[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE compliance for audio equipment

EUProduct guide

# CE Compliance for Audio Equipment

CE requirements for audio products vary significantly depending on whether the product is passive, mains-powered, or wireless. A Bluetooth speaker, a Class D amplifier, and a pair of passive bookshelf speakers each have a completely different compliance path.

Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-compliance-for-audio-equipment)

## Compliance by product type

### Mains-powered amplifiers and receivers

LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU, RoHS

Key safety standard EN 62368-1. Mains voltage and output power levels drive LVD testing scope.

### Passive loudspeakers

No CE directives apply (purely passive, no electronics)

REACH SVHC obligations may still apply to materials. GPSR applies as a consumer product.

### Active/powered loudspeakers

LVD, EMC, RoHS (and RED if Bluetooth/Wi-Fi included)

Built-in amplifier brings it into LVD and EMC scope. Class D amplifiers have specific EMC challenges.

### Bluetooth / wireless headphones

RED 2014/53/EU (replaces EMC), RoHS, Battery Regulation if rechargeable

SAR assessment may be required for headphones worn close to the head. Battery Regulation labelling obligations apply.

### USB audio interfaces

EMC 2014/30/EU, LVD if bus-powered above 75V DC, RoHS

Bus-powered USB devices operating at 5V typically fall below LVD threshold — but check downstream circuit voltages.

### Hearing protectors with electronics

PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 — separate from standard CE directives

Electronic hearing protectors fall under PPE, not LVD or EMC. This requires Notified Body examination.

## Key harmonised standards for audio equipment

EN 62368-1

Audio/video and IT equipment safety — the primary LVD harmonised standard replacing EN 60065

EN 55032

Electromagnetic disturbances from multimedia equipment — emissions

EN 55035

Immunity from electromagnetic disturbances for multimedia equipment

EN 61000-3-2

Limits for harmonic current emissions — relevant for Class D amplifiers

ETSI EN 300 328

Wideband transmission — 2.4 GHz (Bluetooth audio products)

ETSI EN 301 489-17

EMC for broadband data transmission under RED

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a passive speaker need CE marking?

No. A truly passive loudspeaker with no electronics, power supply, or active circuitry does not fall under any CE marking directive — there are no electrical safety, EMC, or radio requirements to meet. However, GPSR applies as it is a consumer product, and REACH obligations may apply to the materials used.

### Do wireless headphones need SAR testing?

Wireless headphones transmitting Bluetooth signals near the head may need to demonstrate compliance with RF exposure limits. Under RED, if the product is worn against the body or head, the manufacturer must assess RF exposure per ETSI EN 50360 (head SAR) or EN 62479 (general population exposure). For most Bluetooth headphones operating at low power, EN 62479 basic restrictions are typically met by comparison with reference levels.

### My amplifier uses a Class D switching amplifier — does that cause EMC problems?

Class D amplifiers switch at high frequencies and can generate significant conducted and radiated emissions. EN 55032 covers multimedia equipment emissions and is the key standard to meet. Careful PCB layout, output filter design, and shielded interconnects are typically needed to pass. Factor this into your EMC pre-compliance testing plan early.

### Has EN 60065 been replaced for audio equipment?

Yes. EN 60065 (safety for audio, video and electronic apparatus) has been superseded by EN 62368-1 (audio/video, information and communication technology equipment). The transition deadline was December 2020. New products must use EN 62368-1.

**Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Not legal or engineering advice. Compliance requirements depend on the specific product design. Always verify with a qualified engineer and accredited test laboratory.

🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product

Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required.

See your free roadmap

Learn this properly

In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer.

[Start the course — $149](/courses/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)

Related guides

*   [EMC Directive complianceComplete guide to EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) compliance: emissions, immunity, testing requirements, and harmonised standards fo…](/guides/emc-directive-compliance)
*   [Low Voltage Directive explainedComplete guide to the EU Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU): scope, essential safety requirements, testing, and compliance …](/guides/low-voltage-directive-explained)
*   [CE marking for consumer electronicsComplete guide to CE marking for consumer electronics: applicable directives, testing requirements, cost breakdown, and realist…](/guides/ce-marking-for-consumer-electronics)
*   [Radio Equipment Directive complianceEverything you need to know about the Radio Equipment Directive: scope, essential requirements, testing, harmonised standards, …](/guides/red-directive-compliance)