Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is gaining momentum across the automotive and smartphone sectors, enabling digital key systems, secure access, precise ranging, and advanced device-to-device positioning. As adoption increases, understanding regional regulatory differences is essential for successful global market access.
Global Regulatory Direction
Outside the United States, most UWB regulations do not follow the FCC 3.1–10.6 GHz framework under FCC Part 15 Subpart F. Instead, many markets align more closely with the EU-style 6–8.5 GHz range covered by ETSI EN 302 065, which is widely accepted for automotive and consumer UWB applications.
Regional Considerations
EMEA
The EMEA region generally follows the European ETSI framework, with UWB operation primarily defined in the 6–8.5 GHz band. This is one of the most stable and harmonised UWB allocations globally, making it a key foundation for automotive digital keys and smartphone UWB features.
The EMEA region generally follows the European ETSI framework, with UWB operation primarily defined in the 6–8.5 GHz band. This is one of the most stable and harmonised UWB allocations globally, making it a key foundation for automotive digital keys and smartphone UWB features.
APAC
APAC remains more varied. Some markets adopt EU-style bands, while others apply national requirements, including Japan, Korea, and China. China has recently updated its UWB rules, introducing a 7163–8812 MHz band and replacing older requirements. Devices intended for China must follow MIIT [2024] No. 77.
APAC remains more varied. Some markets adopt EU-style bands, while others apply national requirements, including Japan, Korea, and China. China has recently updated its UWB rules, introducing a 7163–8812 MHz band and replacing older requirements. Devices intended for China must follow MIIT [2024] No. 77.
LATAM
LATAM typically does not follow FCC rules and more commonly aligns with higher EU-style UWB bands. Requirements can still vary by market.
LATAM typically does not follow FCC rules and more commonly aligns with higher EU-style UWB bands. Requirements can still vary by market.
Approval Planning and Testing
Because UWB requirements differ by region, careful planning and region-specific configuration are essential. This is especially important when preparing samples for countries that require in-country testing, or when submitting documentation for paperwork-only markets that may accept EU or FCC test data.
- Configure samples with the correct frequency band settings ahead of testing.
- Use a dedicated RF test mode for radiated testing where local testing is required, along with as-sold samples for EMC and Safety tests (where applicable).
- Submit the correct EU or FCC report package for paperwork-only approvals.
How Eleos Can Support UWB Market Access
Eleos supports UWB market access programmes across the automotive and smartphone sectors, including projects for digital key systems, in-vehicle modules, secure access platforms, and advanced positioning technologies.
Our support is designed to help manufacturers manage the complexity of UWB approvals across regions where frequency bands, test expectations, and documentation requirements can differ significantly.
Key areas of support include:
- Type Approval planning for UWB devices.
- Guidance on applicable UWB frequency bands and approval routes.
- Coordination of in-country testing.
- Preparation and review of TCF.
Eleos is working to include Global UWB data in our Eleos Intelligence Portal, including market-specific requirements, which already covers several radio technologies.
With a globally distributed team aligned to every major time zone, Eleos provides the continuous regional coverage needed to keep UWB projects moving efficiently and compliantly.
If you are preparing a UWB Type Approval submission or planning a broader global market access programme, Eleos can help define the right route, reduce approval risk, and support a faster path to launch.
Contact Us to discuss your UWB compliance requirements.
Eleos Compliance offers international Type Approval and regulatory intelligence for radio-enabled devices. Contact us for more information.