Feature: T&M
Regulatory compliance of IoT devices with pre-certified radio modules
By Phil Evans, Business Development Director – Connectivity (Northern Europe), TÜV SÜD
knowledge of the underlying radio technology. However, the manufacturer of the final product is responsible for its overall compliance and must therefore take responsibility for the module’s compliance as well. Major markets are governed by regulatory
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compliance rules as defined by the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED), USA’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Tese all define testing requirements that are widely accepted globally.
Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Te RED is applicable to all electrical and electronic devices that intentionally emit and receive radio waves at frequencies below 3000GHz. It should be noted that in the UK,
major advantage of integrating pre-certified radio module into a host device is that compliant products can be developed without needing deeper
the requirements of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 are presently very close to the RED. So, where regulations align, acceptance of CE marked products are permitted in the UK, allowing easier market access for manufacturers. Under RED requirements, there is no
“modular approval” route to compliance. Terefore, a manufacturer integrating a radio module into a host device is creating a new radio product that is within the scope of the RED. Tey must therefore ensure that the integrated radio module is compliant with the RED. Under the RED, the host device
manufacturer is responsible for following the integration guidance provided by the radio module manufacturer, along with ensuring it is used for its intended use as specified by the module manufacturer. Te host device manufacturer should perform a limited set of radio module verification tests to ensure the final product complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and RED
42 December 2025/January 2026
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
requirements, which contain receiver tests in addition to transmitter tests.
North America requirements Statutory compliance is required by the FCC in the USA and the ISED in Canada, and are broadly similar. Tese regulations govern the approval and certification of radio equipment, ensuring that all radio frequency (RF) devices meet technical standards for safety, EMC, and efficient use of the spectrum. However, these rules can be difficult to understand. So, for those wishing to export products to North America, it may be prudent to seek guidance from an authorised test laboratory or from an FCC-designated Telecommunications Certification Body. A wireless module must meet the part of the
rules which apply and must also meet certain criteria to gain modular approval. Tese include requirements such as the module must have shielded circuitry, a unique antenna connector, must be compliant in a stand- alone configuration, must meet RF exposure requirements, and so on.
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