Telematics Device CE Compliance Standards

What is Telematics Device CE Compliance?

A Telematics Device integrates GPS, cellular communication, and data processing modules, used in scenarios such as fleet management, UBI auto insurance, vehicle tracking, and eCall rescue.

The CE mark is a mandatory conformity mark in the European Union. All telematics devices sold in the EU must bear the CE mark to prove compliance with safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Unmarked products are prohibited from circulation, and violators face recalls and market bans.

Applicable Regulations and Standards

CE compliance for telematics devices is not a single directive requirement, but rather requires simultaneously meeting the superimposed requirements of multiple EU regulations.

Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU)

The RED directive is the core regulation for telematics device CE compliance, applicable to all devices with radio emission or reception functions. This directive came into effect on June 13, 2016, replacing the original R&TTE directive (1999/5/EC).

Key Requirements:

• Efficient use of the radio spectrum (avoiding harmful interference)

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

• Electrical safety requirements

• Cybersecurity requirements (Mandatory from August 1, 2025, see Section 4)

Applicable Harmonized Standards:

Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC 2014/30/EU)

The EMC directive ensures that telematics devices operate normally in their electromagnetic environment and do not generate unacceptable electromagnetic interference to other equipment.

Applicable Harmonized Standards:

• EN 301 489 series (Specific EMC standards under the RED framework)

• EN 55032 / CISPR 32: Electromagnetic emission requirements for multimedia equipment

• EN 55035 / CISPR 35: Immunity requirements for multimedia equipment

• EN 61000-6-1: Immunity for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments

• EN 61000-6-3: Emission standard for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments

low voltage directive (LVD 2014/35/EU)

Applicable to electrical equipment with a voltage rating between 50V and 1000V (AC) or 75V and 1500V (DC).

Applicable Harmonized Standards:

• EN 62368-1: Safety requirements for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment (replaces EN 60950-1 and EN 60065)

• EN 62368-3: Safety requirements for DC power transfer through communication cables and ports

RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)

Restricts the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in electrical and electronic equipment. The PCB boards, soldering materials, and plastic enclosures of telematics devices must all comply with RoHS requirements.

Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

Passed in 2024, the CRA will be implemented in phases starting in December 2026, imposing additional cybersecurity vulnerability management and software update requirements on telematics devices with digital elements, forming superimposed compliance obligations with the RED cybersecurity delegated act.

Cybersecurity Compliance: RED Delegated Act (EU) 2022/30

Detailed Explanation of the EN 18031 Series Standards

In August 2024, the EU published the EN 18031 series, which are harmonized standards for RED cybersecurity. Manufacturers can presume conformity with the delegated act requirements by complying with these standards:

EN 18031-1: Network Protection

• Prevents equipment from being exploited to harm electronic communication networks

• Access control mechanisms (password complexity, anti-brute-force cracking)

• Software integrity protection (secure boot, firmware signature verification)

• Vulnerability management processes (security update mechanisms)

EN 18031-2: Privacy & Data Protection

• Personal data transmission encryption (TLS 1.3, etc.)

• Location data protection (GPS trajectory anti-tracking)

• User consent mechanisms and data minimization principles

• Data breach detection and response

EN 18031-3: Financial Security

• If the telematics device supports payment functions (e.g., ETC automatic deduction, connected vehicle service subscription payments)

• Transaction data encryption and integrity verification

• Anti-replay attack mechanisms

CE Compliance Process:

Step 1: Product Classification and Directive Identification

Clarify the combination of directives applicable to the telematics device:

• RED 2014/53/EU (Radio functions) — Mandatory

• EMC 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic compatibility) — Mandatory

• LVD 2014/35/EU (Electrical safety) — If applicable

• RoHS 2011/65/EU (Hazardous substances) — Mandatory

• RED Delegated Act 2022/30 (Cybersecurity) — Mandatory from August 2025

Step 2: Harmonized Standard Confirmation

Select the applicable EN standards based on the specific functions of the device:

• Cellular communication modules → EN 301 908 series + EN 301 489-52

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules → EN 300 328 + EN 301 893

• GNSS positioning modules → EN 303 413 (if 5G positioning is supported)

• Cybersecurity → EN 18031-1/2/3 (From August 2025)

Step 3: Testing and Verification

Key Testing Items:

Step 4: Technical File Compilation

A complete technical file is the core evidence of CE compliance and must include:

