Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
also: RED · 2014/53/EU · EN 18031
The EU directive (2014/53/EU) for products that transmit or receive radio, covering spectrum use, EMC, safety and, for now, some cybersecurity.
If a product contains a radio (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, LoRa, NFC, or even a receive-only radio such as GNSS), the RED applies in place of the EMC and Low Voltage Directives. It sets essential requirements for efficient use of radio spectrum, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety (with no lower voltage limit), usually demonstrated with harmonized standards.
Since 1 August 2025, cybersecurity requirements under a RED delegated regulation have applied to many internet-connected radio products, with the EN 18031 series as harmonized standards. A 2026 delegated regulation repeals those requirements from 11 December 2027, when the Cyber Resilience Act's requirements take over.
Where it bites: radio test standards are band-specific, and using a pre-certified module does not automatically make the whole product compliant; the final product still needs assessment.
Founder takeaway
If your product has any radio, plan EU compliance under the RED, including its current cybersecurity requirements, rather than under the EMC and Low Voltage Directives.
sources
engineer review pending