Obtaining FCC certification can be challenging. But if you want to sell or distribute products using radio spectrum in the United States, Clever Compliance can help you gain market access.
Where is FCC certification required?
Any radio frequency equipment that is produced, sold or distributed in the US must have FCC certification. The label is often found on products sold outside the US because those products were either manufactured in the States and then exported or are also sold in the USA. This makes the FCC certification mark recognisable not only in the US but all around the globe.
Which products should have FCC certification?
The Federal Communications Commission requires electrical goods with radiofrequency to undergo testing to stay in compliance with the EMC directive. The following types of products often need FCC certification:
- Electronic products,
- Electromagnetic compatibility products,
- Power adapters,
- IT equipment,
- Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment,
- Bluetooth devices,
- Wireless local area networking equipment,
- Wireless medical telemetry transmitters,
- Garage doors and openers,
- Remote control transmitters,
- Land mobile radio transmitters,
- Equipment and protective systems meant for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
As overall, products that require FCC certification are divided into two groups:
Intentional radiators of radiofrequency energy (e.g. smartphone) – such products must broadcast radiofrequency energy as part of their operation.
Unintentional radiators of radiofrequency energy (e.g. digital camera) – such products can create and broadcast radio signals as an accidental result of their operation.
FCC testing requirements for products
The FCC has three options for equipment approval under the EMC directive: verification, certification and Declaration of Conformity. Each procedure presents its own challenges. The option for approval depends on product type and power of radio frequency emission.
Verification
Verification testing is used for Part 15 devices or electrical products such as class B external power supplies and class A or B digital devices that aren’t PC-related. Class A devices are used primarily in industrial, engineering and commercial settings. Class B products are for consumer purposes. Manufacturers can carry the tests at a non-accredited test centre.
This procedure helps determine how much radiofrequency energy is emitted by a product. If a product complies with the FCC’s technical requirements, the same can be released for sale without FCC approval. Manufacturers must maintain a file that contains their products’ test reports and documentation.
Declaration of Conformity
This procedure is stricter than the verification testing. It is typically required for Part 18 electrical devices or products like personal computers or PC-peripherals. Manufacturers must perform the tests at an ISO Guide 17025-accredited test centre. The testing helps determine the radiofrequency energy expelled from a product and ensure that the product fulfils all relevant FCC’s technical requirements.
Any compliance product must have the FCC marking affixed on itself. Manufacturers must maintain a file that contains their products’ test reports and documentation, as well as create a Declaration of Conformity. In the Declaration of Conformity must be stated that all information in the documentation file is accurate and up to date.
Certification
FCC product certification is the stringent, most detailed and formal procedure. It is for electrical products that are most likely to interfere with other products, signals and emergency information. E.g. Bluetooth devices, WLAN, intentional radiators, and more.
Manufacturers are obliged to test their products in an accredited test institute. If a product is deemed compliant with all relevant FCC’s technical requirements, it must feature an FCC ID on its label.
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