An Operational Description based on the RED Delegated Act, EN 303 645, and EN 18031 is a cornerstone of CE and cybersecurity compliance, detailing how your connected product functions — including its software, hardware, connectivity, and security mechanisms.
At 360Compliance, we create documentation aligned with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Delegated Act, ETSI EN 303 645, and EN 18031, ensuring your product is audit-ready, secure, and globally marketable.
What Is an Operational Description for CE & RED Compliance?
An Operational Description explains the internal and external workings of a device or system. It is a key part of your technical documentation for CE and RED cybersecurity conformity.
It typically includes:
- Functional architecture: components, modules, and communication flows
- Interfaces & network topology: how your device connects to others or to the cloud
- Security controls in practice: authentication, encryption, and update mechanisms
- Operational modes: normal, maintenance, and failure states
👉 Refer to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Delegated Act on EUR-Lex for the official framework.
Key Components of a Compliance-Ready Operational Description
A strong operational description should include:
- Device overview (OS, firmware, chipset)
- Data flows and protection measures
- Interface descriptions (USB, Wi-Fi, BLE, etc.)
- Cryptography and key management
- Update and patch processes
- Vulnerability disclosure and incident handling
- Power-up, boot, and safe mode behavior
- Variant mapping for product families
Why Operational Descriptions Based on the RED Delegated Act, EN 303 645 & EN 18031 Matter for CE Cybersecurity Compliance
Operational Descriptions are crucial for compliance because they:
- Demonstrate “security by design” as required by EN 303 645 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
- Streamline CE/UKCA certification by pre-answering assessor questions
- Support product family documentation under EN 18031
- Build customer trust by proving your security design approach
360Compliance Operational Description Services
We assist manufacturers and importers with:
- Drafting operational descriptions for IoT, ICT, and radio devices
- Reviewing existing documentation for CE/UKCA and RED compliance
- Mapping cybersecurity requirements to EN 303 645, EN 18031, and the RED Delegated Act
- Preparing materials for audits and technical reviews
- Providing end-to-end CE cybersecurity documentation
💡 Also see our related pages:
Topology Compliance | EN 303 645 Testing | Cyber Resilience Act Support
How to Prepare a RED-Compliant Operational Description
Our proven 6-step process:
- Collect system architecture and module data
- Model data flows and identify threat paths
- Map security controls to RED Delegated Act and EN 303 645
- Draft the operational documentation with diagrams
- Review and iterate with engineering and security teams
- Validate in lab or field conditions before submission
FAQs About CE Operational Descriptions
Is an Operational Description mandatory?
Not always explicitly required, but most Notified Bodies expect it for RED cybersecurity assessments.
Does it replace test reports?
No. It complements testing by documenting how the product is intended to function securely.
Do variants need separate descriptions?
Only when they differ significantly. Otherwise, reference a shared base document for product families.
Why Choose 360Compliance
- End-to-End Documentation Support – from concept to technical file submission
- Cybersecurity Expertise – we ensure accurate and regulator-ready content
- Global Market Access – aligned with RED Delegated Act, EN 303 645, and EN 18031
- Consistency Across Product Families – unified documentation approach
- Fixed Transparent Pricing – no hidden fees or revisions
Contact our experts today to prepare your Operational Description based on the RED Delegated Act, EN 303 645 and EN 18031 and achieve full CE cybersecurity compliance.
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