR446 frequencies.
How to legally use a Baofeng UV-5R in the EU?
Only with an Amateur Radio License 🧾. You must:
- Obtain a CEPT or national ham license (e.g., “Klasse E” in Germany)
- Program the radio to use the following frequencies:
- VHF: 144.000 – 146.000 MHz
- UHF: 430.000 – 440.000 MHz
Unlicensed use of Baofeng UV-5R in the USA 🇺🇸:
The Baofeng UV-5R is not approved for use in the USA on FRS/GMRS without programming and a license
In the Unated States of America, unlicensed use of radios is only legal on certain radio services approved by the FCC. Here are the license-free radio services in the USA:
| Service | Frequencies | Power | License | Notes |
| FRS (Family Radio Service) | 462.5625–467.7125 MHz | Up to 2W (channels 1–7, 15–22), 0.5W (8–14) | None | Requires fixed antenna — not allowed with Baofeng |
| MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) | 151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570, 154.600 MHz | Up to 2W | None | Baofeng may be used if narrow FM and power limits are met — but not FCC certified |
| CB (Citizens Band) | 26.965–27.405 MHz (40 channels) | 4W (AM), 12W (SSB) | None | Requires a dedicated CB radio — Baofeng is not compatible |
| GMRS (partially) | 462 MHz (shares channels with FRS) | Up to 50W | FCC license required | You can listen without a license; transmission requires a license and cannot be done with a Baofeng |
The Baofeng UV-5R is not approved for use on FRS/GMRS without programming and a license:
- UV-5R is not FCC-certified for FRS or GMRS use
- It may exceed power limits, use a removable antenna, and be programmed to illegal frequencies
- Even if a frequency falls within the FRS band, the device still fails to meet technical specs
If it were allowed, here’s how you could program the UV-5R for use in the USA:
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Service | License | Notes |
| FRS 1 | 462.5625 | FRS | ❌ No | Up to 2W, voice only, no registration needed |
| FRS 2 | 462.5875 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 3 | 462.6125 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 4 | 462.6375 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 5 | 462.6625 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 6 | 462.6875 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 7 | 462.7125 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 8 | 467.5625 | FRS | ❌ No | Up to 0.5W — short-range use |
| FRS 9 | 467.5875 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 10 | 467.6125 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 11 | 467.6375 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 12 | 467.6625 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 13 | 467.6875 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 14 | 467.7125 | FRS | ❌ No | — |
| FRS 15 | 462.5500 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | Up to 2W in FRS, up to 50W in GMRS ( license required) |
| FRS 16 | 462.5750 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 17 | 462.6000 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 18 | 462.6250 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 19 | 462.6500 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 20 | 462.6750 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 21 | 462.7000 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
| FRS 22 | 462.7250 | GMRS/FRS | ⚠️ GMRS = ✅ | — |
Baofeng BF-888S
- Frequencies: 400–480 MHz
- Power: 5 W
- Channels: 16
- Range: up to 7 km
The Baofeng BF-888S offers 16 channels, reliable communication, and a very low price, which has propelled it into the global top-selling radios list. However, it is a programmable radio, and the default preset frequencies are prohibited for use in many countries. Here are the frequencies that are typically preprogrammed by default:
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Channel width | Note |
| CH01 | 462.5625 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 1 (unofficial) |
| CH02 | 462.5875 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 2 |
| CH03 | 462.6125 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 3 |
| CH04 | 462.6375 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 4 |
| CH05 | 462.6625 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 5 |
| CH06 | 462.6875 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 6 |
| CH07 | 462.7125 | 12.5 / 25 kHz | GMRS/FRS Channel 7 |
| CH08 | 467.5625 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial (license required) |
| CH09 | 467.5875 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH10 | 467.6125 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH11 | 467.6375 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH12 | 467.6625 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH13 | 467.6875 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH14 | 467.7125 | 12.5 kHz | GMRS interstitial |
| CH15 | 462.5500 | 25 kHz | GMRS Channel 15 |
| CH16 | 462.7250 | 25 kHz | GMRS Channel 22 |
Baofeng BF-888S cannot be legally used in the US or EU without a license
Just like the UV-5R, the BF-888S cannot be legally used in the US or EU without a license, unless the device has been modified and certified for FRS/PMR.
Baofeng BF-888S in the USA 🇺🇸
Legal usage is only possible on licensed frequencies:
- GMRS – license required (one-time, no exam).