1. Product Description and Specifications (Model, version, feature list)

2. Design Drawings and Circuit Diagrams (PCB layout, RF circuits, antenna design)

3. Test Reports (Issued by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory)

4. Risk Assessment Report (Mandatory under the RED directive, covering RF, electrical, and cyber risks)

5. Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) (New requirement under the CRA, listing all software components and versions)

6. Cybersecurity Assessment Report (Evidence of EN 18031 compliance)

7. User Manual (Including safety warnings, installation guides, and CE mark instructions)

8. Declaration of Conformity (DoC) draft (See Section 5.5)

9. eu authorized representative Information (Name and address of the EU authorized representative)

Step 5: Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE Mark

Elements that must be included in the DoC:

• Manufacturer's name and address

• Unique product identifier (model, serial number)

• List of applicable EU directives (RED, EMC, LVD, RoHS, etc.)

• Complete list of harmonized standards (including standard numbers and version dates)

• Notified Body information (if applicable, including the body's name, number, and intervention module)

• Signature and date of the manufacturer or authorized representative

CE Mark Specifications:

• The vertical dimensions of all components must be consistent and not less than 5mm

• Must be clearly visible and indelible

• If reduced or enlarged, the official proportions must be maintained

Step 6: Appointment of an EU Authorized Representative

Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an EU Authorized Representative, responsible for:

• Keeping the technical file available for inspection by market surveillance authorities

• Cooperating with compliance investigations by EU member states

• Receiving and relaying notices from regulatory bodies

Global Certification Comparison and Mutual Recognition

Telematics device manufacturers often need to enter multiple markets simultaneously. Understanding the relationship between CE and other certifications helps optimize testing strategies:

Testing Strategy Recommendations: Prioritize completing CE certification (RED+EMC). Using CE RF and EMC test reports as the technical foundation for FCC/ISED can save approximately 30% of repetitive testing costs.

In response to the complex CE compliance requirements for telematics devices, it is crucial to choose a fully qualified and experienced testing laboratory. JJR Lab (China JJR Lab) is the preferred partner for telematics device CE certification testing:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Must telematics devices obtain CE certification?

A: Yes. Any telematics device sold in the EU market with radio functions must comply with the RED directive and bear the CE mark, otherwise it is illegal.

What is the difference between the RED directive and the EMC directive?

A: The RED directive is specifically for radio equipment, covering RF, EMC, and safety requirements; the EMC directive applies to all electrical and electronic equipment. For telematics devices, the EMC requirements of the RED directive take precedence over the general EMC directive, but both must be declared compliant.

Do the EN 18031 cybersecurity standards apply to all telematics devices?

A: Yes. From August 1, 2025, all radio equipment with network connection functions (including 4G/5G telematics devices) must comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the RED Delegated Act (EU) 2022/30, and the EN 18031 series are the harmonized standards for presuming compliance.

How long does CE certification take?

A: It usually takes 2-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product, the number of test items, and whether rectification is needed. JJR Lab can shorten this to the industry's shortest cycle through parallel testing and one-on-one services.

Can FCC test reports be used directly for CE certification?

A: They cannot be used directly, but RF and EMC test data can serve as a technical reference for CE assessment. Due to differences in test limits and methods (e.g., fcc part 15 vs EN 300 328), it is usually necessary to supplement some test items or conduct a difference analysis.

Does CE certification have a validity period?

A: CE certification itself does not have a fixed validity period. However, if the product undergoes major design changes, applicable directives/standards are updated, or market surveillance discovers non-compliance, it must be reassessed and the technical file updated.

Do telematics devices need to meet UN R155/R156?

A: If the device undergoes UNECE type approval as part of the vehicle system, it must meet UN R155 (CSMS) and UN R156 (SUMS). Devices sold as independent aftermarket accessories mainly follow the RED directive, but it is recommended to simultaneously meet ISO/SAE 21434 and ISO 24089 to enhance market competitiveness.

How to ensure that OTA software updates do not break CE compliance status?

A: Establish a software change management process to assess the impact of updates on RF parameters, safety functions, and cybersecurity. Major updates require retesting the affected items and updating the technical file and DoC.

What should be noted when choosing a testing laboratory?

A: Confirm that the laboratory has ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, CNAS/CMA qualifications, RED directive testing capabilities (especially EN 18031 cybersecurity testing), and rich experience in telematics device testing. JJR Lab meets all the above requirements and provides free pre-assessment services.