CE marking for electrical products: LVD, EMC, RoHS and the radio rules

Updated 27 October 2026

Most electrical and electronic products sold in the EU need the CE mark. The CE mark is your declaration that the product meets every EU law that applies to it — there is no single “CE certificate”. For electrical products, four laws do most of the work.

Which laws apply

Law	What it covers	Typical products
Low Voltage Directive (LVD), 2014/35/EU	Electrical safety of equipment rated 50–1000 V AC or 75–1500 V DC	Mains chargers, lamps, kitchen appliances
EMC Directive, 2014/30/EU	Electromagnetic emissions and immunity	Almost anything with electronics
RoHS, 2011/65/EU	Limits on lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances	All electrical and electronic equipment
Radio Equipment Directive (RED), 2014/53/EU	Safety, EMC and radio performance of anything that sends or receives radio signals	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS devices

If a product has a radio function, the RED replaces the LVD and EMC Directive for that product: its safety and EMC requirements are assessed under the RED, with no lower voltage limit. RoHS still applies alongside it.

Other laws can apply too, for example ecodesign and energy labelling for lamps and some appliances, the Toy Safety rules for electronic toys, and the Batteries Regulation for anything with a battery.

Cybersecurity for connected devices (since 1 August 2025)

Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30, radio equipment that can connect to the internet, processes personal data, or handles money must meet cybersecurity requirements: protect the network, protect users’ personal data and privacy, and protect against fraud. The harmonised standards are the EN 18031 series. Typical gaps are default passwords, unencrypted data and no way to update firmware.

The steps

Identify every law and the harmonised standards that apply (for example EN 62368-1 for audio/video and IT equipment, EN 60335 for household appliances).
Test the product against them, usually at an accredited lab. Most products can be self-assessed; some radio products need a notified body if harmonised standards are not fully applied.
Prepare the technical documentation: description, drawings, test reports, risk assessment, component lists. Keep it for 10 years.
Sign the EU declaration of conformity, listing the laws and standards.
Affix the CE mark, and add the manufacturer’s name, postal address and a type or serial number to the product.

If the manufacturer is outside the EU, an EU-based economic operator must be responsible for the product and its details must appear on it — see our guide to the EU responsible person.

Common mistakes

Using a test report for a different model or an outdated standard.
A CE mark that is too small or the wrong shape (minimum 5 mm high, proportions fixed).
Forgetting RoHS evidence, such as material declarations from suppliers.
No cybersecurity assessment for a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth product sold after August 2025.

Electrical products also need WEEE registration in each country: see our WEEE guide. To check everything that applies to your product, run the free compliance check, or find a testing provider.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the test report from my factory?

Often, as a starting point. Check that the report covers your exact model, the current version of the harmonised standards and every directive that applies. You, as the manufacturer named on the product, are responsible for the declaration of conformity.

My product runs on a 5 V USB supply. Does the Low Voltage Directive apply?

Usually not to the device itself, because the LVD starts at 50 V AC or 75 V DC. The mains charger is covered. The device still needs EMC and RoHS compliance, and its general safety is covered by the GPSR.

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Sources

ohdock provides software tools and general information, not legal advice. Check the official texts, or ask a qualified adviser, for your situation.