How to obtain CE certification for exporting wireless mice and keyboards to Europe? RED Directive Full Analysis (2026 Edition)

 How to obtain CE certification for exporting wireless mice and keyboards to Europe? RED Directive Full Analysis (2026 Edition)

Wireless mice and keyboards are popular categories in cross-border e-commerce, but many sellers have only a partial understanding of compliance requirements in Europe. Some people thought that 'it's just a computer accessory, just make a CE at will', but the goods were detained by customs when they arrived; Someone was fooled by a low-priced laboratory and did LVD+EMC, but missed RED. When it was listed on Amazon, they were asked to conduct retesting.

This article focuses on the characteristics of wireless mice and wireless keyboards, and systematically outlines the certification projects, testing standards, sample preparation requirements, reference cost cycles, and new regulations that must be noted for export to Europe by 2026. The entire article revolves around the actual design of these two products, without exaggeration.

1、 What authentication is applicable for wireless mice/keyboards?

Core conclusion: The CE-RED Directive (Radio Equipment Directive, 2014/53/EU) must be implemented.

The wireless mouse and wireless keyboard have built-in 2.4GHz RF modules (common solutions: Bluetooth, 2.4G private protocol, or dual-mode), which are wireless transmitting devices and are not suitable for ordinary LVD+EMC paths. The RED directive covers multiple aspects such as radio frequency, electromagnetic compatibility, safety, and health, and is the only mandatory compliance path in the EU market.

Special note: Even if your product uses a "certified module" (such as a Bluetooth module with a RED module certificate), the entire machine still needs to undergo RED testing, but some items can be simplified.

2、 What does the RED directive specifically measure? (For wireless mouse/keyboard)

According to the EN 301 489 series and product characteristics, the main testing items are as follows:

1. Radio frequency performance testing (RF)

·Standard: EN 300 328 (2.4GHz broadband transmission equipment)

·Test content: transmission power, frequency range, occupied bandwidth, spurious emission, adaptive capability, etc.

·Mouse/keyboard features: typically low power consumption, low speed, and relatively easy to test.

2. Electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC)

·Standard: EN 301 489-1 (general) and EN 301 489-17 (2.4GHz specific)

·Test content: radiation emission, conduction emission, electrostatic discharge, radiation immunity, etc.

·Attention: The matrix scanning circuit of the wireless keyboard may generate harmonic interference, and if poorly designed, it is prone to EMC failure.

3. Electrical Safety Testing (LVD)

·Standard: EN 62368-1 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment)

·Test content: insulation withstand voltage, leakage current, temperature rise, battery safety (if there is a built-in battery), mechanical strength of the shell, etc.

·For dry battery powered mice/keyboards, the safety risk is relatively low; For products with built-in rechargeable lithium batteries, the battery protection board and charging circuit are the key points.

4. Radio frequency exposure assessment (SAR/power density)

·Standard: EN 62479 (Exemption Assessment for Low Power Equipment) or EN 62311 (General)

·Wireless mouse/keyboard transmission power is usually very low (<10mW), and can generally be classified as exempted according to EN 62479, without the need for SAR testing. But if the product has high power or is used closely to the human body (such as wearable), it needs to be evaluated. The vast majority of mice/keyboards can directly reference exemption clauses.

5. Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

·Standard: EN 50581 or direct measurement of 10 hazardous substances

·The wireless mouse/keyboard contains PCB, plastic casing, solder, wires, etc., and must comply with RoHS 2.0 requirements.

3、 Sample preparation requirements (key)

Sample quantity:

·Complete prototype: 3-5 sets (including all accessories: USB receiver, charging cable, instruction manual, packaging)

·If the product has multiple colors or materials (such as different shell materials), prototypes or material samples of each color/material need to be provided, as RoHS testing requires testing different colors of plastic separately.

Sample status:

·It must be a mass-produced version, with the software firmware locked to the final version. Engineering prototypes cannot be used.

·The function is normal, able to pair, connect, type/move the cursor normally.

