Electronics and electrical product conformity: which regime applies
A quick-lookup reference for makers and importers of electronic and electrical products (SIC divisions 26 and 27). Use …
Technology & Digital
Technology and digital platforms
UK-wide
Radio Equipment Regulations
Equipment that intentionally transmits or receives radio waves for communication or radio determination must comply with Radio Equipment Regulations, including IoT devices, WiFi equipment, and Bluetooth products.
Guide summary
Check if your product uses radio waves (like WiFi, Bluetooth, or IoT devices). If it does, you must meet safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and spectrum rules. From 1 August 2025, internet-connected radio equipment sold in Northern Ireland must also meet extra cybersecurity requirements. In Great Britain, follow the PSTI security rules already in force since 29 April 2024.
- Check if your product transmits or receives radio waves
- Meet health, safety, EMC, and spectrum requirements
- Prepare technical documentation and test reports
- Register with Ofcom if your product uses licensed spectrum
- For Northern Ireland, meet cybersecurity rules from 1 August 2025
- For Great Britain, follow PSTI security rules from 29 April 2024
- Exemptions: medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, civil aviation, motor vehicles
- Use self-declaration for most products to show compliance
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Products in scope
- WiFi routers, access points, and adapters
- Bluetooth devices (headphones, speakers, wearables)
- Mobile phones and tablets with cellular connectivity
- IoT devices with wireless connectivity
- RFID equipment
- Drones with radio control or telemetry
Essential requirements
- Health and safety (protection of persons from electromagnetic fields)
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Efficient use of radio spectrum
Cybersecurity requirements differ by market
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1
Determine if regulations apply
Determine if your product falls under the Radio Equipment Regulations
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2
Apply conformity assessment
Apply appropriate conformity assessment procedure (self-declaration for most products)
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3
Ensure essential requirements met
Ensure product meets essential requirements for safety, EMC, and spectrum use
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4
Prepare technical documentation
Prepare technical documentation including test reports
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5
Register with Ofcom
Register product with Ofcom spectrum management if using licensed spectrum
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6
Plan for cybersecurity requirements
For Great Britain, meet PSTI baseline security requirements in force since 29 April 2024. For Northern Ireland, also meet the radio-equipment cybersecurity requirements in force since 1 August 2025.