CE Certification for Espressif (ESP32) Devices

Espressif is a manufacturer of microcontrollers that provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, including the widely-used ESP32 MCU module. If you’re designing a device that uses Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth, you’ve likely considered (or are using) an Espressif module.

Espressif modules offer several advantages, including low power consumption, a robust and versatile design, and a high level of integration. 

We frequently receive questions from our customers about the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance of ESP32 chips and other Espressif modules, particularly about their CE and FCC compliance.

Espressif chips, including ESP32 modules, are already CE certified, meaning they have been tested in a lab and verified to perform within all electromagnetic compatibility standards set by the European Commission.

However, if you use an Espressif module in your device, you will still need to complete testing and verify that your device itself is compliant in order to add the CE mark and sell your device throughout the European Economic Area (EEA).

Below, we’ve discussed everything you need to know about Espressif modules and CE testing and compliance, including:

• Which Espressif modules and SoCs have existing CE certification.
• What you’ll need to do to make your ESP-based device CE compliant. 
• How to get CE certification and European market access for your device.

To learn more, continue reading below. To ask our engineers a question about CE compliance for your device, or to request a free quote for testing and CE certifying your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287. 

Are Espressif SOCs and Modules CE Certified?

Yes. Many Espressif SoCs and modules have CE certification, meaning they’ve completed lab testing to verify that they operate within the standards and limits set under relevant European regulations, such as the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).

Espressif provides a full list of certificates, including CE and FCC certifications, for modules in the support section of its website. 

List of CE Certified Espressif Modules

As of May 2024, the following Espressif modules and SoCs have conformity assessments that demonstrate compliance with CE regulations: 

• ESP32-C6-WROOM-1U
• ESP32-C6-MINI-1U
• ESP32-H2-MINI-1
• ESP8685-WROOM-01
• ESP32-C6-MINI-1
• ESP32-C6-WROOM-1
• ESP8684-MINI-1U
• ESP32-WROVER-E & ESP32-WROVER-IE
• ESP32-WROOM-32D & ESP-WROOM-32D
• ESP8684-WROOM-02UC
• ESP32-WROOM-32U
• ESP32-S2-SOLO-2U
• ESP32-S2-MINI-2U
• ESP8684-WROOM-02C
• ESP32-S2-SOLO-2
• ESP8684-MINI-1
• ESP32-S2-MINI-2
• ESP32-S2-MINI-2
• ESP32-C3-WROOM-02U
• ESP8685-WROOM-04
• ESP8685-WROOM-03
• ESP32-S2-SOLO & ESP32-S2-SOLO-U
• ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U
• ESP32-C3-MINI-1U
• ESP32-MINI-1U
• ESP32-S3-MINI-1U
• ESP32-S3-MINI-1
• ESP32-S3-WROOM-2
• ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
• ESP32-PICO-MINI-02U
• ESP32-WROOM-DA
• ESP32-PICO-MINI-02
• ESP32-C3-WROOM-02
• ESP32-C3-MINI-1
• ESP32-MINI-1
• ESP32-S2-MINI-1 & ESP32-S2-MINI-1U
• ESP32-PICO-V3-ZERO
• ESP32-SOLO-1
• ESP32-PICO-KIT
• ESP-WROOM-02
• ESP-WROOM-02D
• ESP32-WROOM-32SE
• ESP-WROOM-02U
• ESP32-WROOM-32 & ESP-WROOM-32
• ESP32-WROVER-B & ESP32-WROVER-IB
• ESP-WROOM-02D
• ESP-EYE
• ESP32-WROVER
• ESP32-WROOM-32U
• ESP32-WROOM-32UE
• ESP32-WROOM-32E
• ESP32-S2-WROOM
• ESP32-S2-WROOM-I
• ESP32-S2-WROVER
• ESP-WROOM-S2

Do Devices That Use Espressif Modules Need CE Testing?

Yes. If your device uses an ESP32 or other Espressif module, you will still need to complete lab testing and verify that it complies with European regulations, such as RED, before you can add a CE mark to the device and market it within the European Economic Area.

Like FCC regulations in the United States, CE directives apply to the entire device, not just the module or modules used within the device. This is because the integration of the module into a device can affect its overall EMC performance and compliance with applicable CE directives.

For example, design decisions such as PCB layout, enclosure design, antenna integration, use of insufficient or improperly placed components, and others can all affect your device’s radiated emissions and conducted emissions, causing it to exceed CE emissions limits. 

Your device may also be subject to additional European directives, such as the EMC Directive, Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and other regulations that require additional testing, based on its function and use. 

Contact our team to discuss CE directives and other regulations that may apply to your device, as well as the steps you can take to achieve compliance and certification. 

How to Get a CE Mark for Your Espressif-Based Device

Achieving compliance and getting a CE mark for your Espressif-based device involves several steps, from verifying that your device is compliant with an accredited lab to completing the EU declaration of conformity and marking your device as compliant:

• Pre-compliance testing. Many manufacturers opt to complete pre-compliance testing to identify potential EMC issues during the design phase. Testing your device early helps to reduce the cost of making changes to improve EMC performance.
• Test your device with an accredited lab. After preparing your device prototype, you’ll need to test your device in an accredited lab. The required tests will vary based on your device’s type and the relevant CE directives that apply.
• Complete EU declaration of conformity (DoC). After testing, a technical file with your device’s testing results, manual and other documentation will be prepared, along with a declaration of conformity asserting that it complies with all relevant CE directives.
• Affix the CE mark to your device. After preparing your declaration of conformity, you will need to affix the CE mark to your device. Your CE marked device can legally enter the market in the European Economic Area. 

Contact Us About CE Certification for Your Espressif-Based Device

If you’re developing a device that uses an Espressif module, such as an ESP32, our team can help you complete lab testing and achieve compliance with all relevant CE directives, allowing you to add the CE mark to your device and enter the European market.

As an ANSI-accredited testing laboratory and FCC-recognized Telecommunication Certification Body, we can also assist you with FCC, ISED and other compliance marks.

To talk to our engineers about your device and the CE certification process, or to request a free quote for testing and compliance, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.