Certifications checklist: CE, UKCA, FCC, UN38.3 and more

Compliance is often the hidden cost of importing. Requirements depend on what the product does (electrical, radio, battery, for children, contact with food) and where you sell it. Use this as a checklist of things to look into, then confirm with an accredited test lab.

European Union

CE marking means the manufacturer declares conformity with every EU law that applies. For consumer electronics this typically means the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU (50–1000 V AC / 75–1500 V DC), EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU for anything with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (which replaces LVD/EMC for that product), and RoHS 2011/65/EU. You need an EU Declaration of Conformity and a technical file.
RED cybersecurity: internet-connected radio equipment must also meet the requirements of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30, applicable from 1 August 2025.
General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), applicable since 13 December 2024: consumer products need an EU-based responsible economic operator, traceability information and product safety information, including for online listings.
Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542: labelling and other obligations for products with batteries are phasing in.
REACH restrictions apply to substances in articles (for example phthalates and PAHs in plastics and rubber).

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

UKCA is the GB marking. The government has confirmed that CE marking will continue to be recognised for most product regulations, so a CE-compliant product can usually be sold in GB. Check your category.
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, in force since 29 April 2024: connectable consumer products must not use universal default passwords, must publish a vulnerability-reporting route, and must state their minimum security-update period.

United States

FCC Part 15: intentional radiators (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) need equipment authorisation by Certification through a Telecommunication Certification Body and carry an FCC ID. Many unintentional radiators (digital devices without radios) can use the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) route.
CPSC: children's products (designed mainly for age 12 and under) need third-party testing at a CPSC-accepted lab and a Children's Product Certificate. Other products subject to a CPSC rule need a General Certificate of Conformity.
California Proposition 65: a warning is required if a product exposes consumers to listed chemicals above safe-harbour levels.
UL/ETL listing is not generally a federal requirement, but retailers and marketplaces often require it for mains-powered products.

Lithium batteries (every market): UN38.3

Lithium cells and batteries (power banks, earbuds, smart rings, massage guns, neck fans) must pass the UN38.3 tests (T1–T8: altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, forced discharge) before transport. Shippers must be able to provide a UN38.3 test summary. Air transport follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations; for example, standalone lithium-ion batteries such as power banks (UN3480) are restricted to cargo aircraft at no more than 30% state of charge. Ask your supplier for the test report and the MSDS/SDS before you book freight.

Quick map for products we track

Product type	Look into
Wireless earbuds, smart ring	RED + RoHS (EU), UKCA/CE + PSTI if connectable (GB), FCC Certification (US), UN38.3
Magnetic power bank	EMC + RoHS + Batteries Reg (EU), FCC SDoC (US; Certification if it has wireless charging that transmits), UN38.3, air-freight restrictions
Mini projector, massage gun, neck fan	LVD/EMC/RED as applicable + RoHS (EU), UKCA/CE (GB), FCC (US), UN38.3 if battery-powered
Air fryer liners, silicone lids, tumblers	Food-contact rules: EU Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (and 10/2011 for plastics), US FDA food-contact requirements
Yoga mat, resistance bands	GPSR (EU), REACH substances, Prop 65 (California)

General information only, not customs, tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the official source or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

Sources

FAQ

Do Bluetooth earbuds need FCC certification?
Devices that intentionally transmit radio (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) need FCC equipment authorisation by Certification with an FCC ID, through a Telecommunication Certification Body. Many unintentional radiators can use a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity instead.

What is UN38.3?
A series of tests (T1–T8) in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria that lithium cells and batteries must pass before they can be transported. Shippers must be able to provide a UN38.3 test summary.

Is CE marking accepted in Great Britain?
For many product types, yes. The UK government has said it will continue to recognise CE marking alongside UKCA for most goods placed on the GB market. Check the guidance for your product category.