With the European Union’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU) evolving, 2025 marks a pivotal year for manufacturers of wireless devices.
The mandatory cybersecurity requirements, officially effective August 1, 2025, now make compliance more comprehensive than ever.
If you’re planning to sell wireless devices—such as Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, or industrial routers—into the EU market, understanding the updated CE-RED certification process is crucial to avoid costly delays or rejections.
The entire process can be divided into five main stages, forming a complete compliance lifecycle from product preparation to post-market maintenance.
(Insert visual flowchart here — recommended title: “CE-RED Certification Process Overview”)
1️⃣ Preparation → 2️⃣ Laboratory Testing → 3️⃣ Certification Review & Issuance → 4️⃣ Rectification & Retest (if needed) → 5️⃣ Post-Market Surveillance & Maintenance
Confirm whether your product falls under the Radio Equipment Directive and identify key parameters—such as frequency band and transmission power—to match the appropriate test standard (e.g., EN 300 328 for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices).
Choose based on the risk and complexity of your product:
Ordinary Laboratory – Suitable for mainstream wireless products (e.g., Bluetooth headphones, smart sensors).
EU Notified Body (NB) – Mandatory for high-risk or non-harmonized products (e.g., medical wireless equipment). Certificates include an NB number, offering higher market recognition.
This is the foundation of CE-RED compliance. Include:
User manuals (in EU languages)
Circuit schematics and PCB layouts
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Wireless parameter descriptions
Product label artwork
At least two samples (1 normal + 1 RF fixed-frequency sample)
Testing validates whether your product complies with all relevant EU harmonized standards.
The key test categories are:
| Test Type | Standard Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RF Performance | EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi / Bluetooth) | Ensures correct use of spectrum and prevents harmful interference. |
| EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) | EN 301 489 series | Evaluates device immunity to interference and self-emission levels. |
| Electrical Safety (LVD) | EN 62368-1 | Protects users from electric shock, overheating, and short circuits. |
| Health (SAR) | EN 62479 / EN 62311 | Assesses electromagnetic radiation exposure for body-worn devices. |
| Cybersecurity (New in 2025) | EN 18031-1/-2/-3 | Verifies network security, privacy protection, and fraud prevention. |
Following EN 18031, all wireless devices must undergo:
Penetration Testing – Simulates hacking attempts to test system resilience.
Firmware Security Audits – Checks update mechanisms, encryption (AES-256), and access control.
Note: Failed cybersecurity tests can extend the overall certification timeline by 2–3 months for remediation and re-testing.
Once all laboratory tests are passed:
The test lab compiles reports and technical documentation.
Ordinary labs may issue certification directly; products involving a Notified Body undergo an additional review.
Upon approval, the CE-RED certificate is issued, and the manufacturer must:
Sign the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Affix the CE mark visibly on the product and packaging
Unlike other certifications, CE-RED certificates have no fixed expiry date.
However, validity depends on two key conditions:
Ongoing compliance with the latest EU harmonized standards (which are typically updated every 5 years).
No major design changes to hardware, antenna, or firmware.
Manufacturers must:
Keep full technical documentation for at least 10 years.
Be prepared for EU market surveillance audits at any time.
| Condition | Duration |
|---|---|
| Standard process | 4–8 weeks |
| Expedited service | 2–3 weeks (30–50 % higher cost) |
| Additional cybersecurity testing | +2–3 months (if re-test required) |
Certification costs vary by product complexity and the selected certification path:
Typical range: RMB 10,000 – 50,000
High-complexity / NB review: RMB 60,000 – 100,000+
Prioritize Cybersecurity Compliance
Ensure your product meets all EN 18031 cybersecurity standards effective from August 2025 — this is the most common delay point.
Use Pre-Testing to Reduce Risk
Around 80 % of products require modification after initial testing. Pre-testing identifies design weaknesses early and prevents re-test costs.
Consider Modular Certification
If your product integrates a pre-certified wireless module, final CE-RED testing can be significantly simplified—reducing both cost and time.
Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen) is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited third-party testing laboratory specializing in wireless and IoT product certification.
Our services include:
CE-RED certification (RF, EMC, LVD, SAR, cybersecurity)
EN 18031 cybersecurity compliance testing
FCC / UKCA / KC / SRRC / MIC / RCM multi-market approvals
Bluetooth SIG BQB and Wi-Fi Alliance certifications
Pre-testing and compliance consulting for faster EU market access
Contact Blue Asia Technology
Phone / WhatsApp: +86 135-3422-5140
Email: King.guo@cblueasia.com
1️⃣ How many stages are in the CE-RED process?
Five: Preparation, Laboratory Testing, Certification Review, Rectification (if needed), and Post-Market Maintenance.
2️⃣ When did cybersecurity become mandatory?
From August 1, 2025, under EN 18031-1/-2/-3.
3️⃣ What is the typical certification duration?
4–8 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited. Complex cases involving re-testing may take longer.
4️⃣ Is Notified Body review always required?
Only for high-risk products or when using non-harmonized standards.
5️⃣ How long must documents be retained?
At least 10 years for EU market surveillance reference.
6️⃣ How can I save time and money?
Use pre-testing and certified wireless modules, and align CE-RED with other market approvals.
Ready to Accelerate Your CE-RED Certification?
Blue Asia Technology helps global brands achieve fast, compliant entry to the EU market—covering the latest EN 18031 cybersecurity and traditional RF/EMC requirements.
Request a Free CE-RED Compliance Plan →
King.guo@cblueasia.com +86 135-3422-5140
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