Consumer and prosumer UAVs: radio approvals, RF exposure and the EU class system that is stamped on the product itself.
A drone is a radio product, a camera platform and an aircraft in one. The radio and EMC work resembles any connected device, but the EU goes further: product rules under Regulation (EU) 2019/945 assign drones to classes (C0-C4) with requirements that end up as a class identification on the product.
In the US, equipment authorization (FCC) is separate from aviation rules - FAA registration and Remote ID obligations attach to the operator and the aircraft, not to the radio certificate. Brands regularly confuse these two tracks; exporters should plan them in parallel.
| Market | Typical requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FCC ID certification for 2.4/5.8 GHz control and video links; UN38.3 for flight batteries | FAA registration and Remote ID are separate aviation obligations - not covered by FCC documents |
| European Union | RED for radio and EMC; product requirements under Regulation (EU) 2019/945 with class identification (C0-C4) for the applicable class; battery rules and RoHS | The class label determines where and how the drone may be flown in the EU |
| Battery & transport | UN38.3 pack tests, cell documentation, state-of-charge rules for air shipment | Sample units for demos need the same transport paperwork as commercial shipments |
| Other markets | Radio approvals (RCM, KC, TELEC) plus national aviation/registration rules | Aviation approvals are handled by aviation authorities - we cover the equipment side |
Launching a drone into the EU or US? Send the model, weight class and radio list - we will scope the radio testing and the 2019/945 class documentation together.
Yes - the control and video links are intentional radiators, so the drone needs FCC certification with an ID via a TCB (or it must use a module whose grant covers the integration).
Under EU Regulation 2019/945, drones placed on the EU market carry a class identification (C0 to C4) reflecting weight and capability, with corresponding product requirements. The class label determines the operational category in which the drone can be flown.
No. Equipment certification covers the product's radio and safety compliance. Flight permissions, registration and Remote ID obligations are aviation rules handled separately by the operator or importer.