Canada · Global Market Access
Entering the Canadian Market: ISED Radio Certification
Certification and technical acceptance number for radio equipment.
- Market
- Canada
- Site
- North America
- Mark
- ISED
01What is it?
ISED is responsible for the certification of radio equipment in Canada. For devices within scope a technical acceptance number (IC number) is obtained and shown on the product.
02Why Does This Scheme Exist?
In Canada the regulation of radio and telecommunications equipment arises from spectrum management competence and is at federal level. While electrical safety is tied to provincial codes, the radio side is entirely federal; this duality determines the structure of the regime.
The arrangement divides products into two groups. For radio transmitters and receivers the product is tested in a recognised laboratory to the relevant technical specification and registered with an identifying number allocated to it. For unintentional radiator electronic products a simpler conformity arrangement applies.
The distinguishing condition of registration is that the application is made through a representative ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTRY. A foreign manufacturer cannot be the registration holder directly; part of the allocated number is tied to that established party and the number must be visible on the product.
The technical specifications are largely harmonised with the neighbouring market and this markedly reduces the testing burden: the same test data can in most cases be used for both markets. But the registration processes and identifier arrangements are separate; approval in one market does not secure registration in the other.
Antenna and module arrangements are also governed separately: the use of an approved module in a finished product is subject to conditions and when the antenna gain and mounting arrangement change, a new assessment is required. The bilingual user information obligation also applies to radio products.
03Whose Obligation?
The obligation lies with the party marketing the product; a representative established in Canada is expected in the certification application.
04Required Documents
- A radio test report to the RSS standards
- Device description, frequency and power details
- RF exposure assessment
- User manual and label sample
- Canadian representative details
05Process
- 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
- 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
- 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
- 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
- 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
- 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
- 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
- 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.
06Points to Watch
- FCC approval does not take the place of ISED; the two regimes are separate
- FCC test data can be used in an ISED application and shortens the process
- The IC number is shown on the product
- Bilingual user information texts are required
07Neighbouring Schemes and the Difference
- 01Radio registration and safety certificationThese are separate competences and separate evidence: radio is federal and safety is tied to provincial codes. Neither satisfies the other.
- 02Canadian radio registration and US approvalThe technical specifications are largely harmonised and test data can be shared; but the registration processes and identifiers are separate.
- 03Transmitters and unintentional radiatorsA product carrying a transmitter requires registration and an identifier; for a product carrying only digital circuitry a simpler conformity arrangement applies.
- 04Use of modulesAn approved module is a conditional convenience; when the antenna gain, mounting or co-located transmitter arrangement changes, the finished product is reassessed.
08Scheme Detail
There is no separate certification page for this mark; the scope and process are as described on this page. The roadmap specific to your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.
09Other Marks in the Canada Market
10Frequently Asked Questions
This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.
The certification timeline varies with the product, the required test workload, sample shipping time and the authority's workload; for this reason, no duration in days or weeks is given on these pages. The main factors determining the timeline are: whether testing must be performed in the target country, whether a factory audit is required, the time to appoint a local representative, and the current maturity of the technical file. A realistic timeline for your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.
Market access regimes change frequently: scope lists are updated, transition periods are extended, new requirements are added. These pages describe the structure of the regime and who bears the obligation; the applicable scope and dates for your product are confirmed from the current legislative text at the quote stage.
Canada · ISED roadmap for
Tell us about your product; we'll share the required steps, documents and timeline in writing.