Connected devices usually need approvals before they can be sold. The rules depend on the market, the radio technologies and the product category. This overview helps you plan — it is not legal advice; the final assessment belongs to an accredited test lab or certification body.
The main frameworks
| Market | Framework | What it typically covers for a radio device |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | CE marking — Radio Equipment Directive (RED), RoHS, and others as applicable | Radio spectrum, EMC, electrical safety, health (RF exposure); cybersecurity requirements under RED for many internet-connected devices |
| United States | FCC (Part 15 and others) | Intentional radiators (the radio) and unintentional emissions; equipment authorization and labeling |
| United Kingdom | UKCA (Radio Equipment Regulations) — CE marking is also accepted in many cases | Similar scope to CE; check current UK rules and product security requirements for connectable products |
| Canada | ISED | Radio and interference requirements, often tested together with FCC |
Additional rules may apply: battery transport (UN 38.3), product safety standards for the product category, environmental rules (WEEE, packaging), and sector-specific requirements (medical, automotive, toys). Regulations change — confirm current requirements with your lab.
What a pre-certified module changes
- The module’s radio approval can reduce — but rarely eliminates — testing of your final product
- You must follow the module’s integration conditions (antenna type, gain, trace layout, labeling)
- The complete product still needs EMC, safety and other applicable assessments
- Adding a second radio or changing the antenna may trigger additional testing
Planning certification into the schedule
- Define target markets early — they drive module and antenna choices.
- Run pre-compliance scans on EVT/DVT hardware to catch EMC issues before formal testing.
- Book the accredited lab early; queues can be weeks.
- Prepare documentation: schematics, BOM, block diagram, user manual, labels, risk assessment.
- Freeze the design before formal testing — changes may require retesting.
- Keep the technical file and test reports; you will need them for customs, distributors and marketplaces.
Who is responsible?
The company placing the product on the market — usually the brand owner or importer — carries legal responsibility for compliance. Manufacturers and sourcing partners can coordinate samples, supplier documents and lab communication, but certificates and test reports are issued by accredited labs and certification bodies.
For the manufacturing side of connected products, see IoT hardware manufacturing and our IoT hardware capability.