EU Radio Equipment Directive Requirements

For every in-scope radio equipment type, start with the three baseline Article 3 tests. The product must be constructed to protect health and safety, including the safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU without a voltage limit; provide an adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility as set out in Directive 2014/30/EU; and effectively use and support efficient use of radio spectrum to avoid harmful interference.

Record the decision in a requirement matrix. Each row should name the equipment type, intended operating conditions, possible configurations, applied harmonised standard or other technical specification, test report, residual gap, and the person approving market release.

Article 3(3) contains feature requirements that apply only to categories or classes of radio equipment specified through delegated acts. They include network protection, personal-data and privacy safeguards, fraud protection, accessibility, emergency-service access, software-compliance controls, and other functions listed in the directive.

For cybersecurity, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 activates Article 3(3)(d), (e), and (f) for defined categories. Internet-connected radio equipment is covered for network protection under point (d). Privacy safeguards under point (e) apply to listed equipment when it can process personal data, traffic data, or location data. Fraud protection under point (f) applies to internet-connected radio equipment that enables transfer of money, monetary value, or virtual currency. The requirements apply from 1 August 2025. EN 18031-1:2024, EN 18031-2:2024, and EN 18031-3:2024 are cited for these points with restrictions, so a standards row must capture the applicable part and each limiting notice.

For common charging, the Commission guidance identifies handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, mice, and portable navigation systems from 28 December 2024, with laptops from 28 April 2026. Evidence should cover USB-C charging, harmonised fast charging where relevant, charger unbundling, pictogram use, and charging-capability information.

The RED conformity route depends on the requirement being assessed and on standards coverage. For Article 3(1) and common charger Article 3(4), manufacturers may use internal production control, EU-type examination followed by conformity to type based on internal production control, or full quality assurance. For Article 3(2) and Article 3(3), internal production control remains available only where applicable harmonised standards published in the Official Journal are applied; if they are missing or only partly applied, the route moves to EU-type examination or full quality assurance for those requirements.

After the relevant conformity assessment demonstrates compliance, the manufacturer draws up the EU declaration of conformity and affixes CE marking. The product must be accompanied by a full or simplified EU declaration; a simplified declaration must provide the exact internet address where the full text is available.

The technical documentation must be drawn up before the radio equipment is placed on the market and continuously updated. It must contain relevant data or details showing how the manufacturer ensured compliance with Article 3, including the Annex V elements where applicable.

A complete RED release file should let a reviewer reproduce the compliance decision without project memory. Keep the general product description, photographs or illustrations, marking, internal layout, compliance-relevant software or firmware versions, user information, installation instructions, design drawings, explanations of operation, standards list, alternative technical solutions where standards are not fully applied, EU declaration, notified-body certificates where relevant, calculations, examinations, test reports, and the Article 10(2)/Article 10(10) explanation.