Bluetooth – Technology and Compliance
This page offers a structured overview of Bluetooth technology, regulatory requirements and Bluetooth SIG qualification, helping you understand what is required for products intended for global markets.
Need support with Bluetooth testing or qualification?
Explore our services:
→ Bluetooth Regulatory Testing
→ Bluetooth SIG Qualification Support
Key Takeaways
Operates from 2402 to 2480 MHz within the widely available 2.4 GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5 MHz)
Includes two radio variants, BR/EDR and LE, with Bluetooth Mesh and LE Audio built on LE
Subject to applicable national or regional regulatory requirements, including CE conformity assessment and FCC, ANATEL or SRRC certification
Requires Bluetooth SIG qualification and product listing to demonstrate compliance with applicable Bluetooth specifications and use the Bluetooth trademarks
Regulatory compliance assessment and Bluetooth SIG qualification are separate processes; the required testing depends on the product design and qualification path
Key RF test parameters may include transmit power, bandwidth and unwanted or spurious emissions
Technology Overview
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless standard designed for license-exempt operation in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It uses frequency hopping to reduce interference and supports two radio variants:
Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR): Designed for continuous data transmission and traditional audio applications
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE): Optimized for low power consumption and applications ranging from periodic data transfer to audio
Additional Bluetooth solutions build on LE:
Bluetooth Mesh: A many-to-many communication architecture for large-scale device networks
Bluetooth LE Audio: Audio transmission over LE, including multi-stream audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio
BR/EDR and LE use different channel structures and support adaptive frequency hopping mechanisms to reduce interference. Permitted transmit power and other radio parameters depend on the Bluetooth implementation and the regulatory requirements of the target market.
Regulatory Requirements by Region
The table below summarizes key regulatory requirements for Bluetooth radio equipment in major markets. Power limits and technical conditions depend on the implemented Bluetooth radio variant, antenna configuration and applicable national rules.
| Region / Authority | Details |
|---|---|
| EU – CE / RED |
Power Limit: 100 mW EIRP Regulatory Path: RED conformity assessment (typically EN 300 328) Key Remarks: Self-declaration; adaptivity or non-adaptive medium-access rules apply above 10 dBm EIRP. See CE requirements.1 |
| USA – FCC |
Power Limit: Up to 1 W conducted power Regulatory Path: FCC certification (47 CFR §15.247) via a TCB Key Remarks: BR/EDR = FHSS, LE = DTS; FCC ID and user information required.2 |
| Canada – ISED |
Power Limit: Up to 1 W conducted power; antenna-gain restrictions apply Regulatory Path: ISED certification (RSS-247) via an FCB Key Remarks: FHSS/DTS requirements differ; ISED certification number and bilingual (EN/FR) notices required.3 |
| Brazil – ANATEL |
Power Limit: Depends on applicable restricted-radiation limits Regulatory Path: ANATEL certification and homologation Key Remarks: Brazil-based applicant/holder required; evidence and labeling depend on procedure. |
| Japan – MIC |
Power Limit: Depends on modulation and technical conditions Regulatory Path: Technical conformity certification via a Registered Certification Body Key Remarks: Assessed under 2.4 GHz low-power rules; conformity mark and certification number required.4 |
| China – MIIT / SRRC |
Power Limit: 100 mW EIRP and 10 dBm/MHz PSD Regulatory Path: SRRC type approval and CMIIT ID Key Remarks: Testing per Chinese requirements; module reuse depends on configuration.5 |
| South Korea – RRA |
Power Limit: Depends on applicable 2.4 GHz radio requirements Regulatory Path: KC conformity assessment via RRA Key Remarks: Labeling and user information required; procedure depends on equipment category. |
| Region / Authority | Power Limit | Regulatory Path | Key Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU – CE / RED | 100 mW EIRP | RED conformity assessment (typically EN 300 328) | Self-declaration; adaptivity or non-adaptive medium-access rules apply above 10 dBm EIRP. See CE requirements.1 |
| USA – FCC | Up to 1 W conducted power | FCC certification (47 CFR §15.247) via a TCB | BR/EDR = FHSS, LE = DTS; FCC ID and user information required.2 |
