RF & Wireless · Hazloc Labs

Radio Equipment Directive (RED): A Practical Map for Connected Hardware

The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) covers electrical/electronic equipment that intentionally emits or receives radio waves for communication or radiodetermination. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, LoRa, and many ISM radios pull hardware into RED — often alongside safety and materials obligations.

Essential requirement buckets

• Health and safety (including electrical safety aspects for radio equipment)
• EMC
• Radio spectrum use (effective use / avoidance of harmful interference)
• Where applicable, delegated cybersecurity and privacy-related requirements for certain internet-connected devices

Host + module reality

A pre-certified radio module reduces work; it does not automatically clear the finished host. Antenna type/gain, co-location, enclosure effects, and host labeling still matter. Parallel thinking applies on the FCC side — see FCC modular approval for hosts.

Notified Body?

Many RED products use harmonized standards and manufacturer modules without NB involvement. Non-harmonized approaches or specific cases can require a Notified Body. Decide early — queues are real.

File checklist highlights

1. Radio test evidence for each intentional radiator configuration
2. Safety and EMC evidence consistent with the integrated product
3. DoC listing RED (and other acts as applicable)
4. User restrictions, software/firmware identity when relevant
5. Cybersecurity process evidence when delegated acts apply — see RED cyber essentials

← Back to Blog