When discussing CE RED certification, one fundamental concept must be clarified first: the core output of RED certification is not a certificate with a fixed expiration date, but a set of manufacturer-maintained technical documentation and a Declaration of Conformity. Therefore:

1.On Documentation: It is a chain of legal and technical evidence proving that the product complies with all essential requirements of the RED Directive throughout its design and production lifecycle.

2.On Validity Period: RED compliance does not have a traditional "expiration date". Its continued validity is contingent on a dynamic premise: no changes have occurred to the product itself, the standards applied, or the regulations that would invalidate the original compliance status.

I. CE RED Directive Certification Technical Documentation (Required Materials) List

Technical documentation is not a static checklist; it should be dynamically adjusted based on product characteristics and regulatory updates. Below is its core structure, with specific attention to changes introduced by the mandatory cybersecurity requirements in August 2025:

Part 1: Product Identity & Design Evidence

1.Product Description & Marking: Clear product model numbers, photos, functional descriptions, and the location of the CE marking on the product nameplate.

2.Design & Manufacturing Documentation: Circuit schematics, PCB layouts, Bill of Materials (BOM) for key components, and software version information.

3.User Manuals & Warning Information: Translated into EU official languages, must include regulatory-mandated warnings, restrictions (e.g., operating frequency bands, transmit power), and descriptions of cybersecurity features.

Part 2: Compliance Evidence (Key Updates for 2025)

1.List of Applicable Harmonized Standards: Must include all EU standards used to demonstrate compliance (e.g., ETSI EN 303 413 for 5G devices). Notably, since August 1, 2025, devices with network connectivity are required to reference the EN 18031 series of cybersecurity harmonized standards.

2.Test Reports:

·RF & EMC: Test reports issued by accredited laboratories covering Radio Frequency and Electromagnetic Compatibility.

·Safety Reports: Low Voltage Directive (LVD) test reports.

·Cybersecurity Assessment Reports: This represents the most significant change. Detailed evidence of compliance with EN 18031 standards must be provided, demonstrating the product’s compliance in network protection, personal data protection, and anti-fraud capabilities. This can be a comprehensive self-assessment report or a review opinion issued by a third-party organization.

3.Declaration of Conformity: An official legal document signed by the manufacturer or their authorized EU Representative, declaring that the product complies with the RED Directive (2014/53/EU) and all relevant regulations.

  II. The Truth About CE RED Directive Certification "Validity Period"

The continued validity of RED compliance depends on the following conditions. If any of these conditions change, the original "compliance" status may be invalidated, and re-evaluation is mandatory:

1.Major Changes to Product Design or Characteristics: This is the most common trigger. Any modification that may affect RF parameters, safety, or cybersecurity—such as changing antenna models, adjusting transmit power, modifying core RF circuits, or implementing firmware updates that impact cybersecurity—requires re-evaluation and technical documentation updates.

2.Updates or Revocations of Harmonized Standards: The Official Journal of the European Union regularly updates harmonized standards. If an old standard referenced by a product is replaced or revoked by a new version, manufacturers must re-evaluate the product against the new standard within a reasonable transition period to ensure the continued validity of the Declaration of Conformity.

3.Updates to the Legal Requirements of the RED Directive: For example, the mandatory enforcement of cybersecurity provisions constituted a major regulatory update. All products on the market and new products must meet this new requirement; otherwise, compliance is deemed invalid.

Preparing CE RED certification documentation is about building a dynamic evidence fortress that can withstand the test of time, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Understanding the "validity period" determines a company’s ability to proactively maintain the integrity of this fortress in the long term. We hope this in-depth analysis helps you create professional content with lasting value and differentiation. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.