| Canada – ISED | Up to 1 W conducted power; antenna-gain restrictions apply | ISED certification (RSS-247) via an FCB | FHSS/DTS requirements differ; ISED certification number and bilingual (EN/FR) notices required.3 |
| Brazil – ANATEL | Depends on applicable restricted-radiation limits | ANATEL certification and homologation | Brazil-based applicant/holder required; evidence and labeling depend on procedure. |
| Japan – MIC | Depends on modulation and technical conditions | Technical conformity certification via a Registered Certification Body | Assessed under 2.4 GHz low-power rules; conformity mark and certification number required.4 |
| China – MIIT / SRRC | 100 mW EIRP and 10 dBm/MHz PSD | SRRC type approval and CMIIT ID | Testing per Chinese requirements; module reuse depends on configuration.5 |
| South Korea – RRA | Depends on applicable 2.4 GHz radio requirements | KC conformity assessment via RRA | Labeling and user information required; procedure depends on equipment category. |
Notes:
1 Under EN 300 328, the maximum RF output power of the equipment is 20 dBm EIRP. Adaptivity is not mandatory for every device above 10 dBm; non-adaptive equipment may instead comply with the applicable duty-cycle, transmission-sequence and medium-utilization requirements.
2 Under FCC §15.247, Bluetooth BR/EDR systems using at least 75 hopping channels may use up to 1 W conducted output power; other 2.4 GHz FHSS systems are limited to 0.125 W. Bluetooth LE is generally evaluated under the DTS provisions, including the applicable bandwidth and power spectral density requirements. The dwell-time observation period is 0.4 seconds multiplied by the number of hopping channels used, not a flat 0.4 seconds within any 30-second period.
3 Canada applies separate conditions to FHSS and DTS operation. In the 2.4 GHz band, FHSS using at least 75 hopping channels may use up to 1 W conducted output power; systems using fewer channels are limited to 0.125 W. DTS operation may use up to 1 W conducted output power. For systems with an antenna gain above 6 dBi, the conducted output power must generally be reduced accordingly. See ISED RSS-247.
4 "TELEC certification" is not the formal name of the Japanese regulatory path. TELEC is one certification body; the regulatory framework is administered by MIC, and certification may be issued by any eligible Registered Certification Body.
5 Radio module reuse under Chinese SRRC/MIIT requirements depends on the specific conditions of the module and the final product configuration and cannot be summarized as a general "modular approval" scheme. See SRRC compliance page for details.
Bluetooth SIG Qualification
All products that incorporate Bluetooth® technology must complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process before they are sold or distributed. This process is separate from regulatory conformity assessment and must be completed by the company marketing the product under its own name. It helps Bluetooth SIG member companies meet the applicable specification and licensing requirements and enables use of the Bluetooth trademarks.
The qualification path depends on the Bluetooth design, implemented layers and features, and whether an existing qualified design is reused unchanged or a new design is created.
Step-by-Step Qualification Process
The process is completed in Qualification Workspace and consists of five steps:
Qualification Process
Product Details
Enter the product name, model number, description and intended publication date.Specify the Design
Reuse an existing qualified design or create a new design. Qualification Workspace determines the applicable testing requirements.Product Qualification Fee
Pay the applicable fee and obtain the Receipt Number required for submission.Submission
Submit the required product information, declarations, test evidence and supporting documentation.Verification
The Bluetooth SIG reviews the submission. After approval, the product is added to the Qualified Product Database and becomes publicly visible on the specified publication date.
Tip: Qualification requirements depend on the design, implemented features and current Bluetooth qualification documents. Always use the active TCRL package and the latest Qualification Workspace guidance.
Existing qualified designs may be reused only under the conditions defined in the current Qualification Program Reference Document. Changes to the Bluetooth implementation may require additional testing, a new design and a new product qualification.
