Smartwatch between CE marking, regulations and growing market

Evolution of the classic wristwatch with an Internet of Things perspective, the smartwatch establishes itself as one of the most successful products in the category.wearable technology”. Among the key characteristics that motivate the net increase in demand of these devices, there is the opportunity to monitor calls, messages and emails immediately; the possibility of using a wide variety of widgets and applications and, furthermore, of being able to also be used as simple fitness trackers, between monitoring sports performance and controlling parameters.

Smartwatch: types and functions

Defining itself as a functional extension of the smartphones, smartwatch technology has varying degrees of correlation with the user's phone. We could indicate how smartwatches employees” those in which most of the functionality finds form when connected to smartphones; on the contrary, the “stand alone” can work independently of the phone, even hosting SIM cards. Halfway between the two, the smartwatches hybrids” they work autonomously with regards to basic functions - for example connection to the Internet - and need to be connected to smartphones, however, for functions related to messaging and calls.

What defines the various product ranges is not only the functionality, but also the components. Among the types of display there are for example i TFT, not very bright and benefit from reduced energy consumption; the best known LCD, which are brighter than the previous ones and, finally, the OLED or AMOLED, characterized by an even clearer color contrast.

The hardware components – processor, internal memory and RAM – i integrated sensors – for example GPS, heart rate and pulse oximeter – and the type of connectivity – Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – help to delineate various categories of devices, in relation to the performance sought by users.

Marketing smartwatches: CE MARKING

To be marketed legitimately and safely, smartwatches must obtain the CE marking and respect them European standards defined by Directive 2014/30/EU on Electromagnetic Compatibility, by Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive), by regulation 2002/95/EC (RoHS Directive) and by Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) on radio equipment .

L'obtaining the CE marking for this type of product it is based, precisely, onapplication of harmonized standards which lead to the verification of the requirements. A basic element of marketing is the drafting of a technical file connected to the product - which collects all the documentation aimed at certifying the conformity of the device - and of the EU Declaration of Conformity which indicates the legitimacy of the product with respect to the legal requirements. L'application of the CE mark, in a visible, legible and indelible way, is to be counted among the duties of the manufacturer, but the entire process of attestation of conformity also involves the figures of importer and distributor.

There drafting of Declaration of Conformity and Technical File, the affixing of the CE mark, the conservation of the documentation for the following ten years are among the key points related to the figure of the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is outside the European Community, we find similar tasks among the duties of the importer.

It's up toimporter, for example, verify the provision of the CE Declaration of Conformity and documentation for traceability and it is up to him to ensure that - during the period in which the product is under his responsibility - the conformity of the device is not put at risk. Just like the importer, also the distributor has the obligation to ensure that the conformity of the products continues, reporting any hypothetical inconsistencies detected to the Authorities.

The smartwatch market: overview and projections

The global impact of COVID-19 has seen the sector be hit by a increase in demand during the pandemic. According to data from Counterpoint Research reports in the third quarter of 2021 le shipments of smartwatches are grown by 16% compared to the same period of the previous year and, in turn, in the second quarter of 2022 are grown by 13%, compared to the same period in 2021.

There global dimension of the smartwatch market in 2020 stood at 18.62 billion dollars. According to the Smartwatch Market and Forecast 2022–2028 by Facts and Factors, the global smartwatch market is expected to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5% from 2022 to 2028. The global smartwatch market was worth $22.46 billion in 2021 and is expected to surpass $97.52 billion by 2028.

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