On August 1, 2025, the EU officially closed a critical security gate for radio equipment entering its market—mandatory cybersecurity requirements under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) took effect, with EN 18031-1 as the core compliance key.

If you’re preparing wireless devices (from smart speakers to industrial gateways) for EU export, you’re facing not just a standard update, but a fundamental shift in regulatory logic.

1. Regulatory Background of EN 18031-1 General Cybersecurity Certification

EN 18031-1’s legal status and urgency stem from a comprehensive regulatory framework:

-Mandatory enforcement timeline: Its legal basis is EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30, which added mandatory cybersecurity, privacy, and anti-fraud clauses to the RED. These clauses became fully effective on August 1, 2025—non-compliant products are barred from the EU market post this date.

-Standardized security language: EN 18031-1 is an EU-adopted harmonized standard. In short, compliance with it legally presumes conformity with RED cybersecurity requirements, the most efficient compliance pathway available.

  2. Core Updates of EN 18031-1 General Cybersecurity Certification

vs. previous general security standards (e.g., ETSI EN 303 645), EN 18031-1’s updates lie in deeper, mandatory requirements. It sets specific, strict technical baselines around 5 core security mechanisms:

-Access control & authentication: Zero tolerance for default passwords. Devices must prompt or force users to set unique, strong passwords on first use. Allowing password skipping fundamentally alters compliance pathways (detailed below).

-Secure updates: Updates are not just a feature, but a securely managed process. Devices must support secure firmware updates, verifying update integrity and authenticity to block malicious firmware.

-Secure storage & communication: Clear requirements for encrypting sensitive data (e.g., keys) at rest and in transit, mandating strong protocols like TLS 1.3.

-New resilience requirement: The biggest difference from old standards. Devices must not just defend passively, but maintain core security functions or auto-recover to safe states during DDoS attacks or system anomalies.

  3. Scope of EN 18031-1 General Cybersecurity Certification

Applicability is broad, with a clear core criterion: whether the device has internet connectivity. Typical products include:

-Consumer electronics & smart home: Wi-Fi routers, smart TVs, smart appliances (connected ACs, refrigerators)

-Personal & portable devices: smartphones, tablets, wearables

-Industrial & automotive electronics: industrial routers, in-vehicle connected modules, energy converters

Note: Medical devices and some aerospace/road transport equipment are excluded. The key compliance decision point: loss of "harmonization"

This is critical to understanding regulatory complexity. EN 18031-1’s harmonized status is not unconditional. Certain "restrictive conditions" invalidate the simplified self-declaration compliance pathway:

·Allowing users to skip password setup/use

·Incompatible access control for child monitors or toys

·Single update method for financial devices (EN 18031-3 applicable)

Once harmonization is lost, manufacturers must submit products to EU notified bodies for full third-party assessment and certification—more complex, time-consuming, and costly. Thus, the best strategy is avoiding these conditions during design.

  4. Steps for EN 18031-1 General Cybersecurity Certification (2025 New Rules)

-Accurate product categorizationConfirm applicability. If handling personal data or financial transactions, assess EN 18031-2 (privacy) and EN 18031-3 (anti-fraud) requirements simultaneously.

-Conduct gap analysisThoroughly review product design, firmware, and user workflows against EN 18031-1 core requirements (especially 5 security mechanisms). Engage experienced labs/consultants for pre-assessment to identify gaps early.

-Mitigate risks & optimize designPrioritize revising designs allowing default/skipped passwords (top compliance trap). Ensure secure update and encrypted communication mechanisms are in place.

-Choose the right compliance pathway

·Full standard compliance with no restrictive conditions: Complete self-declaration with technical documentation.

·Restrictive conditions triggered: Engage EU notified bodies for third-party certification.

EN 18031-1 new rules reflect the EU’s hardened stance on IoT security, elevating cybersecurity to a mandatory market access requirement on par with electrical safety and EMC. Success depends on embedding security early in R&D and mastering compliance pathway details. For professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.