Why SS-EN 18031-1 Certification Matters for IoT Device Manufacturers in the EU

As the European Union strengthens its regulatory framework around digital products, cybersecurity certification is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a requirement. For manufacturers of IoT and connected devices, compliance with SS-EN 18031-1 offers a clear path to market access, trust, and long-term viability under evolving EU legislation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what SS-EN 18031-1 is, why certification matters, how it aligns with key EU regulations, and how an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab like Palindrome Technologies can help bring your product to market with confidence.

What Is SS-EN 18031-1?

SS-EN 18031-1 is a European cybersecurity standard designed to assess the security characteristics of information and communication technology (ICT) products—including IoT devices. It sets out structured technical and procedural requirements that support the secure development, configuration, and maintenance of digital products.

The standard helps manufacturers prove that their devices:

• Are securely configured out of the box
• Can resist known vulnerabilities and attacks
• Offer safe and verifiable update mechanisms
• Have properly managed security lifecycles

It is part of a growing set of harmonized standards aimed at supporting compliance with EU legislative requirements—making it directly applicable to devices sold across the European market.

Why IoT Manufacturers Should Pay Attention

The rapid growth of IoT—across sectors like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and smart homes—has made these devices a prime target for cyber threats. Yet many IoT products lack even basic security features, putting users and critical infrastructure at risk.

SS-EN 18031-1 certification enables IoT manufacturers to:

• Demonstrate proactive security: Show customers and regulators that your product was tested and validated by an independent lab.
• Gain faster access to EU markets: Certification smooths the compliance path for RED, CRA, and other legal frameworks.
• Avoid recalls and regulatory delays: Non-compliant products risk being pulled from shelves or barred from import/export within the EU.
• Enhance customer trust: Certified products carry more weight in procurement decisions and B2B relationships.

Alignment with Key EU Cybersecurity Legislation

Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

The CRA introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for digital products placed on the EU market. SS-EN 18031-1 helps fulfill many of these obligations, including secure development, vulnerability handling, and lifecycle management.

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Article 3.3

Starting in 2025, connected wireless devices sold in the EU must implement specific security features. Certification to SS-EN 18031-1 provides a recognized route to RED compliance, especially for IoT devices with wireless interfaces.

NIS2 Directive

While NIS2 targets essential service providers and critical infrastructure, its emphasis on supply chain security means that certified IoT products can significantly reduce vendor risk and improve compliance posture for downstream customers.

The Role of ISO/IEC 17025-Accredited Testing Labs

Certification is only as credible as the lab behind it. That’s why working with an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory—like Palindrome Technologies—is essential.

As a trusted lab with decades of cybersecurity testing experience, Palindrome offers:

• Unbiased, independent testing that meets international accreditation requirements
• Expertise in embedded systems and next-gen technologies such as 5G, V2X, and industrial IoT
• Support throughout the certification process, from readiness assessments to formal SS-EN 18031-1 evaluation
• Detailed, actionable reporting aligned with EN, IEC, and ISO standards

Conclusion: Prepare Today, Compete Tomorrow

The message is clear: if you're building or marketing IoT devices for the European market, cybersecurity certification isn’t optional—it’s essential. SS-EN 18031-1 certification, backed by a recognized ISO/IEC 17025 test lab, is the clearest way to meet emerging legal requirements, demonstrate product quality, and win the trust of regulators, customers, and end users alike.

Learn more about our testing and certification services