Bluetooth Design and Qualification Paths
The qualification path is determined by the Bluetooth design used in the product. A company may reuse a single existing design unchanged or create a new design by combining existing designs, adding Bluetooth functionality or modifying an existing implementation. Qualification Workspace determines the applicable checks and testing requirements.
Qualification Paths
The table below summarizes the main qualification paths available in the Bluetooth Qualification Workspace and their testing implications.
| Qualification Path | Details |
|---|---|
| Use a Single Existing Design |
Description: Use an unmodified design identified by a Design Number (DN), Qualified Design ID (QDID) or Declaration ID (DID). Testing Requirements: Additional qualification testing is generally not required. |
| Combine Existing Designs |
Description: Create a new design by combining two or more unmodified designs identified by DNs or QDIDs in a permitted configuration. Testing Requirements: Qualification Workspace performs the applicable consistency checks and determines whether interoperability testing is required. |
| Create Another New Design |
Description: Create a design with new or modified Bluetooth layers, or make another permitted change to an existing design. Testing Requirements: Qualification Workspace generates the applicable test plan based on the design, implemented features and active TCRL package. |
| Qualification Path | Description | Testing Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Single Existing Design | Use an unmodified design identified by a Design Number (DN), Qualified Design ID (QDID) or Declaration ID (DID). | Additional qualification testing is generally not required. |
| Combine Existing Designs | Create a new design by combining two or more unmodified designs identified by DNs or QDIDs in a permitted configuration. | Qualification Workspace performs the applicable consistency checks and determines whether interoperability testing is required. |
| Create Another New Design | Create a design with new or modified Bluetooth layers, or make another permitted change to an existing design. | Qualification Workspace generates the applicable test plan based on the design, implemented features and active TCRL package. |
Example: Module Integration
A product incorporating an existing qualified Bluetooth module may reference the module’s DN or legacy QDID. If the design is used unchanged and covers the complete Bluetooth implementation, the single-existing-design path may apply.
If the module is combined with another Bluetooth design or Bluetooth layers or features are added or modified, a new design must be created. Qualification Workspace then performs the applicable consistency checks and determines the testing requirements.
The company marketing the product under its own name must complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process through its own membership account. After approval, the product is added to the Qualified Product Database. A newly qualified design receives a Design Number.
Interoperability Testing (IOP)
Bluetooth qualification verifies compliance with applicable Bluetooth specifications and licensing requirements. However, qualification does not guarantee interoperability across every product, operating system and implementation. It also does not replace regional regulatory approvals such as CE conformity assessment, FCC certification or ANATEL homologation. These requirements must be addressed separately.
Interoperability testing should therefore be included in product development and validation, particularly when implementing new Bluetooth features, custom profiles or device-specific use cases.
Typical IOP Activities
Testing with reference implementations and commonly used Bluetooth platforms
Verifying key use cases across relevant smartphones, headsets, medical devices or automotive systems
Testing different operating systems, software versions and device configurations
Participating in Bluetooth SIG interoperability test events where applicable
Note: A formally qualified product may still experience interoperability issues in specific device combinations or use cases. Early IOP testing helps identify these issues before market launch.
→ See also: Bluetooth SIG Qualification Services
Bluetooth Testing: Parameters and Setup
Bluetooth testing covers different requirements depending on the target markets, Bluetooth implementation and qualification path. Regulatory testing focuses primarily on spectrum use, output power and unwanted emissions, while Bluetooth SIG testing verifies compliance with the applicable Bluetooth radio and RF-PHY specifications.
Note on Coexistence:
Bluetooth radios are often integrated with Wi-Fi, GNSS or cellular technologies. Potential interference should therefore be considered during product development and evaluated under representative operating conditions, particularly when radios use shared or adjacent frequency bands.
