Drones and vehicles
EU Declaration of Conformity for Drones: requirements and checklist
By Ing. Jaroslav Křepelka, Owner, DoC solutions s.r.o. · Updated 22 September 2026
Consumer drones sold for the EU "open" category are CE marked under their own act, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, which sorts them into classes C0 to C4 and sets class-specific design requirements. The radio link adds the Radio Equipment Directive, and the camera and app usually bring the RED cybersecurity requirements in as well.
This page covers ready-to-fly drones intended for the open category. Drones marketed as toys follow the Toy Safety Directive in addition, and drones for the specific or certified categories follow different routes.
Checklist: what your drone declaration must contain
- Drone model and class (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4) exactly as on the class identification label
- Name and postal address of the manufacturer (and of the authorised representative, if appointed)
- The statement that the declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, and the notified body and EU type-examination certificate where the class requires one
- Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, including Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 where applicable
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
- The harmonised standards applied, with versions
- Place and date of issue, name and function of the signatory, and the signature
Which EU legislation applies
| Legislation | Applies? | In the DoC? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unmanned aircraft systemsDelegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 | Applies | In the DoC: Yes | Class-specific requirements (mass, speed, geo-awareness, lights, direct remote identification for the higher classes) and the class identification label. Classes C0 and C4 may use internal production control where harmonised standards have been applied for all requirements they cover; C1, C2 and C3 need EU type-examination by a notified body or full quality assurance (Article 13). |
| Radio Equipment Directive2014/53/EU | Applies | In the DoC: Yes | Remote control, video downlink and Wi-Fi. Drones that communicate over the internet (for example through the app) must meet the network-protection requirement of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 since 1 August 2025; its data-protection and fraud requirements do not apply to products covered by the aviation Regulation (EU) 2018/1139. |
| Machinery Directive2006/42/EC | Depends on model | In the DoC: Yes | For drones that are not toys, Regulation 2019/945 requires compliance with the machinery health and safety requirements for risks other than flight safety (Article 4(2)). |
| Toy Safety Directive2009/48/EC | Depends on model | In the DoC: Yes | Only for drones designed or intended for children under 14 to play with. Toy drones cannot use the full quality assurance route under Regulation 2019/945. |
| RoHS Directive2011/65/EU | Applies | In the DoC: Yes | Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. |
| Batteries Regulation(EU) 2023/1542 | Applies | In the DoC: No | Obligations for the flight battery and the controller battery: labelling, collection symbol, producer registration. |
Typical harmonised standards
A harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity only in the version cited in the Official Journal of the EU. Always check the current list for each directive before you issue or update a declaration (European Commission: harmonised standards); the versions below are the ones commonly used at the time of writing, and the right selection depends on your product.
Drone product requirements
The EN 4709 series was written to support Regulation 2019/945; EN 4709-001 was published in April 2026 but, at the time of writing, is not yet cited in the Official Journal, so it does not yet give presumption of conformity.
- EN 4709-001:2026Aerospace series — Unmanned aircraft systems — Product requirements and verification (classes C0 to C4)
Radio and EMC
Versions shown are cited under RED in Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2191 as amended.
- ETSI EN 300 328 V2.2.22.4 GHz remote control and Wi-Fi
- ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 or EN 300 440 V2.1.15 GHz RLAN links, or short-range devices such as 5.8 GHz video
- ETSI EN 303 413 V1.2.1GNSS receivers
- ETSI EN 301 489-1 and EN 301 489-17 V3.3.1EMC for radio equipment
Safety, EMF and cybersecurity
- EN 62368-1Electrical safety of the controller and charger electronics (LVD list: 2014 edition)
- EN 62479 or EN 62311Human exposure to electromagnetic fields
- EN 18031-1:2024Internet-connected radio equipment (cited with restrictions)
Already have a declaration for your drone?
A certification expert checks it against everything on this page and tells you exactly what to fix. Written report in 48 hours, €99 per product (excl. VAT).
Common mistakes in drone declarations
No reference to Regulation 2019/945
A drone sold for the open category needs its class marking under 2019/945. A declaration that lists only RED and RoHS describes a radio product, not a class-marked drone.
Self-declared C1 or C2
Classes C1 to C3 require EU type-examination by a notified body (or full quality assurance). A declaration without the notified body and certificate reference is incomplete.
Class label and declaration disagree
The class on the drone, the label, the packaging and the declaration must match, and the drone must meet the mass and speed limits of that class.
Remote identification not covered
The higher classes must support direct remote identification. The technical file should show how the requirement is met and tested.
Radio variants not identified
Different controller or video-link versions for different markets need to be identified and covered by radio test reports.
What you need besides the declaration
- Technical documentation
- Design and test evidence for each 2019/945 requirement of the class, radio, EMC and safety reports, cybersecurity assessment, battery data and RoHS documentation. Keep it for 10 years.
- Class identification label and consumer information
- The class label on the drone and packaging, and the consumer information notice published by EASA, supplied in the local language.
- Instructions
- Operating instructions covering the class limitations, geo-awareness, remote ID and battery safety, in the language of each EU country where the drone is sold.
- Operator obligations
- Operator registration and pilot competence under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 are the user's obligations, but your instructions should explain them.
- Economic operator in the EU
- An importer or authorised representative established in the EU, identified on the product, packaging or accompanying document.
No EU presence yet? We can act as your EU authorised representative or responsible person.
Frequently asked questions
Does a drone under 250 g need CE marking?
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If it is placed on the market for the open category with a class identification label, yes: a C0 drone is CE marked under Regulation (EU) 2019/945. Its radio link also falls under the Radio Equipment Directive.
Do I need a notified body for my drone?
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For classes C1, C2 and C3, yes: EU type-examination by a notified body (or full quality assurance). C0 and C4 can use internal production control where harmonised standards cover the requirements.
Do the RED cybersecurity rules apply to drones?
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The network-protection requirement applies to internet-connected drones since 1 August 2025. The data-protection and fraud requirements do not apply to radio equipment covered by the aviation Regulation (EU) 2018/1139.
What does MyCECheck check on a drone declaration?
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The class and conformity route under 2019/945, notified body references, RED and cybersecurity coverage, standards and versions, and the product identification. Written report within 48 hours.
Already have a declaration for your drone?
A certification expert checks it against everything on this page and tells you exactly what to fix. Written report in 48 hours, €99 per product (excl. VAT).