DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) certification is a market access requirement for products sold in the EU, UK, Australia, Middle East, etc. Devices with DAB/DAB+ reception require certification to be marketed.

I. DAB vs. DAB+

·DAB: 1995 EU standard, MP2 encoding, 6–9 channels per block

·DAB+: 2006 upgraded standard, HE-AAC v2 encoding, 18–24 channels per block (mainstream global standard)

  II. Regulatory Bodies

·ETSI: Develops EN 300 401 (latest V2.1.1)

·WorldDAB: Promotes standards and interoperability

·National authorities: EU (CE-RED), UK (UKCA), Australia (RCM), Middle East (SASO, UAE.S)

  III. Mandatory Markets

·Europe: UK, Germany, Norway (FM switched off), Switzerland

·Australia: AS/CAS 042:2026 mandatory from June 2026

·Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia

·Thailand: NBTC BS 3004-2567 mandatory since 2025

  IV. Products Requiring DAB Certification

·Car radios, infotainment systems

·Portable/home DAB+ radios

·Smart speakers with DAB+

·DAB+ transmitters

·Wearables with DAB+ (from 2026)

Note: FM-only devices are exempt.

  V. Core Test Items

·RF performance (sensitivity < -85dBm, frequency accuracy ±1ppm)

·Audio decoding (HE-AAC v2 for DAB+)

·EMC (EN 301 489)

·Basic functions (tuning, DLS, EWS/ASA)

·Automotive environmental tests (-40°C to 85°C, vibration)

  VI. Process & Duration

1.Preparation (1–2 weeks)

2.Laboratory testing (2–6 weeks)

3.Review & certification (1–2 weeks)Total: 4–6 weeks (8–12 weeks with retesting)

  VII. Cost Range

·Consumer radios: RMB 10,000–30,000

·Automotive systems: RMB 20,000–50,000

·Transmitters: €35,000–55,000

  VIII. Validity

·EU/UK/Australia/UAE: 3 years

·Saudi Arabia: Annual renewal via SABER

For DAB Digital Radio Certification, contact BLUEASIA consultant: +86 13534225140