Most online articles still approach CE RED certification standards and products at a superficial level, simply listing standard numbers and product categories. To create differentiated content, the key is to reveal the new compliance logic of "function-centric, dynamic standard mapping" behind it. This logic has become particularly important since the mandatory implementation of cybersecurity regulations in 2025.

Reshaping the Core Concept of CE RED Directive Certification

The RED Directive (2014/53/EU) regulates the "radio functionality" of products, not their physical form. The traditional mindset of "testing Product X against Standard Y" is no longer sufficient to address the complex compliance requirements of modern multi-functional devices (e.g., a 5G smartphone integrating cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, GNSS, and other radio technologies).

The true compliance pathway is: deconstruct all wireless functions of the product → identify applicable Harmonized Standards for each function → integrate all mandatory standard requirements. This is a dynamic, customized mapping process.

  CE RED Directive Certification Standards Framework

Based on the three essential requirements of the RED Directive, the corresponding standard items can be categorized into three levels, with the third level being the latest mandatory focus post-2025:

Level 1: Safety & Health Foundation (Article 3.1(a) of the Directive)

This is the general safety baseline for all electrical and electronic equipment, regardless of whether it has wireless capabilities. It primarily adheres to the harmonized standards of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), such as EN 62368-1 (Safety of audio/video, information and communication technology equipment). It ensures that products do not pose risks of electric shock, fire, overheating, mechanical hazards, or radiation during use.

Level 2: EMC & Efficient Spectrum Utilization (Articles 3.1(b) & 3.2 of the Directive)

These are the characteristic requirements for radio equipment and represent the "core tests" in traditional understanding:

·Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Ensures that the electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by the device is within limits and that the device has a certain level of immunity to external interference (EMS). Compliance is based on the ETSI EN 301 489 series of generic and product-specific standards.

·Radio Spectrum Characteristics: Ensures that the device operates in the correct frequency bands with compliant power and signal quality, utilizing the spectrum efficiently and avoiding harmful interference. This is the most complex part of the certification project, requiring compliance with hundreds of specific standards developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). For example, Wi-Fi devices must comply with EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz) and EN 301 893 (5 GHz, including DFS radar detection); Bluetooth devices must comply with EN 300 328 or EN 300 440; 4G/5G cellular devices must comply with the corresponding ETSI EN 301 908 series of standards.

Level 3: Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection (Article 3.3 of the Directive) – Latest Mandatory Dimension

This is a fully mandatory requirement enforced since August 1, 2025, applicable to devices with network connectivity or data processing capabilities. It is not a standalone test but a mandatory compliance item that must be integrated into the product design and evaluation process, based on the EN 18031 series of harmonized standards. Specifically, it includes network protection per EN 18031-1, which mandates that devices must not harm communication networks or abuse network resources; personal data & privacy protection per EN 18031-2, requiring devices to have appropriate security measures to protect user personal data; and anti-fraud per EN 18031-3, which is mandatory for devices with payment or financial transaction functions.

  CE RED Directive Certification Product Compliance Pathway

To illustrate the function-to-standard mapping process, we use a smartwatch as an example:

1.Function Deconstruction: This smartwatch features Bluetooth calling, Wi-Fi data transmission, 4G LTE cellular connectivity, GPS positioning, NFC payment, and personal health data collection via sensors.

2.Standard Mapping:

·Safety Foundation: Compliance with EN 62368-1 (safety). If used near the body, evaluation against EN 62209/EN 50566 (SAR – Specific Absorption Rate) is also required.

·Wireless Functions: Must simultaneously comply with multiple RF standards including EN 300 328 (Bluetooth & Wi-Fi), ETSI EN 301 908 series (4G), EN 303 413 (GPS), as well as the comprehensive EMC standards EN 301 489-1/-52.

·New Regulatory Core: Due to its network connectivity (4G/Wi-Fi) and payment (NFC) functions, it must undergo a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment based on EN 18031-1 (network protection), EN 18031-2 (privacy protection, due to health data processing), and EN 18031-3 (anti-fraud).

Exclusive In-Depth Insights

1.Revealing the Dynamic Nature of Harmonized Standards: The harmonized standards relied upon by the RED Directive are updated, replaced, or revoked almost every quarter. For example, ETSI EN 303 413 (GNSS receivers) underwent a major revision in 2024. This means that a product’s compliance status is dynamic; manufacturers must continuously monitor updates in the Official Journal of the European Union to ensure that the standards referenced remain current and valid.

2.Exploring Compliance Complexity of Multi-Radio Systems: For devices integrating multiple wireless technologies, in addition to the standards for each individual technology, co-existence must also be evaluated to ensure that multiple RF modules do not interfere with each other when operating simultaneously. This has become a key testing challenge and a critical project risk point.

3.Analyzing Implementation Challenges of Cybersecurity Compliance: The requirements of the EN 18031 series go far beyond one-time testing. They mandate that companies demonstrate in their technical documentation that they have established a product lifecycle security management process, including secure design, vulnerability management mechanisms, and security update capabilities. Preparing this "organizational and process" evidence presents a new challenge for many enterprises.

4.Focusing on Intersection with Ecological Regulations (e.g., Common Charger): Products under the RED Directive may also need to comply with the USB-C interface requirements of the Common Charger Regulation (EU) 2022/2380. Analyzing product compliance requires a cross-regulatory perspective.

The certification standards and applicable products of the RED Directive form a complex system centered on "radio functionality", using "harmonized standards" as the technical benchmark, and now deeply integrated with new-generation requirements such as cybersecurity. We hope this analytical framework—from function mapping to dynamic management—helps you create professional content with profound insights and forward-looking perspective. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.