Understanding the cost structure of EU EN 18031 certification is critical for manufacturers preparing to launch connected products in the European market. Certification expenses can vary widely depending on the product category, cybersecurity complexity, and the scope of testing required.
Below is a complete breakdown to help you plan your budget efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs.
| Product Category | Typical Product Examples | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Applicable EN 18031 Standard(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Basic Devices | Bluetooth Headphones, Smart Plugs | $6,000 – $9,500 | EN 18031-1 |
| Medium Privacy/Financial Devices | Smartwatches (with health data), Children’s Watches, POS Terminals | $9,500 – $18,000 | EN 18031-1 + EN 18031-2 / EN 18031-3 |
| Large Complex Systems | Industrial Routers, Vehicle Telematics Systems | $24,000+ | EN 18031-1, -2, and -3 |
Tip: The more modules or communication interfaces a product integrates, the higher the cost due to expanded test scope and documentation.
Understanding how total certification cost is structured allows you to identify major spending areas and explore cost-saving strategies.
Testing Fees (50% – 70%)
Cover vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and encryption mechanism validation.
Complexity and test duration directly influence the cost.
Certification Body Service Fee (20% – 30%)
Includes document review, on-site audit, and compliance evaluation.
For products requiring EU Notified Body (NB) involvement, an additional NB audit fee of $1,700 – $5,600 (€1,500 – €5,000) applies.
Technical Modification Fee:
Required when the product fails tests and needs hardware/software upgrades.
Factory Audit Fee:
Around $2,250 (€2,000) if production consistency verification is required.
Expedited Service Fee:
Tight project timelines may increase costs by 30% – 50%.
If your product already complies with ISO 27001, EN 303 645, or similar cybersecurity frameworks, certification bodies may accept prior test reports — saving up to 30% – 40%.
Design decisions can influence certification routes and cost:
Products must not allow default passwords or bypass security setup.
Child or financial devices must include secure parental control or dual verification.
Avoiding these design pitfalls helps qualify for lower-cost SDoC (self-declaration) certification instead of full NB assessment.
The EU EN 18031 certification not only verifies cybersecurity compliance but also safeguards brand reputation and product credibility in the European market.
Planning early — both technically and financially — ensures a smooth approval process and helps prevent costly redesigns later.
Need Expert Help?
If you can share your specific product type, Blue Asia Technology will provide a tailored cost and compliance roadmap for you.
Contact: Blue Asia Technology
Phone/WeChat: +86 13534225140
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Q1: Why do EN 18031 costs vary so much between products?
Because product complexity, data type (e.g., personal or financial), and wireless interfaces directly impact testing depth and scope.
Q2: Are renewal or re-certification fees required?
If your firmware or security functions change, partial re-testing or documentation updates are needed, adding 20%–40% of the initial cost.
Q3: Can I combine EN 18031 certification with RED or CE testing?
Yes. Combining assessments can often reduce redundant tests and overall costs when done through the same accredited lab.
Q4: How long does the certification process take?
On average, 6–10 weeks for small devices and 12–20 weeks for complex systems, depending on testing queue and documentation quality.
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