The EN 18031 certification process can be clearly divided into the following phases. The better prepared you are for each stage, the smoother the overall process.

Detailed EU EN 18031 Certification Process:

1.Preparatory Phase & Compliance Assessment:

This is the foundation of the entire certification effort, typically requiring 1-2 months. During this phase, you need to:

·Standard Mapping: Determine applicable sub-standards based on product functionality. For example, a standard networked device (e.g., router) might only need EN 18031-1, while a smartwatch with payment functions may require EN 18031-1, -2, and -3 concurrently.

·Technical Remediation: Audit product design against standard requirements. Core remediation points often include: **disabling default passwords and forcing users to change them upon first use, upgrading encryption protocols (e.g., supporting TLS 1.2+ or using AES-256 encryption), and imp lementing a secure firmware update mechanism (with anti-rollback).

·Documentation Preparation:** Begin compiling technical documentation like technical specifications, circuit diagrams, and risk assessment reports.

2.Certification Application & Document Review:

After submitting the application to the chosen certification body, an initial document review phase of 1-2 weeks follows. You need to submit the application form, product specifications, technical files, etc. The body confirms the test scope, cost, and reviews document completeness.

3.Selection of Certification Path:

This is a critical decision point, primarily depending on the product's risk level:

·Self-Declaration: Applicable to low-risk devices, e.g., common smart home devices with robust access control, not involving children's or financial data.

·Third-Party Certification: Applicable to high-risk devices, e.g., industrial sensors without password authentication, wearables processing children's data, or payment terminals. This path requires testing and assessment by an EU Notified Body (NB).

4.Product Testing & Factory Audit:

This is the core execution phase of certification, with the most variable timeline, typically 2 to 12 weeks.

·Laboratory Testing: The certification body tests your product samples. Content includes cybersecurity tests (e.g., encryption protocol validation, DDoS attack protection), privacy protection tests (e.g., data encryption storage). Note: The initial test failure rate for first-time certifications can be 40%-60%, so plan buffer time for remediation.

·Factory Audit: For high-risk devices, the certification body typically conducts a factory audit, inspecting aspects like security controls in the production process. This may take an additional 1-4 weeks.

5.Certificate Issuance & Ongoing Maintenance:

Upon passing all assessments, you receive the certificate. Note, this is not permanent.

·Certificate validity is commonly 3-5 years, but requires annual surveillance audits during this period.

·If the EN 18031 standard itself is updated, companies typically have 12 months to complete a re-assessment, or the certificate may become invalid.

  EU EN 18031 Certification Timeline Reference:

The overall timeline is highly influenced by product complexity and test results. Below is a general reference:

We hope this outline of the EU EN 18031 certification process and timeline is helpful. If you can share your specific product type, BLUEASIA Technology: 13534225140, will provide you with professional certification consulting services! Ensure your products can smoothly pass certification and enter the EU market on time.