DX Code of Conduct

A Guide for Active Operators — 13 recommendations for proper conduct during radio operation on the amateur bands.

The ‘Vademecum of Conduct’ is an official set of guidelines for proper conduct during radio operation on the amateur bands. These guidelines help you to improve your own DX etiquette. The USKA and many other organisations fully support the Vademecum of Conduct.

Poor behaviour on the operating bands damages the reputation of all radio amateurs and the image of amateur radio in general. All radio amateurs are obliged to conduct themselves to the highest possible standard.

DX Code of Conduct — the 13 rules

  1. I will listen, listen and listen again.
  2. I will only call when I can hear the DX station clearly enough.
  3. I will not rely on cluster entries and will only call when I have clearly understood the DX station’s call sign.
  4. I will never transmit at the same time as the DX station or a station with which the DX station is conducting a QSO, and I will never tune my transmitter to their frequency or split reception window.
  5. I will always wait to call until the DX station has finished the QSO.
  6. I will always use only my full call sign.
  7. After calling, I will first go on receive and will not perform multiple emissions of my call sign in succession.
  8. I shall not go on air if the DX station has called another call sign.
  9. I will not go on air when the DX station is calling a partial call sign that does not match mine.
  10. I will not go on air if the DX station is calling another geographical region.
  11. If asked, I will not repeat my call sign unless I believe the DX station has not received it correctly.
  12. I am grateful when I have managed to make the contact.
  13. I will always respect my fellow radio amateurs and conduct myself in a manner that earns their respect.

Further information: dx-code.com — the complete DX Code of Conduct. Comprehensive guidance on operating ethics and operating procedures is provided by the IARU Region 1’s fully revised ‘Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur’ (EOP, 2026 edition).