- Amateur (HAM) – amateur radio license required.
Without a license — possible only if reprogrammed for FRS, but the BF-888S is not FRS-certified, so technically not allowed.
Baofeng BF-888S in the EU 🇪🇺
In the EU, license-free radios are only allowed on PMR446 and LPD433 frequencies, under strict technical conditions (0.5 W power, fixed antenna, etc.). The BF-888S does not meet these criteria. Therefore:
- Without a license — not permitted.
- With an amateur license 🧾 — can be used only on:
- VHF: 144–146 MHz (if reprogrammable)
- UHF: 430–440 MHz
Here’s a table of recommended frequencies for programming the BF-888S for amateur (HAM) use in the US and EU. Since the BF-888S is a UHF-only radio (~400–470 MHz), only UHF frequencies are listed, and all require a license:
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Region | Type | Note |
| CH01 | 433.500 | EU | Simplex | National UHF calling frequency (CEPT) |
| CH02 | 438.500 | EU | Repeater Output | Popular repeater output frequency |
| CH03 | 430.025 | EU | Repeater Input | Repeater input with sub-tone (if required) |
| CH04 | 446.000 | EU | Simplex (PMR) | ⚠ Must comply with PMR446 (does not comply) |
| CH05 | 446.09375 | EU | PMR Channel 2 | ⚠ Only on certified devices |
| CH06 | 446.10625 | USA | FRS/GMRS Ch. 16 | ⚠ Only with FRS/GMRS certification (UV-5R/BF-888S are not certified) |
| CH07 | 446.520 | USA | HAM Simplex | Popular frequency for HAM communication |
| CH08 | 447.000 | USA | Repeater Output | UHF repeater output |
Important: All the above frequencies assume you have a HAM license.
For the BF-888S, programming is only possible via PC using a cable and software such as:
- Baofeng Programming Software
- CHIRP (free and user-friendly)
Baofeng UV-82
The Baofeng UV-82 operates essentially the same way as the UV-5R and BF-888S. The Baofeng UV-82 usually comes without strictly standardized pre-programmed frequencies. However, in many versions (especially those from Chinese and international markets), demo channels similar to those found on the UV-5R and other models are often preloaded by default. These channels are not approved for unlicensed use and are for demonstration purposes only. Below is an HTML table showing typical pre-programmed frequencies that may appear on a factory-default UV-82:
| Channel | Frequency A (VFO A) | Frequency B (VFO B) | Note |
| CH01 | 136.025 | N/A | VHF demo frequency |
| CH02 | 145.000 | 136.025 | VHF amateur (license required) |
| CH03 | 146.025 | 145.000 | VHF amateur (license required) |
| CH04 | 147.000 | 146.025 | VHF repeater demo |
| CH05 | 400.025 | 147.000 | UHF demo frequency |
| CH06 | 410.025 | 400.025 | UHF demo / uncertified |
| CH07 | 420.025 | 410.025 | UHF demo / uncertified |
| CH08 | 430.025 | 420.025 | Start of UHF HAM band |
| CH09 | 435.000 | 430.025 | UHF HAM frequency (license required) |
| CH10 | 440.025 | 435.000 | UHF repeater / demo |
| CH11 | 450.025 | 440.025 | UHF demo |
| CH12 | 460.025 | 450.025 | UHF demo |
| CH13 | 470.000 | 460.025 | End of UHF band |
Legality of using Baofeng UV-82 in the USA 🇺🇸
Using of UV-82 without a license is illegal.
Without a license:
The UV-82 is not certified for FRS or GMRS, so using it without a license is illegal.
With a license 🧾:
GMRS: Use is allowed only after flashing with GMRS firmware and obtaining an FCC license.
Amateur Radio (HAM): Legal to use on the following frequencies:
- VHF: 144–148 MHz
- UHF: 420–450 MHz
(a Technician Class license is required)
Legality of using Baofeng UV-82 in the EU 🇪🇺
Without a license:
The UV-82 is not certified for PMR446 or LPD433 because:
- It has a detachable antenna
- It exceeds the allowed power limit
Use without a license is prohibited.
With a license (amateur radio) 🧾:
- VHF: 144–146 MHz
- UHF: 430–440 MHz
(a CEPT or national license is required, such as “Klasse E” in Germany 🇩🇪)
Conclusion:
The Baofeng UV-82 may only be used with an amateur radio or GMRS license (in the USA). Use without a license is prohibited.
