REDFAQ

EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) FAQ

Fast answers to scope and CE evidence questions.

Grounded in official sources; use the linked deep-dive pages for implementation.

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Author

Sorena AI

Published

Feb 21, 2026

Updated

Feb 21, 2026

Questions

Structured answer sets in this page tree.

Primary sources

Cited legal and guidance references.

Publication metadata

Sorena AI

Published Feb 21, 2026

Updated Feb 21, 2026

Overview

This FAQ is for teams building or shipping radio products. It focuses on practical interpretations: scope, evidence, standards, and the cybersecurity activation requirements.

Question 1

What is 'radio equipment' under RED?

In practical terms: equipment that intentionally transmits and/or receives radio waves for radiocommunication or radiodetermination.

If the radio is integrated into a larger product, the final product can still be in scope depending on what is placed on the market and how it is intended to be used.

Start with facts: bands, protocols, emission characteristics, and intended use
Document borderline cases in a scope memo
Use the applicability test to get a structured outcome

Question 2

When did RED apply and what was the transition?

Member States applied RED measures from 13 June 2016, with a transition period that ended on 12 June 2017.

For legacy products, what matters is when the equipment was first placed on the market and which rules applied at that time.

Core dates: 13 Jun 2016 (apply) and 12 Jun 2017 (transition ends)
Keep evidence aligned to the applicable regime for legacy stock
For new launches, build a RED-native evidence pack

Question 3

Do we always need a notified body?

Not always. Many products rely on harmonised standards and internal production control routes.

If you can't rely on harmonised standards coverage (or you deviate materially), notified body involvement may become relevant depending on the conformity route you choose.

Use OJ-listed harmonised standards where possible
Document gaps and the chosen route
Plan notified body lead time early if needed

Question 4

What's the minimum CE evidence we need?

The minimum is not just a DoC. You need technical documentation that proves conformity for the shipped configuration and variants.

The evidence should be retrievable per product variant and match the standards/tests you used.

Scope memo and requirements mapping
Standards matrix and verification plan
Test reports (EMC/spectrum/safety) and configuration baselines
EU Declaration of Conformity (controlled, versioned)
Change history and update governance

Question 5

What changes with RED cybersecurity (EU) 2022/30?

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 activates cybersecurity-related essential requirements for defined radio equipment categories.

It applies from 1 August 2025 because Regulation (EU) 2023/2444 postponed the original 2024 date. If your product is internet-connected or handles personal data or enables value transfers, you should run the applicability classification and build a cybersecurity evidence module.

Applies from 1 Aug 2025
Activates: network protection, privacy/personal data, fraud protection
Deliverable: controls + tests + technical documentation module

Question 6

How do we stay current on harmonised standards?

Standards references are updated via Official Journal publications and implementing decisions.

Treat changes as compliance-impacting events: updates can trigger retesting or evidence updates.

Use the official 'harmonised standards for radio equipment' page
Track OJ updates and withdrawn references
Review standards impact as part of release gating

Recommended next step

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