RF Test Parameters
The following table summarizes typical parameters considered during regulatory testing and Bluetooth SIG qualification, and indicates whether each is generally addressed by regulatory requirements, Bluetooth SIG qualification, or both.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| RF Output Power / EIRP |
Purpose: Verifies compliance with applicable conducted or radiated power limits Regulatory Contexts: CE, FCC, ISED, MIC, ANATEL, SRRC, RRA Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Applicable |
| Power Spectral Density |
Purpose: Assesses power distribution within the occupied spectrum Regulatory Contexts: CE, FCC, ISED, SRRC Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Occupied Bandwidth |
Purpose: Confirms the bandwidth used by the transmitted signal Regulatory Contexts: CE, FCC, ISED, SRRC, RRA Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Unwanted and Spurious Emissions |
Purpose: Measures emissions outside the intended channel or operating band Regulatory Contexts: CE, FCC, ISED, MIC, ANATEL, SRRC, RRA Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Applicable, depending on PHY and parameter |
| Hopping and Adaptivity |
Purpose: Verifies channel use, hopping behavior and applicable medium-access requirements Regulatory Contexts: CE, FCC, ISED, ANATEL Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Depending on qualification path |
| Carrier Frequency Offset and Drift |
Purpose: Verifies transmitter frequency stability and modulation accuracy Regulatory Contexts: — Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Applicable |
| Modulation Characteristics |
Purpose: Assesses modulation quality against the applicable Bluetooth PHY requirements Regulatory Contexts: — Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Applicable |
| Receiver Blocking |
Purpose: Verifies receiver performance under adjacent or out-of-band interference Regulatory Contexts: CE Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Receiver Sensitivity and Performance |
Purpose: Verifies reception at defined signal levels and under specified interference conditions Regulatory Contexts: — Bluetooth SIG Qualification: Applicable |
| Parameter | Purpose | Regulatory Contexts1 | Bluetooth SIG Qualification2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Output Power / EIRP | Verifies compliance with applicable conducted or radiated power limits | CE, FCC, ISED, MIC, ANATEL, SRRC, RRA | Applicable |
| Power Spectral Density | Assesses power distribution within the occupied spectrum | CE, FCC, ISED, SRRC | Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Occupied Bandwidth | Confirms the bandwidth used by the transmitted signal | CE, FCC, ISED, SRRC, RRA | Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Unwanted and Spurious Emissions | Measures emissions outside the intended channel or operating band | CE, FCC, ISED, MIC, ANATEL, SRRC, RRA | Applicable, depending on PHY and parameter |
| Hopping and Adaptivity | Verifies channel use, hopping behavior and applicable medium-access requirements | CE, FCC, ISED, ANATEL | Depending on qualification path |
| Carrier Frequency Offset and Drift | Verifies transmitter frequency stability and modulation accuracy | — | Applicable |
| Modulation Characteristics | Assesses modulation quality against the applicable Bluetooth PHY requirements | — | Applicable |
| Receiver Blocking | Verifies receiver performance under adjacent or out-of-band interference | CE | Not typically covered as a distinct parameter |
| Receiver Sensitivity and Performance | Verifies reception at defined signal levels and under specified interference conditions | — | Applicable |
Notes:
1 Regulatory parameters and terminology vary by market and applicable standard. The entries reflect common examples and are not exhaustive. A dash indicates that the parameter is generally not addressed as a distinct regulatory requirement.
2 Bluetooth SIG test requirements depend on the supported Bluetooth features, qualification path and active TCRL package. Some Bluetooth SIG parameters may be technically related to regulatory measurements but use different definitions, limits and test methods.
