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. Great Britain has its own UKCA regime but continues to recognise CE marking for most products, while the PSTI Act adds mandatory security rules for connected consumer devices.
To import and sell smartphones in the UK 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 Mandatory |
Smartphones are radio equipment under the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. | OPSS / Ofcom / UK Approved Bodies | UKCA or CE | 4–8 weeks | Depends |
| UK PSTI – Product Security & Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 Mandatory |
Smartphones are consumer connectable products, so the PSTI security requirements apply. | OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards) | — | 2–4 weeks | Depends |
| UKCA Marking Mandatory |
The product needs a UK Declaration of Conformity and the UKCA mark, or CE where the UK continues to recognise it. | UK Approved Bodies / OPSS | UKCA | 3–8 weeks | Depends – UK importer details must appear on the product |
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 under the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. GB version of RED covering radio, EMC and safety for wireless products.
The core requirements are UK Radio Equipment, UK PSTI, UKCA. The table above explains why each one applies.
The UK importer's name and address must appear on the product, packaging or documents. A non-UK manufacturer can also appoint a UK authorised representative to hold the technical documentation. By scheme – UK Radio Equipment: Depends; UK PSTI: Depends; UKCA: Depends – UK importer details must appear on the product.
Typical timelines by scheme: UK Radio Equipment: 4–8 weeks; UK PSTI: 2–4 weeks; UKCA: 3–8 weeks. Schemes can run in parallel once samples and documents are ready. Send us your model details for a realistic plan.
Yes. Test reports to the EN standards used for CE marking are normally accepted for UKCA too, and CE-marked products can in most cases be placed on the GB market as they are. PSTI needs its own statement of compliance.
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Send us the model datasheet – we will confirm every approval it needs, the test plan, cost and timeline within 24 hours.
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