Smart plug in European Union: which rules apply?
4 of the 6 rules we have read in European Union apply or may apply to this product: Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) - electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits; Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive) - electromagnetic compatibility; Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive, RED); Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety (GPSR).
Each rule is matched on the answers below, using the scope the official page states. This page names what we checked and what we have not; it does not say that nothing else applies.
Assumed answers: Plugs into the mains supply and has a Wi-Fi radio, not for children. Change them in the checker. Open the checker
Rules that apply, with conditions to check
- Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) - electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (CE): conditions to check: Only equipment with a rated input or output voltage of 50-1000 V AC / 75-1500 V DC; Annex II lists excluded equipment; consumer products below the voltage limits fall under general product safety rules. Self-declaration by the manufacturer
- Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive) - electromagnetic compatibility (CE): conditions to check: Equipment covered by the RED (radio equipment) is outside the EMC Directive; also excluded are aeronautical products, radio-amateur equipment (unless sold), equipment inherently incapable of disturbance, and custom evaluation kits for professionals (Art. 2(2)); apparatus means a finished appliance intended for the end-user and liable to generate or be affected by disturbance. The EMC Directive does not regulate safety. Self-declaration by the manufacturer
- Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive, RED) (CE): conditions to check: Equipment listed in Annex I is excluded; radio equipment used exclusively for public security, defence or State security is excluded; radio equipment within RED is not subject to the LVD except as set out in Art. 3(1)(a). The test is whether the product intentionally emits/receives radio waves. Depends on the product or standards (see the note)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety (GPSR) (none): conditions to check: Applies only to aspects and risks not covered by specific EU safety legislation (for products under Union harmonisation legislation several chapters do not apply); excluded: medicinal products, food, feed, living plants and animals, animal by-products, plant protection products, certain transport equipment, and others listed in Art. 2(2) and the Commission page (e.g. antiques). Includes products not intended for consumers but likely to be used by them. Self-declaration by the manufacturer
Checked, and not triggered by these answers: Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys (Toy Safety Directive); Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (Framework Regulation).
What we have not checked
These rules may apply to your product. We have not read them, so nothing on this page says anything about them.
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (restricted substances in electrical and electronic equipment)
- REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (chemicals in products)
- WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU (producer registration and recycling of electrical equipment)
- Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
- Ecodesign and energy labelling rules for specific product groups
- Delegated acts under the Radio Equipment Directive (for example cybersecurity requirements)
- Rules for cosmetics, textiles and other products that touch the skin
- National rules of individual member states (languages of instructions, packaging registers, national marks)
The steps and documents the official pages list for each rule that applies, the fees public authorities publish, and a printable checklist for your product.
See the checklist