Bluetooth RF Test Parameters in Detail
RF Output Power / EIRP
Measures the conducted transmitter output or radiated power, depending on the applicable test method. Regulatory limits depend on the market, antenna gain, transmission mode and supported Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth SIG qualification also includes transmitter power requirements.Power Spectral Density
Measures how transmit power is distributed across the occupied spectrum. It is primarily a regulatory parameter, with limits and measurement methods defined by the applicable regional requirements.Occupied Bandwidth
Determines the bandwidth of the transmitted signal using the measurement method specified by the applicable standard. EN 300 328 uses the 99% occupied channel bandwidth, while FCC and ISED requirements may additionally specify 6 dB or 20 dB bandwidth measurements for particular transmission systems. These measurements use different definitions and serve different regulatory purposes.→ Glossary: Occupied Bandwidth
Unwanted and Spurious Emissions
Measures emissions outside the intended channel or operating band that could interfere with other radio services. Regulatory limits and frequency ranges vary by market. Bluetooth SIG testing includes related in-band spectrum requirements, but these do not replace regulatory emissions testing.→ Glossary: Spurious Emissions
Hopping and Adaptivity
Evaluates frequency-hopping behavior, channel use and applicable medium-access mechanisms. The requirements depend on whether the implementation uses Bluetooth BR/EDR or LE and on the applicable regulatory framework. Channel-count and time-of-occupancy limits must therefore not be applied universally.→ Glossary: FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)
Carrier Frequency Offset and Drift
Measures how far the transmitted carrier deviates from its nominal frequency and how it changes during transmission. Bluetooth SIG limits depend on the supported PHY and transmission mode.Modulation Characteristics
Evaluates whether the transmitted signal meets the modulation requirements of the applicable Bluetooth PHY. Depending on the PHY, this may include parameters such as frequency deviation, modulation spectrum or modulation accuracy.Receiver Blocking
Assesses whether the receiver continues to operate as required when exposed to an interfering signal outside or adjacent to the operating channel. It is particularly relevant under European regulatory requirements.Receiver Sensitivity and Performance
Determines whether the receiver can correctly detect and process Bluetooth signals at defined input levels. The applicable Bluetooth SIG tests depend on the supported PHYs, features and active TCRL package.
Measurement Setup and Test Modes
Valid and repeatable results require the DUT to operate in defined configurations under controlled test conditions. Whether measurements are performed through an RF connection or radiated depends on the applicable test method, antenna configuration and available test access.
Conducted Setup
The DUT is connected directly to the test equipment through an antenna connector, temporary RF connection or suitable test fixture. Conducted measurements reduce uncertainties associated with the antenna and measurement environment.Common applications: Bluetooth SIG RF and RF-PHY testing, regulatory transmitter measurements and receiver tests
Radiated Setup
The complete device is measured through its antenna in a suitable test environment. Radiated measurements are used where required by the applicable standard, particularly for equipment with integral antennas and for radiated unwanted-emission measurements.Common applications: regulatory radiated power and unwanted-emission measurements, EMC testing and measurements on integral-antenna equipment
Typical Measurement Elements
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Mode Activation |
Purpose: Places the DUT in defined TX or RX states and provides the operating modes required by the applicable test procedure Common Applications: Bluetooth SIG, CE, FCC, ISED and other regulatory testing |
| RF Test Port or Fixture |
Purpose: Connects the DUT directly to the measurement equipment through an antenna connector, temporary RF connection or suitable test fixture Common Applications: Conducted transmitter and receiver measurements |
| Radiated Test Environment |
Purpose: Provides controlled conditions for measurements through the device antenna Common Applications: Radiated power, unwanted emissions, receiver testing and EMC |
| Companion Device or Traffic Generator |
Purpose: Establishes and maintains the required communication link, data traffic or operating state Common Applications: Receiver blocking, adaptivity and EMC testing |
| Test Firmware or Control Interface |
Purpose: Selects defined channels, PHYs, power levels, packet configurations and other required test modes Common Applications: Bluetooth SIG and regulatory testing |
| Shielded Test Environment |
Purpose: Reduces interference from external radio signals during sensitive measurements Common Applications: Conducted receiver tests, adaptivity testing and pre-compliance measurements |
| Measurement or Substitution Antenna |
