CE RED Certification Guide: Requirements, Process and Timeline

CE RED (Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU) is the mandatory conformity route for any product that intentionally transmits or receives radio waves and is placed on the EU market. This guide walks through the scope, essential requirements, testing items and the practical certification process we run every week in our Shenzhen laboratory.

What Products Need CE RED?

CE RED applies to radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment operating below 3000 GHz. Typical products include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, cellular modules, smart speakers, IoT sensors, wireless chargers with communication functions, and broadcasting receivers. If your product has any intentional radio transmitter or receiver, RED applies — even if the radio function is a secondary feature.

Essential Requirements Overview

Certification Process

1. Scoping — we confirm the applicable standards (EN 301 489, EN 300 xxx, EN 62368-1) based on the product's radio technologies and intended use.
2. Testing — RF conformance, EMC emissions and immunity, electrical safety and, where applicable, cybersecurity assessment are executed in one campaign.
3. Documentation — we compile the technical file: test reports, risk assessment, user manual, blocking diagram and declaration of conformity references.
4. EU Declaration of Conformity — you sign the DoC, affix the CE mark, and the product can be placed on the market.

Note: for most radio equipment, self-declaration against harmonised standards is sufficient — a Notified Body is only mandatory when harmonised standards do not cover a requirement (commonly the cybersecurity article). We will tell you during scoping whether an NB number is needed.

Timeline and Cost

A standard RED project takes 2–4 weeks including scoping, testing and report issuance, assuming samples arrive on schedule and pass pre-scan. Costs depend on the number of radio technologies (for example Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + cellular), power level and whether cybersecurity assessment is required. Request an itemised quotation — scoping and quotation are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Notified Body for CE RED?

Only when harmonised standards do not cover one of the essential requirements — most often Article 3.3(d) cybersecurity. If you apply fully harmonised standards, self-declaration is allowed.

Can I reuse my FCC report for CE RED?

Partially. FCC and RED share some EMC concepts, but RF parameters, limits and methods differ (FCC Part 15 vs EN 300 328/301 893). Reports cannot be transferred directly, though test data can reduce duplication.

How long is a RED test report valid?

There is no fixed expiry, but the report must reference the standard versions in force. If the standard is revised or the hardware/software changes materially, re-testing or a delta assessment is needed.

What samples do you need for RED testing?

One golden sample per hardware revision in working condition, with firmware, antennas as shipped, and the intended power supply. Accessories that affect RF behaviour should be included.

Ready to start? Request a free quotation and our engineers will confirm the applicable standards and timeline within one business day.