Achieving global type approval for IoT devices is a critical step toward international market access. Yet many manufacturers underestimate the complexity of the process. From CE marking and FCC compliance to SRRC, MIC, and RED Article 3.3 requirements, even experienced teams can encounter costly delays or rejections. Based on our work with hundreds of device approvals worldwide, we’ve identified the five most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Starting the Certification Process Too Late
Many teams begin thinking about compliance only after the hardware is finalized or already in production. As a result, they run into issues with incomplete documentation, non-compliant labeling, or test failures that delay market entry.
How to avoid it:
Start planning your type approval strategy during product development. Aligning design and compliance timelines helps avoid last-minute surprises and ensures smoother approvals across markets.
2. Relying Too Much on Pre-Certified Modules
Using a certified radio module—such as for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular—does not automatically mean your end product is compliant. Regulatory authorities in most regions require testing of the final integrated device, especially when the enclosure, antenna, or firmware may affect RF exposure or performance.
How to avoid it:
Assess how each module certificate applies to your final product. Perform for example under cybersecurity an SSM/SUM or similar analysis and confirm whether full or partial testing is needed in your target countries. Ask the manufacturer about the compliance information available. Should they not be willing to offer this, find an alternative.
3. Treating Global Markets as Interchangeable
Assuming that CE marking or FCC approval is valid worldwide is a costly mistake. Each country has its own regulatory framework—China’s SRRC, Japan’s MIC, Brazil’s Anatel, Saudi Arabia’s SABER system, and more. These often involve in-country testing, import rules, and local representation.
How to avoid it:
Create a country-specific compliance plan. Understand the distinct approval processes for each market and avoid one-size-fits-all assumptions.
4. Neglecting Cybersecurity During Product Design
With new regulations like RED Article 3.3 (effective August 2025) and the EU Cyber Resilience Act, cybersecurity compliance has become essential. Features such as secure software updates, strong default passwords, and protection against unauthorized access are no longer optional.
How to avoid it:
Embed cybersecurity into your device architecture from the start. Ensure your design complies with secure-by-design principles and reflects upcoming legal obligations across jurisdictions.
5. Submitting Incomplete Technical Documentation
Even when functional testing passes, many companies are tripped up by inadequate technical documentation. Regulatory authorities expect a complete technical file, including test reports, risk assessments, labeling instructions, user manuals, and declarations of conformity.
How to avoid it:
Build a full technical compliance file early in the process. Consider an expert review to ensure it meets the standards expected by notified bodies and regulators in each region.
Final Thoughts
Global compliance for IoT products is more than just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a strategic enabler for growth. By addressing these five common mistakes early, you can reduce risk, control costs, and accelerate your route to market.
Take the Next Step with IoT Consulting Partners Group
IoT Consulting Partners assists clients by providing expert guidance on identifying and documenting these critical assets. Additionally, our team supports the entire compliance strategy for the EN 18031 series, ensuring your documentation and implementation align seamlessly with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Ensuring compliance with global standards for radio, wireless, and electrical equipment is a complex but essential process. IoT Consulting Partners Group is here to guide you through every step, from bringing your wireless idea to life, testing and debugging to certification and market access.
Contact us today or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help bring your product to market successfully.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is global type approval for IoT devices?
Global type approval is the process of obtaining regulatory certification for an IoT device in each country where it will be marketed. This includes compliance with local radio, EMC, safety, and cybersecurity requirements.
2. Is CE marking enough for global market access?
No. CE marking covers the European market, but other regions (like the US, China, Japan, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia) require separate certifications such as FCC, SRRC, MIC, Anatel, and SABER.
3. Can I use a pre-certified module to skip testing?
Not always. While pre-certified modules help, many countries require testing of the final product, especially if changes to the antenna, enclosure, or firmware could affect RF behavior.
4. What is RED Article 3.3 and why is it important?
RED Article 3.3 introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for wireless devices sold in the EU. From August 2025, devices must comply with specific security features like software update integrity and access protection.
5. When should we start the type approval process?
Start during the early design phase. Waiting until production may cause delays, especially if re-testing or documentation changes are required.
6. What is a technical compliance file (TCF)?
A TCF is a complete set of documentation that supports the conformity of a product. It typically includes test reports, risk assessments, declarations, and user information.
7. Do all countries require in-country testing for IoT devices?
Not all, but several do. For example, China (SRRC), Brazil (Anatel), and India (WPC) often require local testing or local representation.
8. How does the Cyber Resilience Act affect IoT manufacturers?
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will require all digital products sold in the EU to meet minimum cybersecurity standards, including vulnerability handling and secure-by-design principles.
9. What are the most common reasons for approval delays?
The most common reasons are late preparation, incomplete documentation, incorrect labeling, and underestimating local requirements in target markets.
10. Can IoTApproval.com help manage the entire certification process?
Yes. We offer end-to-end support for IoT compliance—covering documentation, testing coordination, international certification strategy, and ongoing updates for regulatory changes.