Purpose: Receives radiated emissions or supports calibration and substitution measurements Common Applications: Radiated power and unwanted-emission measurements |
| RF Switch Matrix or Combiner |
Purpose: Routes signals between multiple antenna paths or test instruments where required by the product configuration Common Applications: Multi-antenna, diversity and conducted RF testing |
| Element | Purpose / Function | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mode Activation | Places the DUT in defined TX or RX states and provides the operating modes required by the applicable test procedure | Bluetooth SIG, CE, FCC, ISED and other regulatory testing |
| RF Test Port or Fixture | Connects the DUT directly to the measurement equipment through an antenna connector, temporary RF connection or suitable test fixture | Conducted transmitter and receiver measurements |
| Radiated Test Environment | Provides controlled conditions for measurements through the device antenna | Radiated power, unwanted emissions, receiver testing and EMC |
| Companion Device or Traffic Generator | Establishes and maintains the required communication link, data traffic or operating state | Receiver blocking, adaptivity and EMC testing |
| Test Firmware or Control Interface | Selects defined channels, PHYs, power levels, packet configurations and other required test modes | Bluetooth SIG and regulatory testing |
| Shielded Test Environment | Reduces interference from external radio signals during sensitive measurements | Conducted receiver tests, adaptivity testing and pre-compliance measurements |
| Measurement or Substitution Antenna | Receives radiated emissions or supports calibration and substitution measurements | Radiated power and unwanted-emission measurements |
| RF Switch Matrix or Combiner | Routes signals between multiple antenna paths or test instruments where required by the product configuration | Multi-antenna, diversity and conducted RF testing |
Note: The required setup and operating modes depend on the applicable standard, supported Bluetooth features, antenna configuration and generated Bluetooth SIG test plan. Test modes must represent the conditions specified by the relevant procedure and must not alter the radio behavior being assessed.
Test Sample Preparation and Configuration
Before testing, the device under test (DUT) must be prepared and configured for the applicable test procedures. The required configuration depends on the supported Bluetooth features, antenna design, regulatory framework and Bluetooth SIG test plan.
Firmware and Hardware
The sample should represent the final product configuration. Test firmware or modified hardware may be used where necessary, provided that it does not alter the radio characteristics being assessed. Any differences from the production version must be documented.Power Supply
The DUT must be operated using the power conditions specified by the applicable test procedure. The supply type, voltage and any deviations from normal operation must be documented.RF Access
Suitable RF access, fixtures or supported radiated test modes must be available as required by the selected test method and product design.Antenna and RF Paths
The antenna configuration and active transmit and receive paths must be clearly defined. Products using antenna diversity or multiple RF paths must be configured according to the applicable test procedure.Operating Modes and Additional Radios
The DUT must support the channels, PHYs, power levels and traffic conditions required for testing. Additional radios must be operated in the configurations specified by the applicable procedure or selected as representative worst-case conditions. Simultaneous operation is not required for every test.Bluetooth Test Modes
The DUT must provide the control interfaces and test modes required for the applicable Bluetooth SIG and regulatory tests. Depending on the Bluetooth implementation, these may include Direct Test Mode (DTM), Unified Test Protocol (UTP) over HCI, 2-wire UART or OTA transport, or vendor-specific controls.Test Documentation
The test documentation should identify the hardware and firmware versions, power conditions, antenna configuration, active RF paths and the commands or procedures used to activate the required test modes.
FAQ – Practical Questions
How do regulatory approval and Bluetooth qualification differ?
Regulatory approval or conformity assessment is required for market access. Depending on the target market, the product must meet requirements for radio spectrum use, electromagnetic compatibility, safety and other applicable areas.
Bluetooth qualification is a separate requirement governed by the Bluetooth SIG. It confirms that the implemented Bluetooth design complies with the applicable Bluetooth specifications and license agreements. All products marketed as Bluetooth products must complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process.
Regulatory compliance and Bluetooth qualification therefore serve different purposes, and neither replaces the other.
Do I need Bluetooth qualification if I use a qualified module?
Yes. A qualified module can simplify the process, but the final product must still complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process under the product manufacturer’s Bluetooth SIG membership account.
