CE Certification
CE marking is required for most products sold in the EU, confirming they meet safety, health, and environmental standards. Without it, a product cannot be placed on the EU market.
CE marking is not a quality label or certificate of origin, and even low-quality products must bear it. It indicates that a product can be placed on the market or put into service in the EU. While not needed for prototypes during the R&D phase, CE marking is required when free samples are distributed or products are rented.
What is CE Certification?
CE marking, which stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity), is a required logo for most products sold within the European Union. It signals that the product meets the applicable EU standards, ensuring it is safe, reliable, and ready for sale in the EU marketplace. Whether your product is electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, it must bear the CE mark if it falls under EU regulations.
Although CE marking is compulsory, it’s important to note that it is not a ”quality mark.” Rather, it confirms that the product adheres to the essential directives set by the European Union, indicating that the product is ready for sale within the region. It’s also distinct from certifications like UL or CSA, which are often carried out by independent testing bodies.
Key Components of CE Certification for Radio Products
Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Compliance
For radio-related products, such as electronics, wireless devices, and IoT equipment, CE certification requires adherence to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. This directive ensures that radio equipment complies with European regulations concerning electromagnetic compatibility, health and safety, and efficient use of the radio spectrum. Products must pass rigorous testing to demonstrate they meet these high standards.
Additional Directives for Radio Equipment
In addition to the RED, certain products may also need to comply with other European directives:
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: Regulates the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment.
- WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU: Addresses the disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic waste.
CE Certification Testing for Radio Products
- EMC & RF Testing
One of the first steps in CE certification is conducting Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Frequency (RF) testing. These tests ensure the product does not cause interference with other devices and operates effectively within the designated radio frequency bands. RF testing is tailored to the specific design of your product and may require adjustments depending on the configuration, such as the radio type or power supply.
- Safety Testing
Safety is another critical component of CE certification. Radio products must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU, which ensures that the product is safe to use under various conditions. Whether your device is powered by batteries or connected to an electrical source, safety inspections are a mandatory part of the certification process.
- RF Exposure Evaluation (SAR Testing)
Lastly, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing evaluates the exposure of humans to electromagnetic fields emitted by the device. For devices emitting lower levels of radiation (less than 20mW) or those used more than 20 cm away from the body, SAR calculations may suffice. However, for devices exceeding these thresholds, physical SAR testing is required.
How RadioPark Can Help
RadioPark offers comprehensive testing services, including EMC, RF, SAR, and safety evaluations for radio product CE certification. Their expertise spans across a wide range of technologies, including GSM, WCDMA, LTE, IoT, WLAN, Bluetooth, GNSS, NFC, and RFID. With their support, you can ensure that your products are fully compliant and ready for the EU market.
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Frequently Asked Questions CE Certification
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Why do I need CE certification for my product?
CE certification is legally required for most products sold in the European Union. It confirms that your product meets all necessary health, safety, and environmental standards, allowing you to legally market it across EU countries.
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What products require CE certification
Most products, especially electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, and radio devices, need CE certification before they can be marketed in the EU. This includes everything from household electronics to medical equipment.
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What is the testing process for CE certification?
The testing process for CE certification typically includes three main areas: EMC & RF testing, safety evaluations, and RF exposure evaluation (SAR testing). These tests ensure that the product complies with relevant EU directives, such as the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), and is safe for consumer use.
- EMC & RF Testing: These tests confirm that the product meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and efficient use of the radio spectrum requirements. The tests required depend on the product’s configuration (e.g., radios, frequency bands, power supply, connectors). Using pre-certified radio modules can reduce the number of RF tests needed.
- Safety: Safety evaluations are conducted according to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU. All products, even low-power devices like battery-operated ones, must undergo safety inspections.
- RF Exposure Evaluation (SAR): If a product’s total transmitting power exceeds 20mW or if it is used less than 20cm from human or animal tissue, SAR testing is required to evaluate potential RF exposure. If the power is lower or the device is used further away, calculations may be used instead.
This testing process ensures the product meets EU standards and can be legally placed on the EU market.