Which directives apply, what goes into the technical file, how long it takes — and the cybersecurity requirement that now catches connected products by surprise.
Most consumer electronics sold in the EU need the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) and the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). Products with a radio interface additionally fall under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED, 2014/53/EU), which since 2025 also enforces cybersecurity and privacy requirements through EN 18031. Most products containing hazardous substances also need RoHS (2011/65/EU).
Emissions: EN 55032 (multimedia) or EN 55014. Immunity: EN 55035 / EN 55014-2. Demonstrates the device neither disturbs nor is disturbed by other equipment.
Electrical safety for 50–1000 V AC / 75–1500 V DC equipment, usually via EN 62368-1 (IT and AV) or EN 60335-1 (household appliances).
RF spectrum use, EMC and safety for radio products, plus — since the delegated regulation — cybersecurity, privacy and fraud protection.
From 1 August 2025, radio equipment placed on the EU market must meet the cybersecurity requirements of the RED delegated regulation, assessed against EN 18031 (three parts covering network protection, privacy protection and fraud protection). Products affected include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, IoT hardware, smart home equipment, wearables and connected toys.
In practice this means manufacturers must document how the device prevents unauthorised network access, protects personal data and resists fraud — and keep that documentation in the technical file. It is a documentation and design review exercise as much as a test.
| Step | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Directive & standard mapping | Identify applicable directives and harmonised standards | 1–2 days |
| 2. Testing | EMC, safety and RF testing on production samples | 1–2 weeks |
| 3. Technical file | Assemble risk assessment, BOM, schematics, manuals, declarations | 3–5 days |
| 4. Declaration of Conformity | Sign the EU DoC and affix the CE mark | 1 day |
Most projects complete in 3–5 weeks after samples arrive. Products needing a Notified Body opinion (such as certain RED Article 3.3 categories) take longer.
Indicative market ranges only, based on typical projects we see; the final scope depends on your product complexity and the number of models. Request a quote for an exact figure.
RF testing, RED assessment and EN 18031 documentation support.
Wireless certification →One sample set can often cover CE and FCC testing — ask us to combine them.
FCC certification →Yes. CE marking is a requirement of placing the product on the EU market, not of where it was manufactured. The manufacturer — or their authorised representative in the EU — must ensure conformity, sign the Declaration of Conformity and hold the technical file.
Yes, a manufacturer outside the EU can sign the DoC. They should be prepared to make the technical file available to market surveillance authorities, and many appoint an EU authorised representative to hold that documentation locally.
CE is a self-declaration system for the EU: the manufacturer declares conformity against EU directives, usually without a government filing. FCC authorisation for the US involves testing to FCC rules, and for radio products a filing with a Telecommunication Certification Body that issues an FCC ID.
Usually not. Most consumer electronics can be self-declared under EMC and LVD. Certain categories — including some RED Article 3.3 product classes — require involvement of a Notified Body, and some manufacturers choose one voluntarily to strengthen their file.
EN 18031 is the harmonised standard supporting the cybersecurity requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive that became applicable on 1 August 2025. It applies to radio equipment that can connect to a network or process personal data — including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IoT devices.
There is no expiry date, but the file must be kept current. Any change to hardware, firmware affecting RF or safety, or applicable standards should trigger a review, and the file must be retained for at least ten years after the last product is placed on the market.
Send your product spec and target market — we reply with scope, timeline and cost within one business day.
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