Compliance
RED

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) — IoT Device Cybersecurity in the EU

Guide to the RED — cybersecurity requirements for internet-connected radio equipment, CE marking, and IoT compliance.

What is RED?

The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) sets essential requirements for radio equipment placed on the EU market, including safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient spectrum use. Article 3(3)(d), (e), and (f) — activated by Delegated Regulation 2022/30 — add cybersecurity, privacy, and fraud prevention requirements for internet-connected radio equipment. These new cybersecurity obligations apply from 1 August 2025, making the RED a key regulation for IoT device manufacturers.

Who It Applies To

Manufacturers of radio equipment placed on the EU market — smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, IoT sensors, Bluetooth devices, connected home appliances, wearable devices, and child-related products with radio capability.

Key Articles & Obligations

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 3(3)(d)

Article 3(3)(e)

Article 3(3)(f)

Article 10

Article 17

Article 18

Article 19

Key Deadlines

Cybersecurity obligations

1 Aug 2025

Article 3(3)(d), (e), (f) cybersecurity, privacy, and fraud prevention requirements become applicable.

Fines & Enforcement

Products failing to meet RED requirements cannot bear CE marking and cannot be placed on the EU market. National market surveillance authorities can order product withdrawal or recall.

Cybersecurity Requirements for Connected Devices

From August 2025, internet-connected radio equipment must meet specific cybersecurity standards.

  • Article 3(3)(d) — devices must not harm network integrity or security
  • Article 3(3)(e) — devices must include safeguards to protect personal data and privacy
  • Article 3(3)(f) — devices must support features to prevent fraud
  • Manufacturers must perform conformity assessments and apply CE marking
  • The CRA will eventually take over many of these requirements with a coordinated transition

How Law4Devs Helps with RED Compliance

Law4Devs provides the full RED as structured JSON. Filter by essential requirement type, product category, or economic operator role. Cross-reference with the CRA and CSA.

Related Regulations

Query RED via API

GET /v1/frameworks/red/articles
200 OK · structured JSON · official EUR-Lex source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Radio Equipment Directive?

The Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the EU market. It sets essential requirements covering safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and efficient use of the radio spectrum. Crucially, Article 3(3)(d), (e), and (f) — activated by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 — add cybersecurity, privacy protection, and fraud prevention requirements for internet-connected radio equipment. These new cybersecurity obligations apply from 1 August 2025, making RED a key regulation for IoT device manufacturers.

Who does the RED apply to?

The RED applies to manufacturers of radio equipment placed on the EU market, their authorised representatives, importers, and distributors. Radio equipment includes any product that intentionally emits or receives radio waves for communication or radio determination — from smartphones and Wi-Fi routers to IoT sensors, Bluetooth devices, and connected home appliances. Starting August 2025, the cybersecurity delegated act extends requirements to all internet-connected radio equipment, wearable devices, and child-related products with radio capability.

What are the new cybersecurity requirements?

From 1 August 2025, internet-connected radio equipment must not harm network or infrastructure integrity (Article 3(3)(d)), must include safeguards to protect personal data and privacy (Article 3(3)(e)), and must support features to prevent fraud (Article 3(3)(f)). Manufacturers must perform conformity assessments, apply CE marking, and issue EU declarations of conformity. The CRA will eventually take over many of these cybersecurity requirements, with a transition period coordinated between the two regulations.

How does Law4Devs help with the RED?

Law4Devs provides the full RED text as structured JSON via API. Filter by essential requirement type (safety, EMC, spectrum, cybersecurity, privacy), product category, or economic operator role. Access specific provisions on conformity assessment procedures, CE marking requirements, and delegated act cybersecurity obligations. Cross-reference with the CRA for overlapping product cybersecurity requirements and with the CSA for certification frameworks.

Access RED as Structured JSON

All articles, recitals, and amendments — queryable, filterable, and always up to date.