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RED Guide

Radio Equipment Directive – RED 2014/53/EU

1. Introduction

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU) regulates the placing of radio equipment on the market within the European Economic Area (EEA). It applies to devices that use radio waves for wireless communication or positioning – e.g., mobile phones, WLAN routers, Bluetooth accessories, IoT components, or radio systems in vehicles and buildings.

The RED ensures harmonization of regulations within the EU and guarantees the free movement of radio equipment within the internal market.

2. Overview

Key requirements cover electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), efficient use of the radio spectrum, health (SAR/MPE), and, as of August 1, 2025, additional mandatory cybersecurity requirements.

CE marking is mandatory and is based on a conformity assessment and an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).

3. Objective of the Radio Equipment Directive

The RED defines essential requirements in three main areas:

  • Electrical safety – protection of people, pets, and property
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – prevention of unacceptable interference and ensuring proper operation
  • Efficient use of the radio spectrum – controlled use of limited frequencies and avoidance of interference
  • Health (SAR/MPE) – compliance with limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields
  • Cybersecurity – protection of digital systems, networks, and data through measures such as encryption, firewalls, and updates

4. Scope

The RED applies to devices that use radio waves for wireless communication or positioning. This includes:

  • Mobile phones, laptops, hearing aids
  • WLAN routers, Bluetooth devices, radar systems
  • IoT devices and industrial radio equipment
  • GPS, wireless charging

Note:

Systems related to public safety/defense or maritime/aviation communication under specialized legal frameworks are excluded.

5. RED Compliance – Regulatory Requirements

To legally place radio products on the market, manufacturers must ensure:

  • Compliance with essential requirements for safety, EMC, and spectrum efficiency
  • Performance of a conformity assessment and preparation of technical documentation
  • Issuance of an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
  • CE marking visibly and permanently on the product
  • Retention of technical documentation for at least 10 years

6. Conformity Assessment – Options

The selection of the appropriate conformity assessment procedure depends on several factors.

Assessment in the EU applies exclusively to the final product. Standards must be selected based on the product category and radio technology.

It is possible to use a pre-qualified radio module and reuse parts of its assessment. These are limited to radio tests, specifically conducted tests performed at module level. All other tests must be carried out on the final product.

If non-harmonized standards are used, assessment by a Notified Body is required.

7. Guide to RED Compliance

Manufacturers should follow these steps:

  • Define requirements (e.g., using tools like ScopeRight)
  • Determine the scope
  • Prepare documentation

Technical documentation and risk assessment

  • Testing & certification

Perform internal/external tests, involve a Notified Body if necessary

  • DoC, CE marking & market access

Issue Declaration of Conformity, affix CE marking, maintain documentation

8. New Requirements – Cybersecurity (from August 1, 2025)

Additional requirements for cybersecurity, data protection, and software security according to Article 3(3)(d)–(f) of the RED become mandatory from August 1, 2025.

These include, for example:

  • Protection against unauthorized access
  • Secure data processing
  • Fraud preventio