When clients ask for quotes, I often hear: "Why is your quote higher than others for the same CE certification?"

Price variation is common. For the same in-vehicle head unit, quotes can range from RMB 10,000–20,000 to RMB 50,000–60,000. Comparing numbers alone doesn't reveal the differences – breaking down the items shows the core variances: test scope, whether a Notified Body is required, EN 18031 cybersecurity work, and whether existing module reports can be reused – all directly affect the final total.

1. CE Certification Cost Structure – Overall Framework

For wireless products, there is no fixed price. Total costs split into three main parts: test fees, Notified Body review fees, and agent/service fees. Active devices may also require LVD safety testing – multiple directives combined – budgets increase accordingly.

Test fees are the largest component – determined by product complexity and number of wireless bands. Basic consumer electronics (RED RF + EMC): a few thousand RMB. In-vehicle head units with multiple radios and various special tests – easily exceed RMB 10,000.

Notified Body type-examination fees – not all RED products need this. If your product fully meets the harmonised standards with no deviations, you can use SDoC self-declaration – no NB involvement. If there are standard deviations or no applicable harmonised standard, NB technical review is required. Financial-transaction devices are one example of high-risk scenarios – they do not represent the only category requiring NB.

  2. 2026 Market Ranges – Per Module

(Based on domestic lab pricing, assuming first-pass testing – no remediation/retest costs)

-RF + EMC test fees

·Single-mode 2.4 GHz Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi: RMB 5,000–8,000.

·Multi-radio (Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi + 5 GHz Wi‑Fi): RMB 10,000–15,000.

·Automotive head units (4G/5G cellular + GNSS + Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth) – all radio paths tested separately: RMB 15,000–30,000.

-RED EN 18031 cybersecurity assessment
Under RED 3.3 (d)(e)(f), from 1 August 2025, connected wireless devices must comply with cybersecurity/privacy requirements.

·Basic connected devices: RMB 12,000–22,000.

·Mid-range (smart home gateways, T‑BOX): RMB 25,000–50,000.

·Financial payment / complex industrial: RMB 60,000–120,000.
If NB review is required: NB fees alone EUR 3,000–9,000 (~RMB 23,000–70,000) – significantly higher.

-eCall-related testing (automotive specific)

·Native in-vehicle eCall follows UN R144 – not RED mandatory.

·Full UN R144 eCall component certification: domestic accredited labs: RMB 150,000–250,000.

·Single-item tests (voice quality, latency, POLQA): RMB 5,000–20,000 – do not equate single-item pricing with full eCall certification.

-GNSS positioning accuracy testing

·Core eCall test item – don't underestimate. Single critical retest: RMB 30,000–80,000.

·Only products with full eCall systems need this – ordinary navigation GNSS modules without eCall do not.

-NB type-examination review fees

·For in-vehicle infotainment systems: domestic package: RMB 5,000–10,000.

·Different NBs have different fees and scopes – get multiple quotes before committing.

-Domestic agent service fees

·Typical: RMB 3,000–8,000 – including technical documentation, standard mapping, lab/NB liaison, and remediation follow-up. Multi-product/multi-directive packages may have discounts.

  3. CE Certification – Hidden Costs Often Overlooked

Most quotes assume first-pass testing – many hidden costs are easily missed:

·Incomplete technical documentation – repeated revisions during review – extending timeline.

·Retest fees after initial test failures – RF non-conformities require PCB rework, antenna matching, shielding – adding hardware costs.

·Product scope changes or hardware adjustments – change assessment fees.

·Ongoing compliance costs: EU Authorised Representative annual fees, supplementary difference testing for standard updates.

Practical cost-control measure: use standardised wireless modules that already hold full RED + EN 18031 certification – if you do not modify the module's RF or security architecture, you can reuse module test reports – significantly reducing duplicate testing.

  4. CE Certification – Cost-Control Recommendations

·Run internal pre-testing before formal submission – verify RF and EMC metrics – reduce retest probability.

·Prepare technical documentation against requirements early – reduce review-stage revisions.

·Get at least two quotes – compare itemised breakdowns – check whether retesting, change assessment, and translation are included – avoid later add-ons.

·Define your compliance route early: SDoC or NB? Full new testing or reuse pre-certified module reports? – control the budget from the start.

For CE certification costs, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or king.guo@cblueasia.com.