Electronics Compliance
Across Every Market.

Electronics sold in the EU typically require CE marking under several directives simultaneously. The core directives for most electronic products are: RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) - restricts 10 hazardous substances; EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) - electromagnetic compatibility; and Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) for products operating at relevant voltage ranges. Products with radio functionality additionally require compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED, 2014/53/EU).

CE marking requires a completed Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and a Technical Construction File (TCF) maintained by the manufacturer or EU Authorised Representative, both retained for 10 years. There are more than 30 CE marking directives and regulations in total - the specific set that applies depends on the product's functionality, intended use, and physical characteristics. A directive mapping exercise is the correct starting point for any new product or market entry.

From 1 August 2025, all radio equipment placed on the EU market must comply with cybersecurity requirements under Articles 3.3(d), (e), and (f) of RED 2014/53/EU, activated by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30. Article 3.3(d) requires that devices do not harm the network or misuse network resources. Article 3.3(e) requires protection of personal data and user privacy. Article 3.3(f) requires protection against fraud, particularly for payment-capable devices.

Affected products include IoT devices, wearables, connected toys, smart home equipment, baby monitors, and any device capable of connecting to the internet. Compliance is demonstrated through harmonised standards EN 18031-1, EN 18031-2, and EN 18031-3, published in January 2025. Some products require Notified Body involvement in the conformity assessment; others can use self-declaration via Module A. The RED cybersecurity requirements will be superseded by the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) when it becomes fully applicable on 11 December 2027.

As of 2024, the UK government has indefinitely extended recognition of the CE mark for Great Britain. CE marking is legally equivalent to the UKCA mark for products subject to relevant UK regulations, with no announced end date for this equivalence. Manufacturers can currently place CE-marked products on the GB market without separately obtaining UKCA marking.

However, the underlying UK technical requirements must still be met - in most cases these are identical to EU harmonised standards. Manufacturers planning long-term GB market access should maintain UKCA-compatible technical documentation in case the UK changes its position. Northern Ireland continues to require CE marking under the Windsor Framework, not UKCA. For products sold in both the EU and UK, CE marking currently satisfies both markets.

FCC 47 CFR Part 15 regulates all electronic devices that can emit radiofrequency (RF) energy in the 9 kHz to 3,000 GHz range. Unintentional radiators - devices that generate but do not intentionally transmit RF, such as computers or power supplies - require a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), which involves testing by an accredited laboratory but no pre-approval from the FCC.

Intentional radiators - devices designed to transmit RF, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular devices - require FCC certification through an FCC-recognised Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB). After certification, the device is assigned an FCC ID that must be permanently affixed to the product. FCC Class B, the more stringent classification, applies to consumer products. The FCC and CE frameworks are entirely separate and must be satisfied independently - there is no mutual recognition between them.

Several key RoHS Annex III exemptions were subject to renewal decisions adopted by the European Commission in September 2025, entering into force on 11 December 2025. Exemption 6(a) — lead as an alloying element in steel for machining purposes and in galvanised steel — was not renewed and expires 12 months after entry into force: by 11 December 2026 for categories 1-7 and 10. Exemption 6(b) — lead as an alloying element in aluminium — was not renewed in its general form: sub-exemption 6(b)-I (recycled scrap aluminium, categories 1-7 and 10) expires 11 December 2026, and 6(b)-II (machining aluminium, categories 1-7 and 10) expires 11 June 2027.

These non-renewals directly affect manufacturers using aluminium alloys in mainstream EEE categories. Applications for renewal of exemptions expiring 31 December 2027 must be submitted by 30 June 2026, as per Article 5(5) of the RoHS Directive (applications cannot be made later than 18 months before expiry). Manufacturers should audit their current reliance on these and other Annex III exemptions now.

Several Asia-Pacific markets require mandatory pre-market certification for electronics. China requires CCC (China Compulsory Certification) for IT equipment, audio/video equipment, and specified electrical products - products cannot be imported, sold, or used in China without CCC. South Korea requires mandatory KC marking for safety and EMC compliance. India requires mandatory BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) registration for smartphones, laptops, tablets, power banks, and specified peripherals under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods Order.

Japan's VCCI mark is technically voluntary but commercially essential for IT equipment - products without VCCI face significant market access barriers from distributors and retailers. Australia and New Zealand use the mandatory RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) for prescribed electrical equipment. South Korea has additionally mandated USB Type-C ports on new consumer devices from 5 November 2026, modelled on EU Directive 2022/2380.