EU Cyber Resilience Act: Why Product Manufacturers Must Act Now

Assume a company acquires forklifts for its new fully autonomous warehouse. One manufacturer has been a long-term supplier, assuming it will get to deliver the new forklifts as well. However, this time, the customer demands an audit report confirming compliance with the forthcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The regular supplier fails to deliver the report by the deadline and requests extra time, which is denied. A compliant competitor gets the deal.

A key reason why the European Union Cyber Resilience Act was enacted is to reduce vulnerabilities that can lead to attacks and data breaches. CRA introduces stringent cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, including hardware, software, and cloud services sold within the EU.

Through its emphasis on robust security features, CRA reshapes the very approach to digital product R&D. It drives proactive risk management and secure-by-design products.

Soon, all physical products with digital components in the market will include some form of AI. CRA mandates that the AI components, models, and agents embedded in devices must be secured just as rigorously as any other software.

Embedded AI must be protected from external manipulation that can lead to malfunctions, data leaks, or even safety risks. For product manufacturers, this means robust testing, clear documentation, and mechanisms to update AI systems post-deployment.

Requirements may appear challenging, but savvy business leaders can take a positive approach. CRA offers a chance to outpace competitors, differentiate, win tenders, and capture market share. How is that possible?

The significance of applying CRA extends beyond avoiding penalties. What matters most is how fast you achieve the required level.

Increasingly, corporate and public sector customers are already including CRA requirements in their supplier contracts. Thus, compliance before the deadline builds trust and helps secure contracts with buyers, especially among customers who require CRA compliance. They will prefer a manufacturer that offers products meeting high cybersecurity standards and reduces their concerns.

Showing early commitment to high security standards has a lasting effect on customers. Even customers outside the EU will appreciate CRA-compliant manufacturers more than non-compliant alternatives.

If you neglect CRA, your reputation is prone to take a serious hit. In the worst case, the EU may ban the sale of products, order their withdrawal from the market, and make public announcements about violations.

CRA will be enforced stepwise. The first timeline is September 2026. By December 2027, full compliance is mandatory. Need a practical starting point? Read our Cyber Resilience Act checklist for product companies

Non-compliance can be very expensive. Local cybersecurity authorities overseeing implementation may pay an unexpected visit and request the component list, i.e., the SBOM. If the documentation is missing, the fine may be up to 5 million euros maximum.

Even harsher sanctions are imposed if a company is slow to respond to a security incident. Device manufacturers are mandated to report exploited vulnerabilities within 24 hours of discovery and provide comprehensive details within 72 hours.

The key to fast, effective compliance that turns into a competitive edge is partnering with an experienced ally. You need to find someone who understands both the technical and business dimensions of the CRA.

Agramkow lacked in-house experience with the regulation and wanted confirmation that the company understands and applies CRA requirements correctly. Etteplan provided fast access to CRA expertise with combined advisory and practical support, validating Agramkow’s approach and ensuring compliance without disrupting internal development work. Read more about the Agramkow collaboration

Preparing for the EU Cyber Resilience Act? We can accelerate your compliance journey, reduce risks, and help you deliver secure products to your customers. Contact us to discuss how we can help turn CRA compliance into a strategic advantage. Talk to our cybersecurity specialists.