Wi-Fi Router Certification in the UK: Requirements, Process and Timelines
Wi-Fi routers are radio and network equipment at the same time, and a growing number of markets now add cybersecurity rules on top of radio, EMC and safety testing. 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 Wi-Fi routers in the UK you will typically need:
UK Radio Equipment – Wi-Fi routers are radio equipment under the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.
UK PSTI – Routers are consumer connectable products, so the PSTI security requirements apply.
UKCA – The product needs a UK Declaration of Conformity and the UKCA mark, or CE where the UK continues to recognise it.
Certifications required for Wi-Fi routers in the UK
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.
Certifications required for Wi-Fi routers in the UK
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
Step-by-step: how to certify a Wi-Fi router for the UK
Confirm scope for your model. Share the datasheet, materials, any radio, battery or power-supply details and the HS code so we can confirm exactly which of the schemes above apply – in the UK you decide between UKCA and CE, then check whether the PSTI security regime applies to connected products.
Set up the local party. Make sure a UK importer or UK-based economic operator is identified on the product, packaging or accompanying documents.
Assess under the UK Radio Equipment Regulations. Radio, EMC and safety testing to designated standards – normally the same EN standards used for CE.
Meet the PSTI security requirements. No universal default passwords, a published vulnerability-disclosure policy and a stated minimum security-update period, backed by a statement of compliance.
Sign the UK Declaration of Conformity and mark the product. Use the UKCA mark (or CE, where the UK continues to recognise it) with the UK importer's details.
Keep it valid. Keep the UK Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation for 10 years, publish and honour the PSTI security-update period where it applies, and watch for changes in the UK's CE-recognition policy.
Testing and documentation
Testing your Wi-Fi router will need
Radio tests for 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Wi-Fi (e.g. ETSI EN 300 328 and EN 301 893; FCC Part 15 in the USA)
EMC emissions and immunity (EN 301 489 series or local equivalent)
Electrical safety to IEC 62368-1 for the router and its power adapter
Cybersecurity requirements where applicable – EN 18031-1 for the EU, the PSTI security requirements in the UK and TEC security requirements in India
Exact standards and editions depend on the model and the scheme; we confirm the test plan before any sample is shipped.
Documents to prepare
Product datasheet and user manual
Radio details for each band (channels, output power, antenna gain, DFS behaviour)
Schematics, PCB layout and block diagram
Firmware version and security documentation (update policy, default-password handling)
Power adapter datasheet and certificates
Label and packaging artwork
UK Declaration of Conformity (or EU DoC where CE is used)
PSTI statement of compliance for connectable products
FAQs: Wi-Fi router certification in the UK
Is UK Radio Equipment mandatory for Wi-Fi routers in the UK?
Yes. Wi-Fi routers are radio equipment under the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. GB version of RED covering radio, EMC and safety for wireless products.
What certifications do Wi-Fi routers need in the UK?
The core requirements are UK Radio Equipment, UK PSTI, UKCA. The table above explains why each one applies.
Does a foreign manufacturer need a local representative in the UK?
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.
How long does Wi-Fi router certification take in the UK?
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.
Can I reuse existing test reports for the UK?
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.