[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE marking for drones and UAVs EUProduct guide # CE Marking for Drones and UAVs Drones sold in the EU carry two distinct compliance obligations: CE marking under the Radio Equipment Directive, and product requirements under the EU UAS Regulation that define operational categories. Both the CE mark and the EU drone class label are typically required — and they come from different legal frameworks. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-marking-for-drones) At a glance Drone class categories 5 RED requirements 7 Technical file items 8 ## EU drone class categories EU UAS Regulation 2019/945 establishes drone class categories C0–C4. Class labelling requirements depend on the drone's maximum take-off weight (MTOW) and intended operational category. ClassMax MTOWKey notes C0< 250 gNo class marking required. No registration required for recreational use unless equipped with a camera. Still needs RED compliance if radio-equipped. C1< 900 gClass identification label required. Direct remote ID capability required from product. Registration of operator required in all Open category sub-categories. C2< 4 kgFollows C1 requirements plus low-speed mode. Operator training course required for A2 sub-category operations. C3< 25 kgHigher operational restrictions. Class label required. All C3 drones operate in A3 sub-category or specific category with authorisation. C4< 25 kgLegacy category — intended for aircraft not capable of following automated commands. Specific category only, authorisation required. ## RED requirements for drone radio equipment 01 Compliance with RED 2014/53/EU as the primary CE directive for radio-equipped UAVs 02 Testing per ETSI EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz control link — Wi-Fi or proprietary) 03 Testing per ETSI EN 301 893 (5 GHz control link) where applicable 04 Testing per ETSI EN 301 489-1 and EN 301 489-17 (EMC for radio equipment) 05 RF exposure (SAR or whole-body) assessment if transmitter is within 20cm of users 06 EU Declaration of Conformity citing Directive 2014/53/EU 07 Labelling: frequency bands and maximum transmitted power stated in user manual ## Technical file checklist for drones * Product description: MTOW, dimensions, propulsion type, radio frequencies, battery specification * EU drone class label artwork and placement evidence * RED test reports (radio performance, EMC emissions and immunity) * Remote ID functionality description and evidence of compliance * EU Declaration of Conformity for RED (and LVD if mains charger is included) * Risk assessment covering loss of control, fly-away, and collision scenarios * User instructions including geofencing limitations and operator registration guidance * Battery documentation: chemistry, capacity, energy, RoHS declarations ## Frequently asked questions ### Do toy drones under 250g need CE marking? Toy drones (intended for children under 14) fall under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC regardless of weight, and CE marking under that directive is required. For non-toy recreational drones under 250g (C0 class), no class marking is required under the drone regulations, but RED compliance is still needed if the drone carries a radio transmitter. ### What is remote ID and is it required for all drones? Direct remote ID broadcasts the drone's identification, position, altitude, and speed in real-time so that authorities can identify it in flight. It is required for C1, C2, and C3 class drones under EU UAS Regulation 2019/945. C0 class drones are exempt unless national rules apply. ### Is the EU drone class marking the same as CE marking? No — they are different marks. The CE mark confirms conformity with applicable directives (primarily RED). The EU drone class label (C0, C1, C2, etc.) confirms the drone meets the product requirements for that operational category under EU UAS Regulation 2019/945. Both marks must appear on products that are class-labelled. ### Does the drone charger need CE marking? Yes. If the drone is sold with a mains-connected charger, that charger needs its own CE marking under LVD, EMC, and RoHS. The charger may have its own technical file and Declaration of Conformity, or it can be covered under the main drone product file if the manufacturer is the same. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. EU drone regulations are still evolving with delegated and implementing acts. Always verify current UAS regulation requirements and RED standards before placing drones on the EU market. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for drones 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 — $199](/courses/35-ce-marking-for-unmanned-aerial-systems)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/35-ce-marking-for-unmanned-aerial-systems) Related guides * [EU Drone Certification Deep DiveDeep dive into EU drone certification: Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and 2019/947, C0-C6 class labels, Open/Specific/Certified categories, and conformity assessment routes.](/guides/eu-drone-certification-deep-dive) * [Radio Equipment Directive complianceEverything you need to know about the Radio Equipment Directive: scope, essential requirements, testing, harmonised standards, …](/guides/red-directive-compliance) * [EMC Directive complianceComplete guide to EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) compliance: emissions, immunity, testing requirements, and harmonised standards fo…](/guides/emc-directive-compliance) * [Self-certification vs Notified BodyComplete guide to CE conformity assessment: when you can self-certify under Module A, when you need a Notified Body, and the co…](/guides/self-certification-vs-notified-body) * [CE marking timelineA realistic guide to CE marking timelines: typical duration for each phase from test preparation to DoC signing, what causes de…](/guides/ce-marking-timeline)