Body-worn radio products: RF exposure rules are stricter up close, and registration schemes keep expanding to wearables.
Wearables are radio products worn against the skin, which changes the RF exposure question: body-worn devices are evaluated at distances of millimeters, not the 20-25 cm used for typical consumer electronics. Plan the exposure evaluation early - it affects antenna design and firmware power settings.
Registration schemes have also caught up with the category: India's BIS registration now covers smart watches, and several other markets apply the same radio-plus-battery package as phones, just smaller.
| Market | Typical requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FCC ID certification (BT, WiFi, cellular where present); RF exposure evaluation for body-worn use; UN38.3 transport | Exposure evaluation distance and accessory assumptions (straps, bands) must match real use |
| European Union | RED: radio (EN 300 328 and cellular standards where present), EMC, health/EMF including body-worn evaluation, safety, RoHS | Charging cases add their own EMC and safety considerations |
| India | BIS mandatory registration now covers smart watches and ear-worn products | Confirm the current standard and scope for the exact product type before booking |
| Battery | UN38.3; cell safety per IEC 62133-2; KC 62133 for Korea | Small packs, same rules as phones |
Shipping a smart watch into multiple markets? Send the radio list and battery spec - we will plan the RF exposure evaluation and the registration set in one schedule.
It is evaluated for how the device is actually worn - at millimeter distances from the body rather than held at 20-25 cm. Closer distances mean stricter exposure limits per unit power, which can drive antenna and firmware decisions, not just test paperwork.
The case with charging contacts or a wireless charging coil is assessed for EMC and safety in its own right, and if it contains a battery it needs transport documentation too. It is part of the same project, but it is separate test scope.
The usual set: BIS registration for India (now covering wearables), KC for Korea (radio plus KC 62133 for the battery), RCM for Australia and TELEC/MIC for Japan. The mix depends on your market list and on which radios the watch carries.