The 2026 edition provides updated guidance on cybersecurity, common charging and conformity assessment for radio equipment entering the EU market.
At a glance
- The European Commission has updated its Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Guide, replacing the December 2018 edition.
- The new version addresses RED cybersecurity requirements, the transition to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), and common charging obligations.
- Manufacturers can use the guidance to review product scope, technical documentation and conformity assessment procedures.
What has changed in the 2026 RED Guide?
The European Commission has released an updated Guide to the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, dated 7 July 2026.
The new edition replaces the December 2018 version and incorporates guidance reflecting regulatory developments affecting radio equipment placed on the EU market.
Key updates include:
- Cybersecurity: Clarifications on internet-connected and wearable radio equipment, including practical examples of direct and indirect internet connectivity.
- Common charging: Guidance on USB-C charging requirements, supported charging protocols and consumer information.
- Conformity assessment: Updated explanations of economic operator responsibilities, harmonised standards and notified body involvement.
- Related EU legislation: References to the Cyber Resilience Act, General Product Safety Regulation and other relevant EU legislation.
The RED Guide remains a non-binding guidance document. It supports interpretation of existing legislation but does not itself introduce new legal requirements.
How does the Guide address RED cybersecurity and CRA?
The updated Guide clarifies the relationship between cybersecurity requirements under the RED and the Cyber Resilience Act.
Since 1 August 2025, certain categories of radio equipment have been subject to RED cybersecurity requirements under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30.
The Guide provides additional examples to help determine whether radio equipment is considered internet-connected, including devices that communicate with the internet indirectly through other equipment.
A further transition will occur on 11 December 2027, when the CRA becomes fully applicable and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 is repealed.
From that date, the relevant cybersecurity requirements for products within the CRA’s scope will be governed by the CRA rather than the repealed RED delegated regulation. The RED’s requirements covering radio spectrum, EMC and safety remain applicable.
What does the Guide clarify about common charging?
The 2026 edition incorporates guidance and practical examples concerning the EU’s common charging requirements under Article 3(4) of the RED.
These requirements apply to specified categories of radio equipment capable of wired charging, including smartphones, tablets, headphones and portable speakers.
The requirements have applied to most listed product categories since 28 December 2024, and to laptops since 28 April 2026.
Manufacturers should consider the applicable USB-C charging interface, charging protocols and mandatory consumer information.
The Guide also includes practical examples to help manufacturers and other economic operators understand these obligations.
Does the update affect RED conformity assessment?
The updated Guide provides further explanations of conformity assessment procedures and the circumstances requiring notified body involvement.
For the essential requirements under RED Articles 3(2) and 3(3), notified body involvement is required when the relevant harmonised standards are not applied or are only partially applied.
Restrictions attached to harmonised standards published in the Official Journal of the EU may also affect whether those standards provide full presumption of conformity.
Manufacturers should therefore verify that the standards used in their conformity assessments cover the applicable essential requirements.
Testilabs view: What should manufacturers review?
The publication of the updated RED Guide does not automatically require existing radio products to undergo new testing or certification.
However, manufacturers developing or supplying wireless products in the EU should use the revised guidance to review their compliance approach.
Key considerations include:
- Product scope: Confirm whether the equipment falls within applicable RED cybersecurity and common charging requirements.
- Conformity assessment: Review the harmonised standards used, their applicable restrictions and whether notified body involvement is necessary.
- Technical documentation: Check that the documentation and conformity assessment strategy reflect the applicable requirements and upcoming CRA transition.
For manufacturers planning new EU product launches, reviewing these aspects early can help identify potential compliance gaps before certification or market entry.
Related Testilabs services: CE Marking & Certification · EMC & RF Testing
