Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU – Compliance Guide for IoT and Wireless Devices

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU is a key European Union regulation that defines the essential requirements for placing wireless and radio-enabled devices on the EU market. For IoT manufacturers, system integrators, and industrial solution providers, understanding and complying with RED is not just a legal necessity – it’s a competitive advantage.

This guide explains what the directive covers, who it applies to, and how Embetech’s embeNET technology supports full compliance for industrial and professional IoT solutions.

What is the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)?

The Radio Equipment Directive establishes a harmonized legal framework for the marketing of radio equipment within the European Union. It replaced the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC) on June 13, 2016, with mandatory compliance for all devices from June 13, 2017.

Scope of the Directive

RED applies to all equipment that:

• Uses radio waves for communication or radiodetermination.
• Operates within allocated frequency bands (licensed or license-free).
• Is intended to be placed on the EU market.
  

Examples:

• Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, Zigbee modules.
• LPWAN devices (LoRa, Sigfox), IEEE 802.15.4 networks.
• Industrial mesh networks for monitoring and control.
  

History and Updates

The most recent update came with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30, introducing mandatory cybersecurity, privacy, and fraud protection requirements for connected devices. These will be enforced from August 1, 2025.

Who Needs to Comply with RED?

The directive applies to:

• Manufacturers – designing and producing wireless products.
• Importers – bringing non-EU devices into the EU market.
• Distributors – selling wireless devices in the EU.
  

For IoT, this includes:

• Industrial automation companies.
• Smart building and smart city solution providers.
• Sensor network developers for mining, energy, and transport.

Key Requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive

Safety and Health

Devices must not endanger the health or safety of persons, pets, or property.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Equipment must function correctly without causing harmful interference to other devices.

Efficient Use of the Radio Spectrum

Transmitters must use spectrum efficiently to avoid interference, especially in congested bands.

Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Fraud Protection

Articles 3.3 (d), (e), and (f) require connected devices to:

• Prevent unauthorized access.
• Protect personal data.
• Prevent fraudulent use.

Harmonized Standards Under RED

Harmonized standards published by ETSI and CENELEC offer a presumption of conformity. By testing against them, manufacturers simplify compliance and speed up market access.

Relevant examples for IoT and industrial mesh:

• EN 300 328 – 2.4 GHz wideband transmission systems.
• EN 301 893 – 5 GHz WAS/RLAN.
• EN 300 220 – Short Range Devices in sub-GHz bands.
• EN 303 204 – Ultra Low Power Active Medical Implants.
  

Using the right harmonized standard reduces testing uncertainty and ensures alignment with RED requirements.

RED Cybersecurity Requirements (2025 and Beyond)

From August 1, 2025, all devices within RED’s scope that connect to the internet must meet cybersecurity requirements set by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30:

• Secure network communication.
• Protection against unauthorized access.
• Software integrity verification.
  

For IoT products, this means encryption, authentication, and update mechanisms will be mandatory.

The RED Compliance Process – Step by Step

1. Identify Applicable Requirements – Determine which RED articles and harmonized standards apply.
2. Testing & Certification – Perform EMC, RF, safety, and cybersecurity tests.
3. Technical Documentation – Prepare a Technical File (design, test reports, user manuals).
4. Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – Sign the EU DoC.
5. CE Marking – Place the CE mark on the product and packaging.

How EMBETECH’s embeNET Supports RED Compliance

embeNET is designed with RED compliance in mind, offering:

• IEEE 802.15.4 & TSCH for optimized spectrum use and minimal interference.
• Built-in encryption and authentication for RED cybersecurity compliance.
• Multi-band operation, including sub-GHz for better propagation in industrial environments.
• Low power consumption, ensuring long battery life while meeting EMC requirements.
• Hardware flexibility, reducing certification complexity.

Case studies

EMBETECH’s RED-compliant wireless mesh solutions are used in mining, transport, smart buildings, and stage performance systems.

Read full case studies here

FAQ – Radio Equipment Directive and IoT

What devices fall under RED?
Any device using radio waves for communication in the EU market.

Does RED apply to battery-powered IoT devices?
Yes – as long as they use wireless communication.

What’s the difference between RED and EMC Directive?
EMC covers interference, while RED includes EMC plus safety, spectrum use, and cybersecurity.

How do I know which harmonized standard applies?
Check ETSI/CENELEC publications for your device type and frequency band.