EU EN 18031 Cybersecurity Standard Enforced: Smart Elevator Exports Face New Compliance Threshold


Q: What are the core control requirements of the EN 18031 standard?

A: The EN 18031 standard puts forward multi-level security requirements for elevator control systems with networking functions: first, at the identity authentication level, devices must have a strong password protection mechanism, and the use of default factory passwords is prohibited; second, at the data transmission level, all remote communication data must be encrypted to prevent data leakage and tampering; third, at the access control level, a hierarchical authority management system needs to be established to control operations such as remote maintenance and firmware upgrade; fourth, at the vulnerability repair level, manufacturers are required to have continuous security update capabilities to promptly fix known system security vulnerabilities.


Q: What specific impacts does this standard have on elevator export enterprises?

A: The most direct impact is the increase in export compliance costs. Traditional elevator certification focuses on hardware testing, while EN 18031 requires in-depth security assessment of elevator embedded software, including strict indicators such as unit test coverage ≥ 95% and fault diagnosis coverage ≥ 98%, resulting in significantly longer certification cycles and higher costs. Secondly, product R&D logic needs to be adjusted, and cybersecurity architecture must be embedded in the electrical system design stage rather than adding functional modules later. In addition, export enterprises also need to establish a long-term cybersecurity operation and maintenance mechanism and bear the responsibility for security updates throughout the product life cycle.


Q: How can foreign trade enterprises quickly adapt to the requirements of this standard?

A: First, sort out existing export product models, distinguish between pure hardware-controlled and network-connected smart products, and prioritize compliance transformation of main export smart models. Second, cooperate with certification bodies with cybersecurity testing qualifications to carry out security assessment and rectification of control systems. Third, optimize the electrical system design process, incorporate cybersecurity requirements into the product definition stage, and meet standard requirements from the underlying architecture level. Fourth, establish a product security update mechanism with remote firmware upgrade capabilities to fulfill ongoing security maintenance obligations.