I have consolidated the latest information on the EU CE-RED certification process and timeline as of 2025, particularly the new regulations concerning cybersecurity, which are crucial for your product's compliant market entry.

CE-RED Certification Core Process:

The CE-RED certification process can be clearly divided into five main stages. The chart below helps you get a clear overview at a glance:

[Visual flowchart would be inserted here depicting: 1. Preparation -> 2. Laboratory Testing -> 3. (If Pass) Certification Review & Issuance -> 4. (If Fail) Rectification & Retest -> 5. Post-Market Surveillance & Maintenance]

  Let's break down the specific tasks and key information for each stage:

1.Preparation Stage:

·Determine Product Scope:Confirm if your product falls under the RED directive and identify its key parameters like frequency bands and power to match corresponding test standards (e.g., EN 300 328 for Bluetooth/WiFi devices).

·Select Certification Body: Choose based on product risk level:

Ordinary Laboratory: Suitable for most standard products, like ordinary Bluetooth headsets.

EU Notified Body (NB):Mandatory for high-risk or complex devices (e.g., medical wireless equipment, or products using non-harmonized standards). Their review is stricter, but certificates have higher market acceptance.

Prepare Technical Documentation: This is the core of certification. Prepare documents including user manuals (in required languages), circuit diagrams, BOM, label designs, detailed wireless parameter descriptions, etc. Also, prepare at least 2 samples (1 regular sample + 1 RF fixed-frequency sample) for testing.

2.Laboratory Testing Stage:

Testing is key to verifying product compliance. Main items include:

·RF Performance Tests: Ensure the device operates within designated bands without causing harmful interference, e.g., testing 2.4GHz devices per EN 300 328.

·Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Tests: Assess device's immunity to interference and its own emission levels per standards like EN 301 489 series.

·Electrical Safety (LVD) Tests: Required regardless of power source, per EN 62368-1 for battery safety, insulation, etc.

·Health Protection (SAR) Assessment: For devices used close to the body (e.g., phones, headsets), Specific Absorption Rate assessment is needed.

Cybersecurity Special Tests (2025 Mandatory Addition): This is the current key focus. Starting August 1, 2025, all wireless devices must comply with the EN 18031 series standards. Test items include Penetration Testing (simulating hacker intrusion) and Firmware Security Audits, etc. Failed tests require rectification and re-testing, potentially extending the timeline by 2-3 months for complex issues.

3.Certification Review & Issuance:

·After successful testing, the lab submits the report along with technical files for review.

·For ordinary labs, review and certification issuance can follow directly. If involving an NB, a secondary review is required, leading to a certificate with an NB number.

·Upon approval, the CE-RED certificate is issued. The manufacturer must sign the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and ensure the product bears the CE mark.

4.Post-Market Surveillance & Maintenance:

·The CE-RED certificate nominally has no fixed validity period. However, its validity depends on: Continuous compliance with the latest EU standards (standards update approx. every 5 years) and No changes to product design or hardware. Any major change may require re-testing or additional tests.

·Manufacturers must retain complete technical documentation for at least 10 years for potential checks by EU market surveillance authorities.

  CE-RED Certification Timeline & Cost Estimation:

Certification Timeline: Under smooth circumstances, the standard process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Expedited service can reduce this to 2-3 weeks, but costs increase by 30%-50%. Note that new tests like cybersecurity may add to the overall time.

Cost Composition: Certification costs are not fixed and depend mainly on product complexity and the chosen certification body. Basic cost estimates range from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 RMB.

  Practical Suggestions for Optimizing Certification:

1.Focus on Cybersecurity New Regulations: Ensure your product meets the mandatory EN 18031 series cybersecurity standards effective from August 1, 2025 – this is currently the biggest risk point.

2.Use Pre-testing to Reduce Costs: About 80% of products require design modifications during formal testing. Conducting preliminary (pre-)testing is recommended to identify issues early, avoiding extra costs from formal test failures.

3.Consider Modular Certification: If your product uses a wireless module already certified for CE-RED, it can significantly simplify the final product certification process, reducing testing costs and time.

We hope this detailed process overview helps you better plan and execute CE-RED certification. If you can share more specific product types (e.g., Bluetooth speaker, smartwatch, or industrial router), BLUEASIA Tech: 13632500972 will provide professional certification consulting services!