RED-DA Compliant Matter devices with ESP-ZeroCode

In this blog we will introduce how combining the Espressif RED-DA compliance framework along with the ESP ZeroCode platform can help accelerate your product development

With the EU Radio Equipment Directive Delegated Act (RED‑DA) now in effect, all radio equipment placed on the EU market must meet the mandatory cybersecurity and update requirements defined in EN 18031.

Espressif has integrated RED‑DA support into the ESP‑ZeroCode platform, enabling developers and product teams to generate Matter firmware and a RED‑DA‑oriented documentation package in one step. This integration reduces manual work, simplifies technical documentation, and accelerates time‑to‑market for EU‑bound Matter devices.

As with all RED‑DA workflows, the end‑product manufacturer remains responsible for the final Declaration of Conformity and for ensuring that the complete device (hardware + firmware + cloud/backend) meets the applicable EN 18031 requirements.

What’s New: Integrated RED‑DA Support in ESP‑ZeroCode
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ESP‑ZeroCode now delivers a RED‑DA documentation starter package alongside the generated device firmware:

Pre‑filled compliance templates
Espressif provides documentation aligned with EN 18031 and our RED‑DA guidance, including:
- Platform‑level security features and defaults
- Network stack and secure update mechanisms
- Standard technical specifications for the ESP‑ZeroCode Matter platform
Documentation structured for final use
The package is organized to match typical RED‑DA technical documentation expectations, so it can be:
- Used directly for self‑assessment and Declaration of Conformity, or
- Used as input for Approved Testing Laboratories (ATLs) or Notified Bodies, when needed

With this integration, developers no longer have to assemble the technical file from scratch. Platform‑level conformance is captured by Espressif’s pre‑filled content, while the manufacturer completes the remaining device‑specific sections as part of their normal product documentation flow.

How the Integration Works
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Pre‑Filled Compliance Templates
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The templates provided via ESP‑ZeroCode are derived from Espressif’s RED‑DA documentation framework described in RED‑DA Compliance Part 2 and prepared in collaboration with Brightsight:

Based on EN 18031 mappings for Article 3(3)(d)/(e)/(f), where applicable
Include:
- Platform security configuration and defaults
- Secure communication and cryptography settings
- OTA / secure update capabilities

These templates serve as a starting point for the final technical documentation package expected by Market Surveillance Authorities and Notified Bodies.

Product‑Specific Inputs by the Manufacturer
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The end‑product manufacturer augments the templates with device‑specific information to complete the technical file. Typical additions include:

Detailed device description and intended use
Target user group and installation environment
Mechanical design and PCB schematics
Power, radio, and enclosure details
Application‑level behavior and any customizations that may affect security or privacy

This ensures that the documentation accurately reflects the actual device, operational environment, and manufacturing setup, while still leveraging Espressif’s platform‑level content.

Documentation Delivered with Firmware
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ESP‑ZeroCode exports both the production‑ready Matter firmware and the RED‑DA documentation starter package in one step:

The package includes Espressif’s pre‑filled sections for the ESP‑ZeroCode platform and the device type configured based on the connectivity as well as the SoC chosen
Placeholders and headings make it clear where manufacturers should add their own product details
Once completed, the package can be used for:
- RED‑DA self‑declaration (Declaration of Conformity issued by the manufacturer), or
- Submissions to an ATL or Notified Body, when a formal third‑party assessment is preferred or required

Workflow: From Device Design to RED‑DA‑Oriented Package
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Select or customize a device template in ESP‑ZeroCode.
Configure Matter device using the standard ESP‑ZeroCode workflow.
Check the EU RED-DA checkbox in the ESP-ZeroCode Benfits page.
ESP-ZeroCode Benefits
Complete product‑specific sections in the provided templates as part of your internal documentation process.
ESP-ZeroCode RED-DA Product Details
Use the completed package for RED‑DA self‑assessment or as input to an ATL/Notified Body, and proceed to Matter ecosystem certification if applicable.

This integrated workflow reduces manual documentation work and provides a clear, unified path toward EU compliance.

Benefits for Developers and Product Teams
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Espressif’s integrated solution provides concrete advantages for any developer building Matter devices for the EU market:

Single‑step delivery of firmware + RED‑DA documentation starter package
Reduced manual effort in preparing technical files
Clear responsibility split
- Espressif: platform‑level documentation and security configuration
- Manufacturer: product‑specific details and final conformity decision
Faster EU market entry with pre‑validated platform documentation
Confidence in security and interoperability: templates incorporate Espressif’s EN 18031‑aligned safeguards at the platform level
Simplified scaling across multiple device variants without repeating core platform compliance work
Accessible for teams of any size, from solo developers to larger organizations

This approach allows teams to focus on innovation and differentiation, while Espressif provides a strong regulatory foundation at the platform level.

Example Use Case
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A team building a Matter‑enabled smart light for the EU market can:

Use ESP‑ZeroCode to configure the smart light profile and select an appropriate Matter device template.
Generate the firmware + RED‑DA documentation starter package.
Add product‑specific information such as manufacturer details, PCB schematics, operational environment, and model identifiers into the templates.
Use this package for RED‑DA self‑declaration or as input to an ATL / Notified Body, depending on their chosen compliance pathway.

The result: faster launch, reduced engineering effort, and RED‑DA‑oriented Matter devices with minimal manual documentation work.

Conclusion
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By integrating RED‑DA support into ESP‑ZeroCode, Espressif provides a streamlined, end‑to‑end path for Matter device development targeting the EU market. Developers and product teams can now generate firmware and RED‑DA‑aligned documentation together.

This unified approach reduces engineering effort, minimizes compliance risk, and accelerates time‑to‑market for secure, interoperable, and EU‑ready Matter devices.