Wireless worldwide

Whether smart home devices, wearables, industrial equipment or medical technology – wireless communication is now standard. However, the path to international markets is fraught with technical standards and regulatory requirements. As a globally networked partner for market approval, EMC testing, radio approvals and cybersecurity, TÜV SÜD provides manufacturers with up-to-date expertise, global capabilities and a forward-looking approach.

Wireless, but not limitless: Focus on global market approval

Wireless is everywhere: Smart products now communicate via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee or 5G – in households, industry and healthcare. According to a recent market analysis 1), global demand for wirelessly connected devices is growing rapidly.The global market for wireless connectivity reached a volume of 135.8 billion US dollars in 2024, and this figure is expected to grow to over 335 billion US dollars by 2033. This growth is being driven by IoT applications, the expansion of 5G, and the increasing availability of the internet in rural areas.

However, to be successful internationally, you need to deliver more than just technical innovations. Every country has its own requirements for radio technologies, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), device safety and cybersecurity. Manufacturers must navigate a complex web of national regulations and testing requirements. A successful international market launch therefore requires an in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape. „Our strength lies in combining technical and regulatory expertise, which is crucial in today's connected world,“ emphasises Hannes Adelsberger, Lab Manager at TÜV SÜD.

TÜV SÜD supports companies through all phases of market approval: from technical testing and conformity assessment to country-specific certification. With a global network of test centres and experts, TÜV SÜD can supprt the safe, fast and legally compliant launch of wireless products in over 180 countries worldwide.

RED Directive: Cybersecurity will be mandatory from 2025

A key regulatory milestone is approaching in Europe: From 1 August 2025, new mandatory requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) will apply. In particular, Articles 3.3(d)–(f) address aspects of IT security, including:

• Protection against damage to the network and degradation of services (Art. 3.3d)
• Protection of personal data and user privacy (Art. 3.3e)
• Prevention of fraud in connection with virtual currencies and radio equipment (Art. 3.3f)
• These new requirements reflect the growing importance of cybersecurity in the context of networked devices. As connectivity increases, so does the risk of cyber attacks that can threaten not only individual devices, but entire infrastructures. The EU is responding by introducing stricter security requirements to better protect consumers and networks.

In addition, TÜV SÜD is expanding its role as a notified testing body in the EU: Alongside the existing RED Notified Body in Germany (Notified Body 0123), TÜV SÜD Danmark (Notified Body 2443) has officially been designated to cover the requirements of RED Cybersecurity Articles 3.3(d) to 3.3(f). TÜV SÜD Danmark can now also issue EU type certificates (Module B) and conduct comprehensive quality assurance assessments (Module H).

This makes TÜV SÜD one of the few providers that can already support manufacturers in complying with the upcoming cybersecurity requirements in accordance with the RED. From 2025 onwards, cybersecurity will be a regulatory requirement for many devices – TÜV SÜD is therefore pursuing the goal of making the new requirements understandable and practical today.

EMC and radio testing from a single source

Another pillar of market approval is electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Interference from electromagnetic emissions can impair the functionality of devices and is therefore strictly regulated in many countries. TÜV SÜD operates state-of-the-art EMC laboratories in Europe, North America and Asia – with testing capacities for:

• Interference emission and immunity testing in accordance with EN / IEC / CISPR / ISO / OEM and many other standards for all types of devices, including consumer products, industrial, medical and automotive
• Preliminary testing and pre-compliance checks for risk mitigation
• Combined testing programmes for RED, FCC, ISED, MIC, Korea and other approval requirements

All relevant radio parameters are tested in the same facilities, including frequency usage, transmission power, bandwidth, modulation and coexistence with other devices, are tested in the same facilities. This significantly reduces coordination effort, interfaces and time-to-market. „Combined testing programmes save manufacturers valuable time, costs and time-to-market,“ says Hannes Adelsberger.

USA, UK, China, Japan – worldwide approval

In addition to Europe, the main target regions for wireless products are North America and Asia. Each of these markets has specific regulatory requirements that must be met. TÜV SÜD offers comprehensive support for:

• FCC certification (USA)
• ISED approval (Canada)
• UKCA marking (United Kingdom)
• MIC/Telec approval (Japan)
• SRRC/NAL for China, KC for South Korea, and many more.

Thanks to numerous international accreditations (e.g. ILAC, IECEE CB Scheme, A2LA), TÜV SÜD test reports are directly recognised in many countries, which gives export-oriented companies a decisive competitive advantage. „With globally recognised test reports, we can significantly accelerate the approval process in key markets such as the USA, China and Japan,“ explains Thomas Ring, Global Product Manager Wireless at TÜV SÜD.

Development with vision – market approval starts early

The complexity of global approvals requires a strategic approach – ideally starting at the design stage. Taking regulatory requirements into account from the outset can avoid costly rework and shorten time to market. TÜV SÜD supports companies at an early stage with:

• Regulatory analysis and target market strategy
• Pre-compliance testing to identify critical design aspects
• Technical evaluation of radio modules and integration into the overall system
• Preparation and review of technical documentation

More than just testing

With over 1,000 locations worldwide and an in-depth understanding of national and international regulations, TÜV SÜD offers much more than just testing. The combination of global presence, regulatory expertise and technical depth makes TÜV SÜD a strategic service provider for anyone who wants to successfully place wireless products on the international market – reliably, future-proof and with foresight. „Every market speaks a different regulatory language – we help you understand it and translate it correctly,“ says Thomas Ring.

Further information

1)  https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/wireless-connectivity?srsltid=AfmBOope2_yA9R23MB5jz-fcbfrG7d6QBS3iI_riglaecGoxdFCHNd6O

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Press contact: Dirk Moser-Delarami