Drones: ensure quality and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/945

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The drone market in France is experiencing sustained growth, driven by the rise of professional and recreational uses. Numerous sectors such as construction, civil engineering, energy, security, defense, agriculture, emergency services, and logistics are now integrating these aerial systems to improve efficiency and precision.
At the same time, regulatory requirements concerning drones are becoming increasingly strict, particularly with Regulation (EU) 2019/945, which governs the placing on the market of civilian drones and their components. In this context, manufacturers, importers, and distributors must guarantee high levels of safety, performance, and compliance to meet the expectations of both users and authorities.

LNE offers a range of services aimed at supporting them in the qualification, evaluation and compliance of their drones.

Tests for conformity to Regulation (EU) 2019/945

Regulation (EU) 2019/945 sets out essential requirements (radio/communications, electromagnetic compatibility, battery safety, acoustics, etc.), compliance with which must be demonstrated through testing, analysis, and documentation.

To meet these compliance requirements, LNE offers the following services:

Radio Frequency Testing

Drones use radio frequencies for piloting, navigation, and data transmission. They must therefore comply with the requirements of the RED Directive (2014/53/EU), which is integrated into the compliance process under Regulation 2019/945.

Radio testing verifies that:

• The drone transmits within the authorized bands,
• The transmission power is compliant,
• There is no risk of interference with other systems.

This ensures compliance with the wireless communication technical specifications of the regulation.

>> Learn more about the radio tests offered

Electromagnetic compatibility tests

Regulation (EU) 2019/945 requires that drones not cause or be affected by other electronic equipment. This aligns with the core requirements of the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), which also applies to CE marking, a prerequisite for placing a product on the market.

EMC testing verifies that the drone:

•  Does not emit excessive electromagnetic interference,
•  Operates correctly in a normal electromagnetic environment.

>> Learn more about Electromagnetic compatibility tests 

Electrical safety tests

Drones incorporate numerous electrical and electronic components as well as a number of moving parts necessary for their proper functioning. Therefore, as specified in Regulation 2019/945, if a drone cannot be considered a toy as described in Directive 2009/48, it must be considered a machine and comply with the applicable health and safety requirements set out in the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (replaced by Regulation 2023/1230 which will enter into force in January 2027).

To meet some of these requirements, testing is necessary. This testing allows us to:

• Prevent the risk of accidents, particularly those involving sensitive batteries, motors, electronic circuits, and onboard control systems, as well as electrical faults that could cause fires, short circuits, overheating, or critical failures in flight.
• Verify that electrical components function correctly under various conditions: voltage surges, temperature variations, humidity, and vibrations.

>>Learn more about Electrical safety tests

Cybersecurity Testing

As drones become increasingly connected (Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE, etc.), they are consequently becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks. To meet the essential requirements of the RED Directive (2014/53/EU), addressing these threats and conducting functional tests may be necessary.

Through its subsidiary BYCB, LNE offers cybersecurity testing and assessments that enable manufacturers to significantly reduce these risks and strengthen the credibility and trust in their products

>> Learn more about Cybersecurity Testing

Acoustic tests to measure sound level

In order to regulate noise pollution, a growing issue for the integration of drones into our urban and natural environments, the latter must have a declaration of their noise level according to the terms defined in the regulations (Regulation (EU) 2019/945 amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1058, which sets the technical requirements for drones, including the guaranteed acoustic power level).

For the required technical and documentary procedures, LNE can assist you with:

• Measuring the noise level according to the specified methods, in accordance with standard EN ISO 3744,
• Indicating the sound power level in the EU declaration of conformity.

>> Learn more about acoustic tests

Additional tests to ensure the quality of the drones

Although not explicitly mandated by Regulation (EU) 2019/945, these tests are strongly recommended to guarantee the quality—reliability, safety, durability, robustness—of your drones, especially for professional or intensive use. They will also allow you to demonstrate your technical expertise in addressing current and future challenges and to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Vibration and shock tests

Drones must be designed to withstand normal operating conditions, including vibrations, particularly those caused by flight, transport, or environmental conditions.

Vibration and shock testing allows us to:

• Validate the drone's mechanical robustness,
• Ensure that critical components (electronics, structure, propellers) withstand vibrational stresses without failure.

>> Learn more about vibration and shock tests

Transport simulation tests

Identifying design or packaging weaknesses improves drone reliability, reduces warranty returns, ensures out-of-the-box performance, and optimizes product protection during distribution.

These tests allow us to:

• Verify that the drone, its battery, remote control, and accessories can withstand the physical stresses experienced during transport (vibrations, shocks, compression, and temperature variations),
• Anticipate potential damage (cracks, sensor misalignment, propeller damage, electronic failures, battery deterioration, etc.),
• Validate the product's robustness under realistic conditions.

>> Learn more about transportation simulation

Climatic tests

Drones must be able to operate in a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, etc., depending on their intended use.

Climate testing ensures that:

• Components do not suffer degradation or malfunction under extreme conditions,
• The drone maintains its performance in varied environments.

>> Learn more about climatic tests

Lighting and signaling

This lighting system (position, orientation and anti-collision lights) is a key safety element for civilian drones. It improves the visibility and detection of devices in the airspace, particularly during night flights, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or in densely populated urban areas.

LNE assists you in the qualification of your lighting systems (position lights, orientation lights, anti-collision lights: maneuverability lights, auxiliary lights, visibility lights, flashing and strobe lights, alternating lights, etc.) to ensure a high level of safety and compliance with industry best practices. LNE is also preparing to support you with the upcoming PR NF EN 4709-004 standard.

Tests offered:

• Spectral measurements for colorimetric calculations according to CIE 1931 using a standard spectroradiometer.
• Illuminance measurements for intensity calculations using a standard luxmeter positioned at 100 cm and at various angles from 0° to 315°.

>> Learn more about the tests offered (in french)

AI Evaluation

More and more drones are using AI algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mission optimization. With over 15 years of experience in the field, LNE offers the following services through its dedicated AI platform:

• AI Evaluation :
  • Risk analysis and certification
  • Performance and robustness evaluation
  • Evaluation according to AI Act
  • Database evaluation and optimization

• Immersion testing: simulation of realistic and immersive environments to test the drone's overall behavior.

>> Learn more about the AI ​​evaluation and tests 

Why choose the LNE?

•  One-stop shop: With its acoustic and optical testing capabilities, for which it is the only laboratory to possess dual expertise, LNE is the only laboratory in France to offer such a comprehensive range of services to meet the requirements of the regulation and ensure the quality, safety, reliability, and performance of drones.
• A recognized, independent, and trusted third-party organization, guaranteeing complete impartiality and recognized methodological rigor in the field of conformity assessment.
• Cofrac* accredited testing laboratories, meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 for their testing and calibration activities, and possessing the necessary skills and accreditations to carry out all the mandatory tests related to Regulation (EU) 2019/945, as well as any additional tests.
• High-quality test reports: Clear and usable content to facilitate submission to a notified body.

*Accreditation Numbers, locations, and scopes available at cofrac.fr