Posted on by

EU RED Cybersecurity Rules and FCC Changes: A Double Hurdle for Smart Hardware

Exporting smart hardware to European and US markets requires meeting both cybersecurity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulatory frameworks. Both systems saw significant updates between 2025 and 2026.

EU RED Cybersecurity Provisions

According to TÜV SÜD, the cybersecurity provisions of the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED), Articles 3.3(d)(e)(f), became mandatory on August 1, 2025. The harmonized standard EN 18031 series was published in the Official Journal on January 30, 2025. All connected wireless devices—including smart home products—must meet requirements for access control, data encryption, and secure update mechanisms to obtain CE marking and enter the EU market.

This means a smart camera or smart lock lacking basic security update capability or transport encryption cannot legally be sold in the EU.

FCC Regulatory Changes

According to FCC documents referenced by the Anhui Provincial Department of Commerce, the FCC adopted Proposal 26-28 on April 30, 2026, proposing to revoke FCC recognition of testing laboratories in non-MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement) countries, including China, with a two-year transition period. Additionally, the new ANSI C63.10-2024 standard becomes mandatory on October 1, 2026, tightening Part 15B radiated emission limits by 3dB.

Together, these changes mean manufacturers relying on Chinese labs for FCC certification must adjust their certification channels during the transition period while ensuring products meet stricter EMC limits.

What This Means for Consumers

While certification compliance increases manufacturer costs, it also provides consumers with baseline quality and safety assurance. When selecting smart hardware, look for CE/FCC markings as compliance indicators. Note that certification marks indicate regulatory minimums are met, not that a product excels in every dimension.

We have established a Product Compliance and Safety page outlining our approach to product compliance. For specific product certification status, please refer to individual product pages or contact customer service.

Information current as of September 2026. Please refer to official sources for the latest updates.

Sources