With the rapid proliferation of wireless technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and smart wearables, the European Union has continuously tightened compliance requirements for radio equipment. Effective August 1, 2025, cybersecurity has been added as the fourth mandatory requirement for CE-RED certification. Traditional radio frequency and electromagnetic compatibility testing alone can no longer meet the EU market access thresholds.
1、Products eligible for CE-RED certification
The CE-RED certification is a mandatory certification under the EU Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU). All devices with wireless transceiver functionality must obtain this certification, covering all 27 EU member states as well as countries in the European Economic Area such as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
The products eligible for CE-RED certification primarily fall into five major categories:
1) Consumer Electronics: mobile phones, Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, laptops, etc.
2) IoT devices: smart cameras, wireless sensors, smart door locks, etc.
3) Industrial/Professional Equipment: UAV remote controllers, wireless payment terminals, walkie-talkies, wireless microphones, etc.
4) Short-range wireless products: remote-controlled toys, doorbells, wireless keyboards and mice, ZigBee sensors, etc.
5) Broadcasting reception equipment: television, radio (RED directives are now subject to regulation)
2、CE-RED Certification Test Items
The certification comprises five major categories of testing. Starting from August 2025, cybersecurity becomes a mandatory requirement—none of these components can be omitted.
Important Notice: Cybersecurity certification now includes penetration testing and firmware security audits; failure to pass these requirements will prevent certification issuance.
3、The complete certification process
CE-RED is not about "obtaining certification after a single test," but rather ensures full lifecycle compliance with clear, actionable processes.
1. previous preparation
1) Determine the product category and applicable standards, and specify the wireless frequency band and corresponding power standards
2) Prepare technical documentation (TCF): product specifications, drawings, BOM, risk assessment, and multilingual manuals; cybersecurity assessment materials must be included starting from 2025.
3) Pre-test and gap analysis to implement preemptive rectifications for cybersecurity and design deficiencies
4) Provide test samples and fixed-frequency samples (the locked frequency band is used for RF testing)
2. laboratory test
Send the sample to a certified laboratory to complete RF, EMC, LVD, SAR (if required), and specialized cybersecurity tests. If the test fails, corrective actions must be taken and the test repeated, typically requiring an additional 2–4 weeks.
3. certification audit and certification issuance
1) Standard products: Certificates are issued directly upon successful laboratory audit
2) High-risk products (password-free devices, children's products, payment terminals): require secondary review by the EU Notified Body (NB) and issuance of a certificate bearing the NB number.
3) The manufacturer/EU authorized representative signs the Conformity Declaration (DoC)
4. Certification and Market Maintenance (Long-Term)
1) The product is affixed with the CE mark, and the instruction manual specifies compliance with cybersecurity standards.
2) Technical documents shall be retained for at least 10 years and subject to regulatory random inspections.
3) Product redesign, standard updates, or regulatory upgrades require re-evaluation of compliance; existing certificates may automatically become invalid.
4、Zhongle Certification Practical Recommendations
1) Cybersecurity is a mandatory requirement: After August 2025, passing the traditional three tests will no longer be valid; conduct EN 18031 assessment as early as possible.
2) Technical documentation is more critical than certificates: complete documentation enables faster testing and review with shorter cycles.
3) Select the right partner institution: An experienced certification body/laboratory to mitigate risks and accelerate market entry
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