Existing qualified designs may be referenced where permitted. Whether additional testing is required depends on the incorporated design, any changes made during integration and the qualification path generated in Qualification Workspace. The product must be qualified before it is marketed or distributed as a Bluetooth product.
Do I need to retest an approved Bluetooth module in my product?
It depends on the target market, module approval and integration.
For FCC and ISED approvals, an approved module may retain its authorization if all specified integration conditions are met. The host manufacturer must still assess requirements that are not covered by the module approval, such as host emissions, RF exposure, labeling and simultaneous-transmission conditions. Changes to the antenna, hardware, firmware or operating conditions may require additional evaluation or testing.
Under the EU Radio Equipment Directive, there is no equivalent modular approval that automatically establishes conformity of the final product. The manufacturer remains responsible for assessing the complete product. Existing module documentation and test results may be used where technically applicable, but additional testing may be needed to address the final integration.
Bluetooth qualification is separate: the final product must complete the applicable qualification process even when it incorporates an already qualified design.
Do I need a Notified Body for Bluetooth equipment under the RED?
Not necessarily. If the manufacturer fully applies applicable harmonized standards cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, the RED generally permits conformity assessment through internal production control without a Notified Body.
For the radio-spectrum requirements, a Notified Body must be involved if applicable harmonized standards are unavailable, are not applied or are applied only partially. A Notified Body may also be involved voluntarily.
The decision therefore depends on the complete product, the applicable RED requirements and the standards used, not on Bluetooth technology alone. → EU Radio Equipment Directive
Can one test campaign support approval in multiple markets?
Yes, but there is no single approval or test report that is automatically accepted worldwide.
A coordinated test campaign can cover overlapping requirements for several target markets and reduce duplicate measurements. However, each market retains its own technical standards, report formats, documentation requirements and approval procedures. Some countries also require local representatives, authority submissions, product samples or in-country testing.
The target markets should therefore be defined before testing so that the sample configuration, test modes and reporting can support as many required approval paths as possible.
Looking for Support?
Need help with Bluetooth testing, SIG qualification, or multi-market certification?
Our accredited laboratories provide regulatory testing and Bluetooth qualification support for Bluetooth BR/EDR, LE, LE Audio, Mesh and other supported features.→ Bluetooth Regulatory Testing
→ Bluetooth SIG Qualification Support
Further Reading & Official Resources
Selected Regulatory Standards
-
EU – ETSI EN 300 328
Harmonized standard for wideband data transmission equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz band under the RED.
→ ETSI EN 300 328 V2.2.2 (PDF) -
USA – FCC 47 CFR § 15.247
Technical requirements for frequency-hopping and digitally modulated systems operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
→ FCC 47 CFR § 15.247 -
Canada – ISED RSS-247
Requirements for digital transmission systems, frequency-hopping systems and licence-exempt local area network devices.
→ ISED RSS-247 -
Japan – ARIB STD-T66
Technical standard covering 2.4 GHz low-power data communication and wireless LAN equipment, including Bluetooth equipment.
→ ARIB STD-T66
Bluetooth SIG Resources
-
Bluetooth Qualification Process
Official overview of the requirements and steps for qualifying a Bluetooth product.
→ Qualify Your Product -
Qualification Process Quick Start Guide
Practical guidance on completing the Bluetooth Qualification Process through Qualification Workspace.
→ Qualification Process Quick Start Guide -
Test Case Reference List (TCRL)
Current TCRL packages and test-document references used for Bluetooth qualification.
→ Test Case Reference List
Additional Resource
-
TAMSys by IB-Lenhardt AG – Type Approval Management System
A centralized compliance platform for managing radio certification, regulatory data, and certificate tracking across major markets including the EU, USA, China, Japan, Brazil, and more. → TAMSys – Type Approval Management System
This is a curated selection of key sources. For full and up-to-date regulatory documentation, please refer to the official portals of the relevant authorities. All references were verified as of July 2026.
Author: Daniel Lenhardt - CEO & Owner | IB-Lenhardt AG Give feedback on this article