Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular and other radio products sold in Great Britain fall under the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, the UK version of the EU RED. CE marking is recognised, so your EU RED work usually carries over. However, the UK has its own cybersecurity law, PSTI, instead of the EU’s RED cybersecurity rules. Global Approbation makes sure both are covered.
UK Radio Rules at a Glance
| Regulation | Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (GB) |
|---|---|
| Essential requirements | Health and safety (incl. RF exposure), EMC and efficient use of spectrum |
| Marking | CE (recognised indefinitely) or UKCA, plus UK importer details |
| Standards | ETSI EN standards (e.g. EN 300 328, EN 301 489) designated in the UK |
| Cybersecurity | PSTI applies to consumer connectable products; EU RED cybersecurity (EN 18031) is not the UK legal requirement |
Products Covered
- Bluetooth audio & wearables
- Wi-Fi routers & IoT devices
- Smartphones & tablets
- Smart home products
- GPS trackers
- RFID/NFC devices
- Wireless chargers
- Remote controls & RC toys
How Global Approbation Handles It
- Reuse RED. EU RED test reports and technical file reviewed for GB.
- Gap check. UK-designated standards and any Approved Body needs.
- PSTI. Password, vulnerability-reporting and support-period requirements and Statement of Compliance.
- Documents. Declaration, importer labelling and manuals.
- Launch. Documents ready for Amazon UK and retailers.
UK Radio Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions
Is my EU RED certification valid in the UK?
Generally yes. The UK recognises CE marking for radio equipment, but check UK importer labelling and PSTI.
Does the UK require EN 18031 cybersecurity?
Not as the UK legal requirement. Great Britain uses the PSTI regime for consumer connectable products instead.
Do I need a UK Approved Body?
Only if harmonised or designated standards are not fully applied and you choose the UK route. An EU Notified Body certificate supports CE marking.
Does PSTI apply to Bluetooth earbuds?
If the product is a consumer connectable product within PSTI scope, yes. We assess scope per product.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.