Radio / EMC (FCC) Certification

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is the regulatory body responsible for authorising devices that emit radio frequency in the US. There are two main routes: Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), based on the manufacturer's own declaration and used for unintentional radiators; and Certification, mandatory for intentional radiators (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, remote controls) and carried out by an accredited Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB).

• Manufacturers selling wireless products into the US
• Manufacturers of digital devices and IT equipment
• IoT and connected-device developers
• Manufacturers of equipment with a switching power supply or motor control

Mandatory for devices within scope; they cannot be marketed in the US without authorisation. Intentional radiators require certification through a TCB and an FCC ID. Manufacturers outside the US must also appoint a US-based responsible party (US Agent for Service of Process) and register it with the FCC.

• Device classification: intentional radiator, unintentional radiator, incidental radiator
• Applicable FCC rules: Part 15 (general), Part 18 (industrial/scientific/medical), Part 22/24/27 (cellular bands)
• Transmit power, bandwidth, spectral mask and unwanted-emission limits
• Unintentional-emission (radiated/conducted) limits: Class A (industrial) and Class B (residential)
• RF exposure assessment (SAR or MPE)
• Obtaining an FCC ID and the Grantee Code
• Marking and user-information text
• Appointing a US-based responsible party

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• ULNorth America Product Safety
• ETLNorth America Product Safety
• CSACanada Product Safety
• Energy StarEnergy Efficiency
• WaterSenseWater Efficiency
• CEEU Product Conformity
• UKCAUnited Kingdom Conformity
• ENECElectrical Product Safety