When applying for CE certification for a wireless keyboard, accurately understanding the required documents and how certificate validity is defined is key to ensuring the product smoothly enters the EU market. Below, I will detail the latest certification document checklist, process, certificate validity explanation, and practical advice as of 2025.
According to the requirements of the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC), and Low Voltage Directive (LVD), applying for wireless keyboard CE certification requires systematic preparation of the following three main categories of materials:
Important Tips & New Regulation Overview:
When preparing documents, pay special attention to the following two points:
-2025 Cybersecurity New Regulation: Starting August 1, 2025, all devices with wireless functionality (including wireless keyboards) must meet the cybersecurity requirements of the EN 18031 series standards, otherwise they cannot enter the EU market. This new regulation mainly includes three core requirements: devices must not harm the network or its resources, must protect user personal data and privacy, and must have fraud prevention features.
-Safety Standards Updated: Please note that keyboards, as information technology equipment, have seen the safety standard for CE certification fully transition from the traditional EN 60950-1 to EN 62368-1. The new standard adopts a more advanced "hazard-based energy" safety philosophy, adding specific requirements for electrical safety, mechanical safety (e.g., assessing mechanical switch actuation force), fire-resistant materials, as well as for USB-C interfaces, RGB lighting, built-in batteries, etc.
Detailed Explanation of CE Certificate Validity:
Regarding CE certification validity, this is a very crucial and often misunderstood point:
1.No Fixed Validity Period for the Certificate Itself: The CE-RED certificate itself does not have a fixed term (e.g., it is not 5 years). Its validity is based on the product design, relevant regulations, and standards remaining unchanged.
2.Situations Where the Certificate May Become Invalid: The certificate may become invalid and require re-evaluation or a new application in the following cases:
-When EU standards are updated (approximately every 5 years, e.g., safety standard update from EN 60950-1 to EN 62368-1).
-After the product undergoes major design changes or hardware modifications.
-Failure to comply with mandatory regulatory upgrades, e.g., the product only meets old standards but not the cybersecurity new regulation mandatorily effective from August 2025.
3.Technical File Retention Period: The manufacturer must retain the complete technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for at least 10 years, for possible spot checks by EU market surveillance authorities at any time.
CE Certification Practical Advice & Common Questions:
1.Optimize Certification Strategy:
-During the product design phase, prioritize using wireless modules that have already passed CE-RED certification. This can significantly simplify the certification process and complexity for the final product.
-When selecting a certification body, be sure to verify if it is an EU-recognized Notified Body (NB), especially for certain specific categories of equipment.
2.Avoid Potential Risks:
-Ensure the CE mark is permanently and affixed on the product nameplate, meeting size requirements. Non-certified or non-compliant products face risks including product sales ban, customs detention/destruction, and high fines (up to 4% of the company's annual turnover).
3.Common Questions Answered:
Q: Can existing certificates based on old standards (e.g., EN 60950-1) still be used?
A: The safety standard for keyboard CE certification has fully transitioned to EN 62368-1. Companies holding old standard certificates are advised to arrange conversion as soon as possible.
Q: How can series products save certification costs?
A: A modular certification strategy can be adopted, performing full testing on the main model and only differential testing on other models, which can effectively control costs.
We hope this guide, incorporating the latest 2025 policies, helps you clearly plan the CE certification path for your wireless keyboard. If you have more specific questions about certification for particular features (like RGB backlight, built-in battery, or specific wireless protocols), BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, will provide professional certification consulting services.
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