CEDIA-Backed EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) to Raise Cybersecurity Standards

By CEDIA - Tue, Sep 2, 2025 - Blog

The European Commission has confirmed that from August 1, 2025, new mandatory cybersecurity requirements under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) came into effect for all wireless devices sold within the EU. Compliance with RED is now a market access requirement for selling products into the EU, including everyday smart home products like lighting systems, thermostats, and smart speakers, underlining its importance for manufacturers, integrators, and distributors across the supply chain.

Originally designed to ensure that wireless equipment met safety, health, and electromagnetic compatibility standards, the RED has now evolved to tackle cybersecurity. RED now requires that connected devices are designed from the ground up with digital security in mind.

The RED Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 sets clear expectations for manufacturers, requiring that devices:

Prevent misuse of networks and data

Reduce the risk of unauthorised access

Safeguard users’ personal information

Ensure the safety of financial transactions, such as in payment devices or kiosks

By introducing these requirements, the regulation aims to reduce the risk of devices becoming entry points for cyberattacks, data breaches, or privacy violations. This move reflects a growing effort across the EU to improve digital trust and consumer safety in the fast-evolving connected device landscape.

This development marks another significant step toward a more secure and responsible smart home ecosystem, aligning closely with CEDIA’s ongoing commitment to raising standards across the industry. As the connected device market continues to grow, the RED regulation reinforces the importance of cybersecurity by enforcing clear requirements that benefit the entire supply chain, from manufacturers and integrators to end users. It reflects the EU’s focus on building a safer, more resilient digital environment, an approach CEDIA has consistently supported through advocacy and education.

The RED requirements affect a broad range of stakeholders:

Manufacturers must ensure compliance during product development

Integrators need to specify and install solutions that meet the new standards

Importers and distributors must verify conformity and manage supporting documentation

CEDIA is actively working to ensure its members are prepared. This includes providing access to expert-led education, practical resources, and insights that help integrators understand and navigate cybersecurity requirements across global markets. The directive also accompanies CEDIA’s wider efforts to promote secure system design, responsible device selection, and best practice implementation across residential projects.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, so does the responsibility of professionals working in the connected home. The RED requirements highlight why cybersecurity must be a core consideration from the outset of any installation, not only to meet compliance, but to ensure long-term performance, reliability, and client satisfaction.

To help manufacturers quickly determine whether their products fall within the scope of RED, SafeShark has produced a clear and concise checklist and flow chart. CEDIA encourages members to make use of these tools to support compliance. All resources are available to view here: safeshark.co.uk/resources/ready-to-go-on-red.

About CEDIA 

CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org. 