EU Radio Equipment Directive Checklist

Start with the exact product configuration being placed on the EU market. The RED applies to radio equipment; the working file should identify the type, model, hardware revision, software or firmware versions affecting compliance, radio technologies, intended use, accessories, and EU economic-operator role.

Do not treat a module, kit, accessory, or product family label as enough. The checklist should explain why the assessed configuration is radio equipment, which variants are covered, and which variants need a separate review.

Build an Article 3 matrix before testing starts. At minimum, RED essential requirements cover health and safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and effective and efficient use of radio spectrum so harmful interference is avoided.

Then decide whether any Article 3(3) requirements are activated for the product class. For connected radio equipment, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 activates Article 3(3)(d), (e), and (f) for specified categories, with the amended application date of 1 August 2025. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/339 repeals that category act from 11 December 2027 while preserving RED surveillance for covered equipment placed on the market through 10 December 2027. For those cyber requirements, the three EN 18031:2024 standards are cited in the Official Journal with restrictions; the checklist must record the relevant part and every notice that limits its presumption of conformity.

Use the Article 3 matrix to select the conformity assessment procedure. For Article 3(1) and Article 3(4), Article 17 permits internal production control, EU-type examination followed by conformity to type, or full quality assurance. For Article 3(2) and Article 3(3), internal production control is available only when the applicable harmonised standards cited in the Official Journal are applied. If those standards are absent, not applied, or only partly applied, use EU-type examination followed by conformity to type or full quality assurance for the affected requirements.

The checklist should make the notified-body decision visible before CE marking and declaration sign-off, not after a market-surveillance question.

RED Article 21 requires technical documentation to contain relevant data or details showing how the manufacturer ensures compliance with the Article 3 essential requirements. The documentation must be drawn up before the radio equipment is placed on the market and kept updated.

Use Annex V as the evidence checklist. A reviewer should be able to identify the product, understand the design, see the standards or alternative technical specifications, inspect test evidence, and connect the EU declaration of conformity to the same assessed configuration.

Before release, compare the product, packaging, instructions, and online declaration against the same RED file. The directive includes manufacturer identification, type traceability, instructions, intended-use information, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and restrictions on putting into service where those restrictions apply.

For covered common-charger products, the checklist should also verify USB-C charging-port obligations, fast-charging information, charger unbundling information, and the required pictogram or charging-capability label where applicable.

A RED checklist is only useful if it controls later changes. Keep a release decision that says what was approved, which evidence supports it, who signed it, and what changes reopen the file.

Typical review triggers include new hardware, antenna, supplier, component, enclosure, charger behavior, firmware, radio stack, standards revision, cybersecurity function, intended market, packaging, instructions, declaration text, complaint, authority request, or notified-body certificate change.