Selling electronics in the EU — CE, EMC, RoHS, WEEE, GPSR
Electronics are the most-sold consumer product across borders — and the most regulated. Up to five EU directives apply simultaneously, each with its own conformity requirements. This page covers which rules apply, what they cost, and the one gap that catches even experienced manufacturers.
Every electronic product sold in the EU needs CE marking against all applicable directives plus the GPSR Responsible Person. The CE proves conformity; GPSR is the safety net on top. Missing either one suspends the listing. And anything with an LMT, EV or >2 kWh industrial battery inside meets the
battery passport on 18 February 2027.
The questions
Which EU rules apply to electronics?
Up to five at once: the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU, 50–1000V AC), the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), the Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU, for anything with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (2011/65/EU, RoHS), and the GPSR as the general safety net. Each carries its own CE-marking requirements.
Source: Directives 2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/53/EU, 2011/65/EU; Regulation (EU) 2023/988. Checked: 4 September 2026.
How does CE marking work for electronics?
The manufacturer conducts conformity assessment against every applicable directive (LVD, EMC, RED, RoHS), draws up a Declaration of Conformity, affixes the CE mark, and keeps the technical file for ten years. Most electronics self-certify (internal production control) — but radio equipment with a notified-body requirement goes through Module B+C or H.
Source: The applicable directives; Decision No 768/2008/EC (conformity assessment modules). Checked: 4 September 2026.
What does RoHS restrict?
Ten substances in electrical and electronic equipment: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, four brominated flame retardants (PBB, PBDE), and four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP). Products containing more than the maximum concentration values cannot be placed on the EU market.
Source: Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2), Annex II. Checked: 4 September 2026.
Do I need WEEE registration?
Yes — waste-electronics producer registration runs per member state, on top of packaging EPR. One electronic product with a battery and packaging routinely triggers three schemes per country. Register before the first sale into that country.
Source: Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE); national EPR schemes. Checked: 4 September 2026.
Do batteries in my product need separate compliance?
Yes — the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) adds producer registration, and toward 2027 the digital battery passport. The registration deadline of 18 August 2025 has already passed. If your electronics contain a battery, you are a battery producer.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Checked: 4 September 2026.
Does electronics need a GPSR Responsible Person on top of CE?
Yes — this is where most manufacturers are caught. CE marking proves conformity with the technical directives; GPSR is the general safety net that applies to every consumer product. A product can be fully CE-marked under LVD/EMC/RoHS and still lack the Responsible Person that GPSR requires since 13 December 2024.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Article 16. Checked: 4 September 2026.
What does electronics compliance cost?
LVD/EMC testing from an accredited lab: €500–€3,000 per product family. RoHS testing: €300–€1,000. RED (radio) testing: €1,000–€5,000 if applicable. Responsible Person service: €200–€800/year. WEEE registration: free to a few hundred per country. Budget €3,000–€8,000 for the first electronic product with radio.
Source: Market pricing from accredited labs, checked 4 September 2026. See
the cost answer.
What is the EMC test and why does it matter?
Electromagnetic compatibility: the product must not emit interference that disturbs other equipment, and must be immune to interference from its environment. The test is mandatory for virtually all electronics — even a USB charger needs it. A product without EMC testing can knock out radios, medical devices or aircraft navigation nearby.
Source: Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC). Checked: 4 September 2026.