Here is a table with recommended frequencies for programming the Baofeng UV-82 for amateur (HAM) use in the USA and EU:
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Band | Type | Note |
| CH01 | 146.520 | VHF | Simplex | National calling frequency (USA) |
| CH02 | 144.390 | VHF | APRS | Digital location network (USA) |
| CH03 | 145.500 | VHF | Simplex | European calling frequency |
| CH04 | 433.500 | UHF | Simplex | European calling frequency |
| CH05 | 446.000 | UHF | Simplex | PMR446-compatible, only with power limitation and license |
| CH06 | 145.600 | VHF | Repeater Input | Popular repeater input (Europe) |
| CH07 | 145.000 | VHF | Simplex | General-purpose HAM communication |
| CH08 | 438.500 | UHF | Repeater Output | Popular repeater output |
These channels can be manually programmed into the UV-82 via the menu or using the CHIRP software by specifying the required parameters (frequency, mode, sub-tone, etc.).
Baofeng BF-88E
- Transmitter power: about 0.5-2 W
- Frequency range: UHF 400-470 MHz
- Channels: 16 (fixed)
- Single-band, no display, adjustable only via programming (usually via CHIRP)
Why is the Baofeng BF-88E radio popular? It is cheap, simple, compact, suitable for beginners and for use in stores, security, etc.
Baofeng BF-88E Usage Admissibility in the USA
By default, the BF-88E is not FRS/GMRS compliant – requires reflashing and licensing.
| Condition | May I use BF-88e? |
| Without license (FRS) | ❌ No – not FCC certified as an FRS radio |
| With GMRS license | ✅ Yes, if only frequencies GMRS are programmed and the power and channel rules are followed |
| Wit hHAM license | ✅ It is possible, if you program the frequencies in 70 cm amateur band (420–450 MHz) |
Legality of Baofeng BF-88E in EU
| Condition | May I use BF-88e? |
| Without license (PMR446) | ❌ No — does not comply with the PMR446 standard (higher power, removable antenna, channel width) |
| With amateur license (HAM) | ✅ Yes, if you program frequencies in the 70 cm HAM range (430-440 MHz) |
BF-88E Factory Preset Frequencies
Like other models described in this article, the Baofeng BF-88E has demo frequencies set up. They are usually as follows:
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Channel width | Note |
| CH01 | 462.125 | 25 kHz | Unauthorized GMRS frequency |
| CH02 | 462.225 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH03 | 462.325 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH04 | 462.425 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH05 | 462.525 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH06 | 462.625 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH07 | 462.725 | 25 kHz | GMRS frequency |
| CH08 | 463.125 | 25 kHz | Often industrial (not permitted) |
| CH09 | 464.125 | 25 kHz | Often industrial |
| CH10 | 465.125 | 25 kHz | Often industrial |
| CH11 | 466.125 | 25 kHz | Not allowed in the US or EU |
| CH12 | 467.125 | 25 kHz | GMRS interstitial (with license) |
| CH13 | 468.125 | 25 kHz | Not allowed |
| CH14 | 469.125 | 25 kHz | Not allowed |
| CH15 | 470.125 | 25 kHz | Outside civilian range |
| CH16 | 469.950 | 25 kHz | Not allowed |
Recommended Frequencies for Baofeng BF-88E Programming in USA (with GMRS License)
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Note |
| CH01 | 462.5500 | GMRS 15 |
| CH02 | 462.5750 | GMRS 16 |
| CH03 | 462.6000 | GMRS 17 |
| CH04 | 462.6250 | GMRS 18 |
| CH05 | 462.6500 | GMRS 19 |
| CH06 | 462.6750 | GMRS 20 |
| CH07 | 462.7000 | GMRS 21 |
| CH08 | 462.7250 | GMRS 22 |
For EU (only with HAM license)
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Note |
| CH01 | 430.025 | HAM 70 sm, license is required |
| CH02 | 431.000 | HAM simplex |
| CH03 | 432.500 | HAM repeater input |
| CH04 | 433.500 | HAM repeater output |
| CH05 | 434.000 | HAM simplex |
| CH06 | 439.000 | HAM simplex |
| CH07 | 438.500 | HAM repeater |
| CH08 | 430.200 | HAM simplex |
Image credits: All product images © Baofeng. Used for informational and review purposes. Source: baofengradio.com
