by Steven Gallivan, Account Manager, SafeShark

If you’re a manufacturer bringing connected products to market, compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) isn’t optional, it’s essential. But in my work helping companies navigate the process, I see the same avoidable mistakes crop up time and again. Each one can mean delays, extra costs, or even products being pulled from shelves.

Here are the top five pitfalls and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Leaving compliance until the last minute
Compliance isn’t a quick add-on at the end of development. Tackling it too late often leads to redesigns and costly delays. The best approach is to plan for compliance from the start, building requirements into your design and testing roadmap.

2. Misunderstanding cybersecurity obligations
The RED now includes essential requirements on security, privacy, and protection against fraud. These aren’t just technical extras, they’re core to product safety. A common pitfall is underestimating the scope of cybersecurity testing, which can lead to non-conformities when the product is reviewed by a Notified Body.

3. Overlooking documentation
Technical documentation is more than a formality. If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, your product cannot be properly assessed, and it may not be legally sold in the EU or UK. Keep detailed, up-to-date records of design, testing, and risk assessment to avoid unnecessary setbacks.

4. Assuming RED and PSTI are interchangeable
While the UK’s PSTI legislation and RED overlap in some areas, they are not the same. Treating them as interchangeable is a recipe for non-compliance. Understanding where they differ, particularly in scope and enforcement, is crucial if you want to sell into both markets smoothly.

5. Going it alone
The RED is complex, and self-assessment isn’t always enough. Working with a trusted partner who can provide expert guidance, testing, and direct links to a Notified Body makes the whole process smoother and more robust.

At SafeShark, we’ve seen how avoiding these pitfalls helps companies save time, cut costs, and get to market with confidence. Compliance doesn’t have to be a hurdle, with the right planning and support, it becomes a competitive advantage. Feel free to get in touch if you think we can help.