Product compliance · CE + FCC + WEEE
Electronics and electrical goods
Safety, EMC and radio testing, plus WEEE, battery and RoHS obligations that follow the product into each market.
Key facts
| EU route | CE under LVD, EMC and RoHS; RED for radio equipment |
|---|---|
| US route | FCC equipment authorisation for radio-frequency devices |
| UK route | UKCA, with CE recognition in some areas |
| Core tests | Safety, EMC, radio, RoHS; battery testing if applicable |
| Key documents | Test reports, declaration of conformity, schematics, BOM |
| Recurring | WEEE and battery producer registration where obligated |
| Typical one-off budget | USD 1,000–6,000 per SKU family |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
The radio question changes the testing plan
A mains-powered product without a radio needs safety and EMC evidence. Add Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and the radio equipment regime applies on top, with additional tests and, in the US, an FCC equipment authorisation. The same enclosure and power supply can therefore need a different file depending on whether a radio module is fitted.
Modules sold as pre-certified can simplify the filing, but the host product still has to be assessed for its own emissions and for the module's integration. A module certificate does not automatically cover the finished device.
WEEE and batteries outlive the sale
Electrical goods create producer responsibility for take-back and recycling in many markets. In the EU, WEEE registration is per member state; batteries add a separate stream. These obligations recur with reported volumes rather than ending with the test report.
Marketplaces increasingly ask for the registration numbers before a listing goes live. A seller that has the CE file but not the WEEE registration is still exposed, and the gap is visible to anyone who checks the public registers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse a test report for a new colour or enclosure?
Sometimes, if the change does not affect the safety, EMC or radio characteristics and the report covers the variant. A new radio module, power supply or circuit usually requires a new assessment.
Is UL required in the US?
Not by federal law for most consumer electronics, but retailers and insurers often require a recognised mark. Market access and legal compliance are two different tests.
Does RoHS apply to the whole product?
It applies to the electrical and electronic equipment within scope, with limited exemptions. The bill of materials and supplier declarations are the evidence base.
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