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Do Bluetooth headphones need CE marking?

Updated

Short answer

Yes.

Bluetooth headphones and earbuds transmit, so they are radio equipment under the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The RED covers electrical safety (without the LVD's voltage floor), EMC and efficient use of spectrum in one conformity assessment, ending in an EU declaration of conformity and CE marking. Since 28 December 2024, headphones, headsets and earbuds that charge by wire must have a USB-C port under Directive (EU) 2022/2380, and since 1 August 2025 wearables that process personal data must meet the RED cybersecurity requirement in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30.

What changes the answer

  • Cybersecurity scope. 2022/30 applies Article 3(3)(e) (personal data and privacy) to wearable radio equipment such as headsets and earphones that can process personal data, even without an internet connection, and Article 3(3)(d) and (f) to internet-connected equipment. Headphones with a companion app or voice assistant need careful review.
  • Self-assessment or notified body. The EN 18031 series was published as harmonised for the RED cybersecurity requirements with restrictions, mainly on default passwords. If your design relies on a restricted option, a notified body is needed.
  • Common charger details. Wired-charging headphones must have a USB-C receptacle, and the packaging and information must show whether a charger is included, using the pictogram, and the power range.
  • After 2027. A 2026 Commission act repeals 2022/30 with effect from 11 December 2027, when the Cyber Resilience Act's product rules take over for products with digital elements.
  • Other rules. RoHS, WEEE registration, the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 for the built-in battery, and the EU contact requirement in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 Article 4 apply too.

What to do

  1. Test to the RED harmonised standards for radio (Bluetooth), EMC, safety and RF exposure, plus EN 18031 for cybersecurity where it applies.
  2. Check USB-C, charging information and the charger pictogram against Annex Ia of the RED as amended.
  3. Sign the EU declaration of conformity, affix CE marking and keep the technical file.
  4. Mark the product with type and serial or batch number and the manufacturer's and importer's names and postal addresses, and include the EU responsible person on the product, packaging or accompanying document.
U.S. HTS line for headphones
  • 8518.30.20.00

    8518: Microphones and stands therefor; loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency electric amplifiers; electric sound amplifier sets; parts thereof

    Other

    Headphones and earphones, other than line telephone handsets, whether or not combined with a microphone.

    General rate
    Free

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Do earbuds sold with a charging case need USB-C?
Earbuds are listed in Annex Ia, Part I of the RED as amended. If the product is recharged by wire, it must have a USB-C receptacle, which in practice applies to the charging case.
Do headphones without an app need cybersecurity compliance?
Possibly. Delegated Regulation 2022/30 applies Article 3(3)(e) to wearable radio equipment that can process personal data, whether or not it connects to the internet. Whether simple headphones process personal data is a design question for your lab.
Is a CE report from my factory enough?
Only if it covers your exact model and the current standards. The manufacturer named on the declaration takes responsibility, and an EU economic operator must be able to produce the documentation.

Sources

  1. Directive 2014/53/EU, Radio Equipment Directive, EUR-Lex
  2. Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amending the Radio Equipment Directive (common charger), EUR-Lex
  3. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30, RED cybersecurity, EUR-Lex
  4. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/138, EN 18031 harmonised standards, EUR-Lex

This is general information drawn from the official sources linked above. It is not legal advice. Rules change and often turn on the facts of your product, so confirm your test plan with an accredited lab and your obligations with qualified counsel before you import or sell.