·Products with built-in batteries need to be fully charged; Dry battery products require the battery to be installed properly.

Special preparation:

·Wireless mice/keyboards typically come with a USB receiver (Nano Dongle). The receiver also includes RF circuitry and needs to be tested together with the host. The receiver must be paired properly when sending samples.

·If the product supports wired mode (Type-C charging or data cable connection), a data cable is included with the sample.

·Provide a method (key combination) to enter engineering mode for the laboratory to lock in the maximum transmission power for RF testing.

Required technical documents to be submitted:

·Product specification sheet (including RF parameters: frequency range, transmission power, modulation mode)

·Circuit schematic, PCB layout diagram

·Bill of Materials (BOM)

·RED certificate for Bluetooth or 2.4G module (if available)

·Antenna specification sheet (including antenna type, gain)

·Battery specification sheet and IEC 62133 report (such as built-in lithium battery)

·Product label photos and instructions (in English)

4、 Reference cost and cycle

The following are common quotation ranges (in RMB) for laboratories with CNAS qualifications in China, excluding urgent fees:

Project reference cost (yuan) Reference period (working days)

RED RF Test (EN 300 328) 2000-4000 5-7

EMC testing (EN 301 489) 2000-3500 5-7

LVD safety testing (EN 62368-1) 2000-4000 5-7

RoHS 10 tests 800-1500 5-7

RED full package (including the above four items) 5000-9000 7-12

Urgent service charges an additional 30% -50% and reduces time by 30%

Attention: If the product uses a certified Bluetooth module (with RED module certificate), most RF tests can be exempted, and the cost can be reduced by about 30% -40%. The cycle will also be shortened.

5、 Special Reminder for 2026

1. EU Radio Equipment Authorization Act (2022/30/EU)

From August 1, 2025, all wireless devices (including Bluetooth mouse/keyboard) that can access the Internet must meet the network security requirements. Although mouse/keyboard risks are relatively low, manufacturers still need to declare compliance with basic network security requirements (such as default passwords, software updates, etc.) in the product technical documentation. Please refer to ETSI EN 303 645 for details.

2. Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542

If the wireless mouse/keyboard is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery, it must comply with the mercury, cadmium, and lead limits of the new battery regulations and prepare technical documents. Starting from 2027, portable batteries must be detachable (consumers can replace them themselves), which will affect product design.

3. Packaging Regulations (PPWR)

Starting from August 12, 2026, all packaging of goods sold to the European Union must comply with PPWR requirements: the total amount of heavy metals in the packaging must be ≤ 100ppm, and EPR registration must be completed in each selling country. The packaging void ratio shall not exceed 50%.

4. REACH SVHC Update

As of February 2026, the SVHC list has been updated to 253 items. Attention should be paid to phthalates, flame retardants, and other substances in plastic casings.

6、 My suggestion

1. Confirm module certification status: If using Bluetooth module, request RED module certificate from the supplier. Having a certificate can significantly reduce testing costs and cycles.

2. Self check before sample delivery: Use a spectrum analyzer to roughly test whether the transmission power exceeds the standard (2.4GHz limit is generally 100mW e.i.r.p.); Check if the shell label contains the CE mark, manufacturer information, model, and battery information (if any).

3. The receiver must be paired for testing: Many sellers only provide the mouse/keyboard body and forget about the receiver. The RF performance of the receiver needs to be evaluated separately, otherwise the report is incomplete.

4. Rechargeable battery safety: For products with built-in lithium batteries, ensure that the battery protection board has overcharge, overdischarge, and short circuit protection, and provide the battery IEC 62133 report. The charging management circuit must meet LVD requirements.

5. Parallel RoHS and REACH: Although RED does not directly require REACH, the EU market generally requires compliance with REACH at the same time. Suggest conducting RoHS and REACH basic screening together to avoid future customer requests.

If you are developing a wireless mouse or wireless keyboard and are unsure about the module certification status or need a specific quotation, please feel free to send me a private message. I can provide a detailed testing plan based on the functionality of your product.