Smartphones combine cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, a lithium-ion battery and a charger, so they touch more regulations than almost any other consumer product. CE marking gives access to all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, but only after every EU law that applies to the product has been met and documented in a technical file.
To import and sell smartphones in the European Union you will typically need:
Each row links to our detailed guide for that scheme. “Conditional” means it depends on the model’s features, packaging or sales channel – we confirm this in the free applicability check.
| Certification | Why it applies to smartphones | Authority | Mark | Typical timeline | Local representative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RED – Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU Mandatory |
Smartphones are radio equipment; RED covers radio, EMC, safety and, for internet-connected devices, cybersecurity. | Notified Bodies / EU Commission | CE | 4–8 weeks | Yes – EU economic operator |
| RoHS (2011/65/EU) & REACH (EC 1907/2006) Mandatory |
All electronic equipment must meet RoHS substance limits, and REACH SVHC duties apply to the phone and accessories. | ECHA / national enforcement authorities | CE (RoHS) | 2–4 weeks (testing & documentation) | Depends – EU importer or Only Representative for REACH registration |
| EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 Mandatory |
The built-in battery brings labelling, documentation and producer-registration duties under the EU Battery Regulation. | EU Commission / national authorities / Notified Bodies | CE (phased in) | Varies – ask us | Yes – producer registration in each member state |
| CE Marking (EU Declaration of Conformity) Mandatory |
CE marking and the EU Declaration of Conformity bring all the applicable laws together on one document. | EU Commission / Notified Bodies / national market surveillance | CE | 3–8 weeks (self-declared routes) | Yes – EU economic operator for most products |
Exact standards and editions depend on the model and the scheme; we confirm the test plan before any sample is shipped.
Yes. Smartphones are radio equipment; RED covers radio, EMC, safety and, for internet-connected devices, cybersecurity. Covers radio, EMC and safety for all equipment that intentionally transmits or receives radio. Cybersecurity requirements (EN 18031 series) apply to internet-connected radio products from 1 August 2025.
The core requirements are RED, RoHS & REACH, EU Battery Regulation, CE. The table above explains why each one applies.
Yes. Most CE-marked products need an EU-based economic operator (importer, authorised representative or fulfilment service provider) named on the product or packaging, and batteries need producer registration in each member state where they are sold. By scheme – RED: Yes – EU economic operator; RoHS & REACH: Depends – EU importer or Only Representative for REACH registration; EU Battery Regulation: Yes – producer registration in each member state; CE: Yes – EU economic operator for most products.
Typical timelines by scheme: RED: 4–8 weeks; RoHS & REACH: 2–4 weeks (testing & documentation); EU Battery Regulation: Varies – ask us; CE: 3–8 weeks (self-declared routes). Schemes can run in parallel once samples and documents are ready. Send us your model details for a realistic plan.
Yes, if the reports cover the current harmonised EN standards. CB Scheme reports to IEC standards can be converted to the EN versions, and one well-planned test programme can also support UKCA and many Middle East and Asian markets.
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